Heart Transplant

My name is Diane Person. I am a 63-year-old LVAD patient, eagerly awaiting my heart transplant. A Left Ventricular Assist Device, often abbreviated as LVAD, is a mechanical device designed to help a weakened or failing heart pump blood more effectively. It is used as a temporary solution while patients are awaiting heart transplants, as a bridge to recovery, or as destination therapy for individuals who are not eligible for heart transplants due to various reasons.

Currently, my heart functions at a mere 15%. When I leave the house, I rely on two six-pound batteries, one on my left side and one on my right, as well as a controller to monitor the LVAD system. While at home, I'm connected to an electrical cord, which sometimes becomes hazardous. I am approaching my fifth year as an LVAD patient, which means I've had a heart pump inside me for that duration. While, I am grateful for the heart pump, I am ready to receive my new heart!

Many years ago, when my doctor first detected issues with my heart, she referred me to a heart specialist who initially prescribed medications to assess their effectiveness. However, during my subsequent visit, the specialist recommended the placement of a defibrillator beneath the skin in my chest, which I underwent an outpatient surgery at the hospital. A defibrillator is a medical device designed to deliver an electric shock to the heart when it is in a life-threatening rhythm. These abnormal heart rhythms can lead to cardiac arrest, where the heart stops pumping blood effectively, and the person becomes unresponsive. This device served me well for four years.

One day, 5 years ago now, I found myself struggling to catch my breath while at work. I was unable to take a step without feeling like I might collapse. It was at that moment I realized that I knew it was time to seek medical help. I informed the folks at the office that I needed to go to the hospital, but I declined an ambulance (EMS), asking instead for Mrs. Forte to drive me. After arriving at the hospital, I was admitted, and I learned that my heart was functioning at just 20%. I spent 4 days in the hospital and upon my release, the next morning, I realized I could barely make it to the kitchen or the bathroom without feeling like I might faint. Feeling overwhelmed, I asked my brother to take me back to the hospital but I opted for McLeod Hospital in Florence, SC, which was different from the previous. Upon examination, they determined that my defibrillator wasn't functioning correctly, and I was once again admitted.

After much deliberation, it was decided that I needed to be transferred to Prisma Heart Hospital in Columbia, SC. I was transported by EMS and was grateful for this transport because I was closer to my family and had two daughters who worked at the same hospital.

Once settled, more tests were run and the heart hospital later informed me that my heart was functioning at just 15%, which was heartbreaking and scary for my family and me.

The cardiology team presented us with few options considering there wasn’t much to be done for my fragile heart at that time. Temporary LVAD placement was the best option, so we decided to say yes! The surgery was done and recovery was extremely difficult. During the surgery my lungs collapsed twice due to excess fluid. The doctors didn’t expect me to make it, but through it all, I believe it was the Grace of God and the knowledge and skill of the medical team that helped me pull through. Although I am grateful for life with this LVAD, I am beyond ecstatic that I have finally been placed on the heart transplant list!

With utmost humility, I kindly request your generous donation, whatever your heart leads you to give, to help cover the expenses of me receiving a new heart! I know God will provide a way because He always has! I am so grateful to share my journey with you all! Thank you!