We were able to see Nikki after her first surgery. She was in good spirits, but was feeling a bit nauseous. They were going to prescribe medication to control it. After a little while in the hospital room, she was being summoned down to Interventional Radiology. Now that her rib was taken out, we were moving in the right direction. They were ready to place the stent.
I went to the operating room with her and the Doctor explained that he was going to thread a wire through her groin, up through her heart and create an opening in the collapsed vein in her shoulder and chest area. Once he did that, he explained that he was going to place a stent in the vein to keep it open. He would then insert another balloon into the stent. The way I understood it, he would use the balloon to create pressure on the stent and press it against the vascular wall to help keep it in place. It sounded like a plan to us.
Unfortunately, everything didn’t go as planned. Two of the most seasoned Interventional Radiologists worked on Nikki. Neither one of them could get the guide wire through the occluded vein. When an angioplasty immediately fails to keep a vein open as hers did a few weeks ago, normally they’ll bring the patient in right away to remove the rib and place the stent. Because she had infections growing in her lungs, the Doctors wanted to get them under control before they would attempt this surgery. The theory backfired. Because we had to wait a few weeks, the scar tissue in the vein became extra hard. This prevented them from being able to push through the blockage. The guide wires were actually exiting the vein and into the site where the rib had just been removed. Theoretically, this could have been a path for the blood from the arm to exit out into the new cavity and start pushing fluid around her lungs. The Doctor explained that this was a possibility, but it was unlikely. Still, it was pretty scary.
They plan to allow the area to heal for 1 to 3 weeks before they try this procedure one more time. The Doctor explained that there is about a 20-30% chance it will be successful the next time they attempt the procedure. If it fails, they’ll need to insert a new vein into her chest and bypass the damaged one. We’re not sure, but this sounds like another invasive surgery. Let’s hope they’re able to tunnel through the scar tissue the next time they try.
We included a picture of her in her bed. You’ll notice the oxygen hooked up to her nose because her O2 stats had declined a few times when she was lying on her back. You’ll also notice the blue vomit bag. That was not the first blue bag she used today.
Nikki was really disappointed about the outcome of this surgery. She kept saying that she knew it was going to be a bad day from the moment it started with the problems of getting an IV placed. At the beginning of the day, we had hoped that this blockage was going to be gone. We knew the rib removal was going to be very painful. But the vein needed to be opened.
Instead, she had to endure the multiple foot poke fiasco, a painful surgery to remove a body part that will take weeks to heal, and she still has an occluded vein in her arm.
Nikki's New Lungs 
So sorry to hear about the rough day! Prayers for a speedy recovery so that you can try again soon on the second surgery.
LikeLike
Love you guys! Sending lots of prayers and love. Sorry it has been another hard day….Let us know if we can do anything to help! Xoxxooxx
LikeLike
Love you too! Miss you guys also.
LikeLike
So sorry to hear of the very tough battle. Let’s pray for a great couple of weeks and a successful follow up surgery. Hang in there Nikki & Travis. GM.
LikeLike
Thanks Habibi! Say hello to the fam.
LikeLike
You’re always in my prayers. Keep up your always great attitude . P.s. you were baptised four years ago today!
LikeLike
Thank you Captain! I know, and one of the best guys I know performed my baptism. I am forever grateful for an amazing moment in my life I will always remember. Thank you.
LikeLike
!!#*^%?!x!!$;:!!!! That is my response and Nikki and Travis, feel free to fill in your choice words! So disappointing but we know you Nikki. You are a fighter and once you get pass this frustration and anger you will be ready for round 2! We are all giving you a free pass to be mad it did not work this time! But… Like I said, we know your positive thinking will prevail. Hugs and peaceful thoughts are being sent your way. #IFIONLYHAD1/2YOURSTRENGTH!
LikeLike
Thanks Jamie! Looks like I am at round 3 🙂 Hugs right back at you! Hope you are well. Let’s chat soon.
LikeLike
Prayers and positive energy sent your way for a quick recovery and successful surgery next time.
LikeLike
Thank you. Hope you are feeling ok. We should talk very soon.
LikeLike
Thinking of you all. So sorry to hear about the steps back.
LikeLike
Thanks Teresa.
LikeLike
What a flippin bummer! Hang in there Nikki, I will be saying prayers and thinking super positive thoughts for you. Keep the faith Travis, you know what a fighter Nikki is. Bless you both as you go through this valley. Ellen
LikeLike
Thank you for the message Ellen.
LikeLike
It tears my heart out to think of the pain you have been through together! You deserve all the good times and hope they will be back soon. Prayers for you always!
LikeLike
Thank you for the prayers.
LikeLike
Grrr… so sorry to hear this happened… Hang in there both of you; I’m sending pixie dust and good juju!
LikeLike
Thanks Muffy! I love the pixie dust 🙂
LikeLike
Dang nabbit. I’m so bummed you had to go through this without the outcome you needed. I’m having Keira add you to her prayer chain and see if that helps. Love ya and hang in there!!
LikeLike
Thanks Julie. Love ya too.
LikeLike
So sorry to hear this 😦 you guys are in my prayers. Did they talk about going thru her arm or neck to try from the other direction when you go back in a few weeks? I actually do these procedures and sometimes you can try the other direction. I hope next time it works for you guys and the road to recovery is near. Hang in there!
LikeLike
Thank Amie! Thanks for the advise too!
LikeLike
Gosh darn it!! Dearest Nikki, I pray that the next time around with be less painful! You’re one tough cookie, I’ve never heard of anyone more determined and positive. I’ll be thinking of you and Trav. Hang in there darlin’. Xo
LikeLike
Thank you Angela. Plan to get together soon?
LikeLike
I just don’t know what to say….I feel so bad for you, I wish that I could take away all your pain and suffering, I am saying many a prayer and will continue to…we love you!
LikeLike
Thank you Auntie Char! Love you too!
LikeLike
So damn unfair,, when such a sweet , lovely lady like Nikki has to go thru this… dammit. . Travis.. my thoughts are with you..
LikeLike
Thank you so much Lezlie.
LikeLike
My thoughts and prayers are with both of you!
LikeLike
Thank you Ken.
LikeLike
You are in our hearts and prayers.
Love S & H
LikeLike
Love you guys.
LikeLike
Praying for you to. From Joe and Danita Vollink your cf lung transplant neighbors at the U
LikeLike
Thank you Danita & Joe! We should chat one day. Hope you are doing well and enjoying your new lungs as much as I am!
LikeLike
Good morning to the both of you! I am thinking about you daily and making sure that a few extra prayers are being said, I pray that you are feeling better and getting stronger as I type this…sending huge hugs and love!
LikeLike
Hugs and love back at you Auntie!
LikeLike
Hugs and kisses Nikki and Trav! Xoxo
LikeLike
Thanks, back at you Sidra. Hope to see you soon.
LikeLike
I have been thinking about you,Nikki, since I met you at Erin and Rob’s wedding. Sorry to hear your first surgery for the clot situation did not go as planned. I am praying for success for your next surgery. You are a brave woman and your story has touched my heart. Hugs and prayers for you.
LikeLike
Thank you Karen. It was so nice to meet and talk with you. Hugs back at you. Thank you for the prayers.
LikeLike
I am so sorry to hear this news!! Scott and my prayers are with you. I know you’ll get through this next one with a positive outcome. Love you!
LikeLike
Thanks Ashley! We can’t wait to meet Carter. I love the pictures of him, he is adorable! Love you too!!
LikeLike
Keep your positive thinking. You have been through so much. We will keep you in our prayers. You are such a fighter keep a good attitude.
LikeLike
Thank you Peggy!
LikeLike