Stem Cell Transplant for Jim

Hello my name is Kathy and my husband Jim had an Internal Cardiac Defibrillator placed about 5 years ago after suffering from the swine flu.  Jim developed Congestive Heart Failure due to this illness. The ICD (Implantable Cardiac-Defibrillator) typically would only go off about once a year. However, in October of 2021, after going into v-fib, he got shocked 7 times in one hour (equivalent to being kicked in the chest by a mule). When this happens repeatedly, it causes a lack of oxygen to the brain and severe strain on the heart. The device was adjusted, and he was placed on medication to keep his heart quiet, however, since that time he has become incredibly weak, and his heart is not operating as well.

 

During his hospitalization, Jim lost a tremendous amount of weight, weakening his body and causing a significant loss of muscle mass. This in turn affected his knee. He now needs a knee replacement as his right knee is bone on bone. However, because of his heart, they don't want to do the surgery. Without the surgery he'll continue to be unable to walk, except for very short distances, and will remain in a wheelchair.

 

I really would like to see his quality of life improve.  For him to get back to walking as this is so hard on him and for me as well. We are in a  kind of a catch 22 situation. We went to Salt Lake City to the VA Hospital & University of Utah because he qualified to be put on the heart transplant list. He went through many tests over  the coarse of a week to assess his condition and as it turns out, he is not eligible for a transplant, but he is able get what is called an LVAD (Left Ventricular Assist Device). This device will help his heart pump blood more effectively. Unfortunately, they don't want to do LVAD surgery just yet because of the knee. You need to be able to do the rehab after surgery and that requires walking. If he cannot walk, he won't get the heart assist surgery. The Heart Failure Surgeon feels his heart is strong enough for the knee surgery but, the Orthopedic Surgeon is not on board with it, as it is a very difficult surgery to replace the knee and he's not comfortable with it.

 

So that leaves us with looking for the alternatives. We had to step outside the box and are looking at stem cell therapy (only option at this juncture) for a possible solution. Unfortunately, this procedure is quite costly and not covered by our insurance.

 

We humbly ask for any assistance you can offer as the medical bills we have accrued from his (1) month hospital stay and (2) months at the  Skilled Nursing Facility for physical rehab and now with the cost of the Stem Cell Transplant and rehab is far more than we can handle on our own. We thank you deeply for your assistance and your prayers are also most welcome!