A Letter from Ian

Hello! Greetings from HOME eleven days after I had a change of heart and decided I’d like to stick around a while longer. Fifty-eight pounds later has only made my smile bigger.

As Jesus weaved the story of the Prodigal Son in the Book of Luke (Chap 15) I envisioned, upon recalling the story, that of the Prodigal Father literally “lifting his toga” to run to his son upon seeing him in the distance. As I lay in the hospital I envisioned my Father in heaven running to me with a wrapped gift. His Love is overwhelming and unfathomable. It’s like my gift was wrapped up as if I were blind person, not able see it only feel the gift that I now have inside me. What a Christmas I had!

Between hospital stays (while waiting for a heart) my sister and I had a chance to talk to a survivor of “D” Day and Battle of the Bulge. My forty-five days stay in the hospital with visitors, cable, cell phone, paled in comparison to the “D” Day survivor’s 600 plus days on the mend in many English hospitals with no visitors etc. in the late 1940’s. Six Purple Hearts later and an admiring and thankful Canadian was moved and humbled by any of my indulgences in self pity. Our freedom was paid for by men like this.

In the spring of 1973 in Cape Town, South Africa I met Dr. Christian Barnard the first heart transplant doctor to have the tenacity to experiment and successfully transplant the first human heart. Imagine how God smiled knowing those thirty-six years later that I too would recall that ironic moment when Dr. Barnard and I met. What a pioneer he was. God knows the future and directs His blessing toward us.

BLESSINGS

May I please indulge and tip my hat to friendship (thirty eight years) with my local friend who brought me through the adjustment of diapers and my one psychological breakdown (stir crazy). For an invested friendship I am so blessed.

A friend traveled twenty-four hundred miles to see me in ICU. With hundreds praying for me I experienced a spiritual consistency in conversational prayer that was “non-addressed to Him” but with Him and then answered once with a supernatural event that occurred two seconds after my “talking to Him”

I dedicated my stay in the hospital to my good friend with cancer, Dave Oliver. His pain and suffering was consistently brought before me. He died in the middle of my stay. Per God’s performance in me I never questioned my situation or circumstances only Dave’s. He was a pastor with a loving wife and a young daughter. I am sad and lacking knowing I will not see Dave here again but trust God for His wisdom and timing.

One asset that means the world to me is my MP3 player with my free downloads of Marshillchurch.org Bible Studies. (Book of John in archives) check it out. John chapter two reflects much of what my personality and philosophy of theology is than any section I have ever heard or read.


What Condition, My Condition Is In:

I had met my heart surgeon seven years earlier in his Malibu home. His son had gone along with my son to Nepal on a mission trip in the late 90’s, and little did I know it would be he that would operate on me later in my life. (I felt that smile from God again) Since when does the head of the heart transplant team (another doctor) pray three different times with a patient? Mine did.

With cancer extracted along with the prostate and three other operations I was ready for the transplant. I went home and ten days later I was called at three in the morning with a ready heart. The heart along with a Lear jet out of (Stanford Medical) San Francisco rushed me this new ticker. I received a very young heart of approx. 30 years old. (That’s all they let one know)

Eleven days after the transplant I was released to go home before Christmas. I have been in some pain. The enemy is infection and rejection. I am loaded with immunosuppressant drugs. I cannot be in crowds for months. I cannot eat eggs over-easy, Sushi, med/rare steaks and also may not enjoy my prior daily Jacuzzi and steam baths for the rest of my life. And most disappointedly I will not be able to go to any third world countries. My dream to take the trans-Siberian railroad across Russian to Mongolia has died.

_______

For each of you I am so very thankful and beyond blessed. May you grow in your faith as you trust, rely and cling to HIM Who is beyond measure.

Feel free to respond to the blog or feel free to write to me at ianhsmith@gmail.com

I trust that no one responds with any, “Wow, Ian you are (whatever) because Jesus did it in me as HE may doing in you.)

Just Him,
Ian

Ian is home!

Wednesday December 13th at 4:00am we received the long awaited call. Linda, from Cedars Sinai Hospital informed us that there was a heart for Ian. We threw on our clothes and rushed to Beverly Hills. Due to an infant that needed immediate surgery we spent a long day waiting. At 3:oopm that afternoon a team of doctors flew from LAX to Stanford Medical Center in the Bay Area to harvest the heart. The young male donor was kept on life support until the doctors arrived. By 6:30 that evening Ian was wheeled into pre-op. He left the 6th floor, which had been his home for the past month and a half, amid cheering nurses and doctors. The heart arrived sometime before 8:00 that evening and by midnight Ian was in recovery. What a miracle! We are so very thankful for the many prayers, phone calls, notes, and kind gestures. What wonderful friends you are. We felt as though we were being carried through this ordeal on the wings of angels. The doctor, Dr. Trento (the father of one of Zachary's friends) said that the surgery was perfect. The heart started beating on its own without any prompting. To this point Ian has had no signs of rejection. His hospital stay was only eleven days total this time, which is quite short. He was home for Christmas. His immune system is suppressed at this time to aid his body in accepting the new heart. He may have visitors for short periods of time as long as they are healthy. We go in tomorrow (Thursday) for his first biopsy. Hopefully there will be no rejection. Again, we are so very thankful for all the love and concern you have shown us. You are all a part of Ian second chance at life. We love you. Vickie

A photo

We would like to share this photo of Ian in the hospital with Landon and Brittany. There is not much news today; Ian's blood pressure remains very high, so that continues to be the main concern.

