Mueller Family - Love, Prayers, & Pocket Change

My name is Brianna Miller, the girlfriend of Edward Mueller; a man who is part of an amazing family which God has blessed me to become a part of. I am writing to whoever finds their way to this, to ask for your love, prayers, and if you are able, any pocket change to help out an amazing family that is loved by many…

The Mueller family: Kevin, Jackie, Edward, and Elicia. So much can be said about the thoughtfulness, selflessness, love, and humor that this family possesses. The Muellers always welcome anyone and everyone with open and loving arms. With smiles on their faces, love in their hearts, and hard-working hands, this family has helped so many in need throughout the years.

In early November 2022, Kevin was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. With the current high demand for appointments with specialists, he is required to wait until mid-late January 2023 for a follow-up from the time of his diagnosis. Two weeks following, on Tuesday, November 29th to be exact, Kevin experienced a heart attack.

Early that Tuesday morning and throughout the day, Kevin complained of chest pains and feeling uncomfortable. Unsure if this could be some type of side effect due to the recent prescription of medication for current medical conditions and general stress levels, he chose to take the day easy and wait for it to pass. Later that evening around 7:00 p.m., while Jackie and Edward were out shoveling snow, Kevin hollered outside, asking for help. Jackie and Edward rushed inside where they found him in pain, perspiring profusely, and short of breath. Jackie immediately took Kevin to M Health Fairview Ridges ER in Burnsville, MN where he was given oxygen, received an EKG, had his blood enzyme levels checked, and was administered pain medication. The blood test and EKG came back normal, twice. After doctors administered more pain meds, Kevin was able to get some rest. Doctors gave Jackie and Kevin the option to either go home or stay under observation. Jackie went with her gut and said they would stay. About an hour later, Kevin began to feel unwell again, so Jackie called in the nurse. The nurse called for another EKG. At about 2:30 a.m., November 30th, things took a turn for the worst.

The third EKG and blood enzyme results showed Kevin was experiencing a heart attack. Several nurses and doctors rushed into the room and immediately took action. Ridge's new cardiac catheterization lab; also known as a cath lab, where diagnostic imaging equipment is used to visualize the arteries of the heart and the chambers of the heart and treat any stenosis or abnormality found; was not yet fully staffed for 24-hour care, so Kevin was prepped for emergency mode - patient transport (full lights and sirens) via ambulance to Fairview Southdale Hospital in Edina MN. Jackie followed the ambulance closely and called her children to let them know their father required further emergent care and was being transported. It is now 3:30 a.m. By the time Jackie arrived at the hospital and parked her car, Kevin was already in the cath lab where doctors attempted a coronary angioplasty through his groin; a procedure in which a balloon is used to stretch open a narrow or blocked artery. Jackie had said, “As you can imagine, with it being such a late hour the hospital was completely deserted, so I waited alone for word. A few hours went by before the doctor finally came out. Of course, I'm like what the heck, I have heard nothing! He said they were all working hard to help Kevin and had nobody free to come out for an update. The angioplasty was unsuccessful, so he was moved to ICU (another 1.5-hour wait to see him). I finally said I NEED to see my husband! Then I was able to get into his room to see a very sick boy (you can imagine).

After some time, a different cardiologist met with Jackie and Kevin to go over a different approach. He had informed them that Kevin had four major blockages, one being 99% which is commonly known as a “widow-maker.” The other three blockages weren’t much better than that. By this point, it is roughly 9:00a.m or 10:00a.m (time has blurred), Edward and Elicia have since arrived at the hospital. Doctors were able to perform a second coronary angioplasty; going through one wrist. Upon the results, they were to successfully place two stents piggyback. Two and a half hours after being taken into the cath lab, the Mueller family was notified of the good news! Later on, Kevin went back to the cath lab where they performed an angiogram; a test that utilizes x-ray technology to assess for any narrowing or blockages in the coronary arteries; and discovered nearly every vessel has a blockage.

Kevin remained in the ICU for four days before being moved to the cardiac unit (December 3rd). He was given an echo, where they found he had some fluid in his lungs, but nothing serious enough for them to administer additional medication. On December 5th, he received a CT to check the groin entry site, as they thought there may be a leak; everything checked out fine. After a long and excruciating eight days, the Mueller family was told Kevin could go home! On December 6th, around 4:30 p.m., we received a text in the family group chat from Jackie saying, “The eagle has landed!” Kevin was finally home.

There are many more details throughout those eight days, but as we all know, stressful times/events leave us with brain fog and loss of time. Overall, it has been generally stated that Kevin's diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and family history were all major contributing factors to the events that perspired. With all the chaos, we were told Kevin experienced a heart attack, atrial fibrillation, pericarditis, and coronary heart disease. By the grace of God and Jackies’ gut instinct, it’s a blessing they did not go home when doctors first told him it was okay while at Fairview Ridges in Burnsville, otherwise, this story would have a much different ending.

Since being home, Kevin has been making a slow recovery from everything he experienced. Thankfully, he does not remember much of what happened. However, he is not out of the woods yet. Kevin and the Mueller family have a very long road of recovery ahead of them. Since being released from the hospital, Kevin has been attending cardiac therapy. As Jackie has updated those who have been with us throughout this journey, “After all the extreme trauma, docs want to get him stronger so he will tolerate the next steps. I believe they are leaning toward open-heart bypass surgery in the next few months. Being diabetic is a huge factor in this decision.”

It is with utmost love and gratitude, God and all the amazing doctors and nurses were able to take such amazing care of Kevin and his family. The Mueller family is grateful for all who have reached out asking to help; whether it be through prayer, providing meals, assisting with snow removal services, etc. as Kevin heals while the rest of the family continues to work and care for him. Many more have asked for ways to help the family, which with today’s technology the least I could do was help spread his story and those willing to contribute funds for the Mueller family would be able to do so. I am coming to those who have found their way to this, to ask for your continued love, prayers, and if you are able, any pocket change you may be able to donate to help cover previous and future hospital costs. I will provide updates on the family and Kevin’s condition as we move forward during these trying times. Thank you all for your love and support.

-"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." -Isaiah 41:10