Joe Reid Open Heart Surgery

In March 2018, Joe Reid completed his first year of schooling for plumbing and started his apprenticeship. Less than a week later he found out he has severe mitral valve regurgitation impacting both leaflets of his mitral valve, between his left atrium and ventricle of his heart. This means the blood doesn't flow through his heart the way it should, leading to decreased energy, shortness of breath, and increasing congestive heart failure.

After numerous tests and specialist visits in Campbell River, Nanaimo, and Victoria, Joe received a call from the cardiac surgeon on October 24th saying that he would have open heart surgery on November 5th. The surgeon will be attempting to repair both leaflets of the mitral valve through an 8 hour surgery. If he is unable to repair, he will replace it with a mechanical valve which will require Joe to be on blood thinners for life. 

Joe will be 3.5 hours away from home, at Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria for approximately 2 weeks, with Janice and Bennett staying in Victoria throughout that time. Once Joe is able to return to Campbell River  he will start his slow recovery with cardiac rehabilitation. He will not be able to drive for 6-8 weeks, not able to lift more than 5 lbs for 6 weeks (including not lifting Bennett for several months), and he will not be able to return to work for at least 3-4 months. Depending on how his recovery goes, he may not be able to return to his plumbing apprenticeship due to the level of physical labour involved.

Considering the costs of travel, staying away from home, and recovery/rehabilitation while Joe is off work any donation will be greatly appreciated.