Thank you for your continued prayers.

A Change of Heart

Ian is feeling great. Vickie said that he is more upbeat (Don Dunn you have permission to use that one), and thankful for your words of encouragement. Recovery is going smooth. A large catheter that went from the right side of Ian's neck down into his chest next to his heart was removed this morning. Doctor Cezar said that Ian's body is not use to this new heart. He said that heart is so strong that it is causing Ian's blood pressure to increase. Over the years Ian's blood vessels have compensated for his failing heart (Ian's old heart) by shrinking because of decreased blood flow. This causes an increase in pressure (Blood Pressure) inside Ian's blood vessels.
This all means that Ian's heart is working too well and need to be calmed down with medication.

Praise God for a good Day.

Mental Battle

Just got off the phone with Vickie. Ian spirit is down he is concerned about his new heart not taking. Please pray for perseverance and continued bravery. Pray Ian would remember scripture when he is tempted with despair.
Ian Sat up today and may eat solid food tonight for the first time with a new heart.

For those who really want to know...

If you're really curious about what actually was done to Ian's body during transplant surgery, check out this site. It's PBS Nova's interactive heart transplant surgery. Obviously, it has been tremendously simplified, but it is interesting to learn a little more about what went on in the operating room. Zach and I thought it was cool, but we're pretty dorky...

WoW Got to talk to Ian!

This was an exciting night. Ian was able to talk to me on a cell phone for a few moments. He says he is tired and has a massive headache. He wanted to know if the Twins (Constance and Victoria) were still kicking. He is a little dazed, but that is to be expected.
Ian's Blood pressure has been on the rise, causing concern. The Transplant Team likes to see a lower Systolic Blood Pressure Post transplant. Please pray.

I will start to read you post to Ian as they come. He need encouraging words. Thanks

Distressing Beats

Last night around 10:00PM Ian's heart started going in and out of Heart arrhythmia. The Doctors were very concerned, Vickie said they were running around his bed causing her to get upset. Please pray for her continued bravery. After the episode the head Transplant Doctor Lawrence Czar prayed with Vickie and Ian. We are blessed to have a man who loves the Lord taking care of Ian.
Please pray for Ian, he is very fragile.

More GOOD News on Ian and Vickie's anniversary. Ian has been taken off a powerful drug call Dobutamine that was being pumped into his heart. This is a very positive bench mark. A feeding tube into his stomach was alto removed tonight. He is very tired, and sleeps constantly.
Vickie has been at the hospital for much of her waking hours since the 13th. The many trips to and from the hospital are taking a toll. Please pray of her safety while driving.

It is a new day and new joy! Ian is recovering at a record pace, according his transplant team surgon, Dr. Caesar. He said that Ian recieved his heart from a young man who was very fit and strong. We are thankful to the family of this young man for saving Ian's life and we hope that The donor is now rejoycing in heaven.

This morning, Ian's breathing tube was taken out and he was taken off anesthesia (sedation/paralytic medicine). Ian is recieving a series of anti-rejection medication that supresses his imune system so that the new heart will graft into hisbody. Because of this, Ian must remain in a completely sterile room. I was able to talk to him this morning; he is alert and in much pain but he is very thankful.

Please Pray for:

*The prevention of harmul virual or bacterial infections.

*That the heart will graft onto Ians body with no complication.

*That God will continue to sustain Vickie and Ian's bravery.

*Vickie's safety while driving to and from the hospital.

We love you all thank you for supporting us.

Details as Recovery Begins

Ian has received some blood transfusions due to some bleeding overnight, but is currently stable. He will remain in ICU, unconscious under full sedation. He is unable to breathe or move on his own.

Due to the suppression of Ian's immune system, his risk of infection is high. It is very important that he have no visitors until doctors indicate otherwise.

Successful Surgery!

Ian was in surgery last night from roughly 7:00 PM to 1:00 AM. The surgeons report that the surgery went flawlessly! Ian is now in ICU. This was the report late last night from the very sleepy Smiths. I will post more as soon as I hear.

Thank you, Lord, for answering our prayers for a successful surgery

short update

Just a brief update; it is taking some time for the Cedars organ harvesting team to return to the hospital with the donor heart. Ian has spent the day waiting in a room at the hospital, with Vickie and all 3 kids. We are hoping the heart will arrive early this evening (I heard 6pm as an estimate,) and they will begin Ian's surgery as soon as the heart is in the building.

Please read the previous post from today for prayer requests, and as always we send our love and thanks to family and friends.

