It’s a new day, a brand new day.
Anita’s heart transplant lasted about 6 hours last night. Anita’s old heart was in much worse shape than the surgeon had predicted. Her old heart had about 15 blood clots in it that could have become dislodged at any moment. Her cardiologist said that Anita would have only had about 1-2 days of life left had she not had a transplant last night.
Since the surgery took longer than anticipated, Bradley was not able to see her until the wee hours of the morning once the surgery was over. She was on a ventilator and several machines, as was to be expected. This morning, Anita was able to be taken off several medications, and after lunch time, Bradley was told that they were going to start waking Anita. If you recall, a year ago Bradley and Anita were told that she would be in a chemical-induced coma for about a week after the transplant surgery. This just goes to show you how advancement in medicine can take place in the course of just one year. Bradley spend some time talking to Anita, and he was able to get her to respond! He has the touch. He is a gentle tall man, he is. Just give him a hug and you, yourself, will melt.
After Steve, Dallas, and myself conquered traffic delays and made it to Duke, Bradley told us that Anita was going to start breathing on her own. She had been progressing beautifully, and her breathing tube was being removed. Bradley was able to talk to her a bit more tonight, and Anita stated that she was ready to hit the beach and walk her dog. That’s the draw of Wilmington!
Bradley said Anita already looks so much better than she did yesterday. The doctors told him that she would start to feel better instantly, in the sense that she will not be as fatigued. Anita has still kept her since of humor throughout it all. While her story of this five year quest is very moving, her tenacity is admirable as well. She keeps pressing on, and Bradley has been right there alongside her.
She had her first dose of antirejection medication today, which will continue for years to come. Anita is expected to remain in the hospital for about 5-10 days, and they will say in the Triangle for a few weeks as Anita continues to improve so she can be closer to rehab among other things. And, her rehabilitation starts right away: tomorrow. I want to encourage you to still show your support. Anita had the heart transplant, but regular care, medications, and rehabilitation are still going to be a part of Anita’s daily life. If you would like to donate to Anita’s transplant fund, please consider sending a donation to the address below. It does reach Anita and Bradley directly. Your thoughts and prayers are greatly appreciated. Anita and Bradley love you all, though they may not be able to talk to everyone directly right now. As updates about Anita’s progress are available, I will be sure to share.
Thank you all. Thank you so much for your love and support. She made it!
Donations may be sent to:
The Anita Trivette Heart Transplant Fund
PO Box 16688
Wilmington, NC 28408
Through many ups and downs, Anita progresses. She has kept her spirits up, and she is now back on the heart transplant list with an active status. Any day now, she and Bradley may get a call that a heart is available and more importantly is also a match for Anita.
