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