Katie Smith

A HEART ON ITS WAY

Ian is almost at the hospital now; he received a call early this morning (a little after 4am maybe? that a donor heart is available for him. PRAISE THE LORD!!!

As far as I know, they will begin prepping Ian as soon as he arrives at Cedar's, and at the same time they will be transporting the heart to him. Please pray today for the strength of Ian's body to withstand this surgery. Pray for the surgeons' skill and wisdom. And pray for the family of the donor; as we rejoice in this gift, they are surely in deep sorrow for the loss of their loved one.

Many thanks and love to all!!
Katie Smith

Back on the List!!

As of yesterday, Ian is back on the transplant list. He met with the transplant coordinator today to learn more about the process. We expect him to receive a heart relatively soon, due to his common blood type and his high placement on the list.

This Thanksgiving, the Smith family gives thanks to GOD for Ian's health and especially for all of the support we have received from you, our family and friends. Thank you so very much. Have a wonderful holiday with your loved ones.

Great News! Praise the Lord

The biopsy that was completed during Ian's prostate surgery has come back-- he is now CANCER-FREE! Ian now has the doctor's clearance to be placed back on the "list" for a heart transplant. He might be released Saturday to go home and wait for his new ticker.

Please continue to pray for the Lord's timing and provision of a new heart.

Recovering well; may be home soon!

Ian is recovering well. He has been moved from ICU, back to the Cardiac Critical Care Unit, where he has spent much time these past several weeks. As you can probably imagine, Ian has befriended all of the nursing staff on the 6th floor, especially Paula, his favorite.

He was in good spirits today. He's still on pain meds and they are monitoring him closely, but his doctor has said he may be able to be released on Wednesday!

Recovering in ICU

Ian's surgery yesterday took much longer than planned. The surgeon commented that it was complicated but went well. Last night Ian began his recovery in ICU, where he will remain for 2 days. Zach was able to speak with him for a couple of minutes, but Ian was still pretty weak from the operation.

Prostate Surgery Tomorrow

Ian will be going in for prostate surgery tomorrow, Thursday, at 6:00 am. The surgery should last between 3 and 4 hours. They will perform the prostate removal laproscopically to minimize blood loss and other risks. Please pray for a steady hand for the surgeon and for Ian's heart to remain strong through the anesthesia.

Resting after filter procedure

Ian had a filter successfully placed today, to prevent any blood clots from travelling. He tolerated the procedure well and has been resting since. His team of doctors is now debating whether to surgically clear out his bladder tomorrow, to help prepare his urinary system for prostate surgery on Thursday.

We were able to share your emails and blog comments with Ian this morning. He was very touched by your words. Though he was in some pain at the time, his comment was, "Life is Wonderful!" Your friendship has given him a source of happiness in a trying time. Thank you :)

Zach and Katie Smith

Relief but sketchy next 24 hours

Hi everyone; Dad (Ian) is in much relief after undergoing catheterization. He had been in pain due to a blood clot in his urinary tract system. This was caused by the presence of blood thinners fallowing the prostate surgery of last week. Throughout today the increasing pain was putting strain on his heart resulting in chest pain and an irregular heart beat. As you can tell, Dad's overall condition is a constant balancing act. Even so, Ian was optimistic on the phone tonight and was more concerened about how Katie's pregnancy was going than his own condition.

Please Pray:
1. For God to sustain in Ian the faith and bravery needed to overcome fear.
2. That no clots form in Ian's veins due to the reduction of blood thinning medication.
3. That God give an abundance of wisdom to Ian's team of Doctors.

Zach Smith

Synopsis

A brief synopsis of Ian's hospital saga up to this point:

• Ian has been hospitalized at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles since October 21
• He is in need of a heart transplant
• The fact that Ian is on a drug called Dobutamine, which is being pumped directly into his heart, puts him in the most "urgent" category on the transplant list
• During prostate surgery, a cell biopsy revealed that Ian has prostate Cancer. Thankfully, subsequent scans showed no cancer present elsewhere in his body.
• Ian's prostate must be removed before he can undergo a heart transplant. Prostate surgery is scheduled for Thursday morning, November 16
• A procedure will also be performed on Tuesday, November 14, to place a filter that will prevent a blood clot from moving from the surgery site.

Thank you for visiting

If you are visiting this site, you are most likely a part of Ian's family. After all, friends are the family that we choose, right? We created this blog as a resource for you, because the daily hospital visits often make it difficult for Ian and Vickie to answer their phone messages. Thank you so much for your love and support as Ian undergoes this hospital stay and all of the procedures, surgeries, and physician lingo that goes with it.

Above all else, we thank you all for your prayers. We know that prayer is the most powerful tool we have been given, and we so appreciate you including Ian's health in yours. We intend to post all relevant updates pertaining to Ian's condition so that you will know what is happening and what specifically you can pray for.

We love you all and will be posting our first health update within a day or so. You are welcome to leave comments; we will make sure Ian receives them.

Katie and Zachary Smith