Alex The Lion & His Super Heart

ALEX THE LION LOVE

13th November 2019 13 year old Alex Love went to Glenfield Hospital, Leicester for "The Ross Procedure"; this is when doctors transplanted Alex's pulmonary valve to his aortic valve, he then had a human transplant of a new pulmonary valve where his was (essentially a double heart transplant). 

Alex suffered complications during surgery that meant the transplanted pulmonary valve had a tear in it, doctors were unable to repair or patch the tear and the surgeon wanted to allow Alex blood to clot to see if this would naturally block the tear. 

Alex's chest was left open and he was returned to PICU (Paediatricc Intensive Care Unit) where he became critical ill quickly and was rushed into emergency surgery,  doctors investigated and found a bleed on his aortic valve. This was fixed and Alex's chest was closed where he returned to the ward and remained on transfusion for a few hours after.

2 MAJOR HEART OPERATIONS IN LESS THAN 24 HOURS!!!!

Post operation Alex has suffered with an infection, fluid on the lungs, delirium and high blood pressure, gastro intestinal bleeding, relaxed stomach making eating or drinking difficult  all of which brought their own concerns.

As if this wasn't enough Alex has now been diagnosed with post bypass syndrome, a side affect of his surgery and doctors don't know how long this will last,  causing him to forget who people are, where he as well as see and hear things that aren't there. 

Alex has always been named 'Alex The Lion' for his courage and determination and his Bravery. 

Inevitably Alex's illness doesn't just affect Alex, Alex has 3 little brothers and lives with mum and dad Leigh-Anne & James,  his family are currently seperated an hour apart Grantham - Leicester.  

James is trying to remain working to gain some income and supporting the three other boys while Leigh Anne is off of work  staying in the hospital with Alex.

The family are obviously upset  being apart, trying to remain close using facetime but its a hugely stressful time both emotionally and financially. 

Christmas approaches and with 4 children to provide for,  with 1 parent not currently earning its a worrying time

I want to help the family and relieve some stress and wondered if all of my Facebook friends could dig deep and make a small donation for the Love Family as I feel they have been through too much already and this is the only way I can think to offer help. 

Thank you so much

Ruth

Alex's Godmother and Family Friend

WARNING GRAPHIC CONTENT