Our day started with a 6 AM check in to pre-op. After the formal paperwork, she was ready to get her I.V. placed and then be taken down to surgery.
Even with doctors’ orders from 2 M.D.s; as we expected, there was no ultrasound machine available to find a vein where they could thread an I.V. Again, a full surgical team was being delayed. After some “discussion”, the ultrasound machine finally arrived. Since the vein in her GOOD arm has been accessed so many times, it has significant scarring. Even with the benefit of the ultrasound, they were unable to thread the line through the damaged blood vessel. An anesthesiologist was able to find a vein on the 3rd try and she was off to surgery. We said good bye as she was on her way for a three hour tour.
It’s protocol to update us every two hours. When we received the first call, they indicated everything was going well. Later, her transplant surgeon, Dr. Loor, stopped up to let us know the sternum extraction appeared to be successful. Nikki was hoping he would get a chance to observe some of the surgery. We were happy he took the time to stop into the O.R. and then drop by and fill us in.
When we received the call at the four hour mark of this three hour surgery, we were getting more and more concerned. Though we were reassured that the doctor was about to start grafting the donor vein. We were told it needed to be warmed in a specific way from its frozen, liquid Nitrogen bath.
At about the 6 hour mark, we were told she was being closed up and the doctor would be out to see us in 30 minutes. 30 minutes later, it was going to be another 30 minute delay. We knew she was in the hands of one of the premier surgeons who specializes in this area. But this was odd. And frightening.
When the surgeon came to see us, we could see the disappointment in his eyes. He said they were unsuccessful. He tried everything. They could not locate anything to attach to the donor vein. We weren’t clear whether that meant the end that attaches in her chest or in her arm.
Later, I spoke with another surgeon who said they could not even find the subclavian vein in her arm. It was like it wasn’t even there. He had never seen anything like it before. She has good circulation on the arterial side (going out), but they couldn’t find the vein (returning to the heart). It was very peculiar.
Think of it like a highway. After so much wear and tear, it needs to be repaired. There needs to be a detour. At one time there was good flow. But when it gets blocked, the flow is diverted to smaller, country roads. These are like the collateral veins which had been carrying this diverted venous blood. They were slower and could handle less traffic.
When I grew up riding my dirt bikes and ATV’s, we came across many of these old abandoned roads which led to old mining towns that had been blocked off by large barricades. Over time, the old highways become overgrown from lack of use. The traffic must slow down. Eventually, these pathways become unnavigable. They disappear.
The objective today was to build a bypass to bridge the gap over this now unviable path. The problem today was that the path had not been used since her transplant in August. All the roads leading up to it were now unable to be found. They disappeared.
It’s 7 PM and she’s still in recovery. She is going to be devastated. We are under the impression there is nothing more they can do for her. She will have to live with the symptoms and hopefully, they won’t be too much of a problem, especially since she’s diabetic. The best case scenario now is that the collateral veins (or country roads) will expand and provide better blood flow back to her heart.
The bypass or bridge cannot be built.
Nikki's New Lungs 
I am so sorry……you guys have been through so much. More prayers on the way.
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Our thoughts and prayers are with you Nikki and Travis. Please let us know what we can do to help.
Cz
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I am once again saddened as I read this update, I just don’t know what to say other than we love you guys so much, I continue to hold both of you in my prayer and remain positive that this roadblock is only under temporary construction, it WILL be fixed!!!!! Please give Nikki our love and when you can…a huge hug!
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I am very sorry to hear this, I’ve been focusing on your struggle and the road ahead for you guys. Praying for the best.
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I am so sorry…. I hope Nikki heals quickly; sending good juju & pixie dust your way.
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So sorry guys. Prayers are out for renewed hope in this seemingly endless journey. Don’t give up now!!
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I’m tearing up as I read this latest update on our precious Nikki….all I can say is that God works in mysterious ways and he will make sure those collateral veins do expand for her
and another roadblock will be averted! You and Nikki continues to be in my prayers….love you guys so much!!!!!
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Travis and Nikki, I am so very sorry to hear this news. I’m holding you in my prayers and wishing you strength.
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Travis… you made a very complicated procedure easily understandable for us all. thank you for that.. What a struggle for little Nikki… my heart goes out to you both.. I have never seen you two without smiles on your faces, so to know you are so sad at this time.. makes all of us reading your updates feel so grateful, for our own health… There is nothing more precious.. Our best wishes to you both… Denny and Lezlie
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Nikki so sorry to hear this news, my hope and prayer for you is strength, you have a determination for life like no other. Take a deep breath, because you can…
Faith, hope, love, breathe
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Sorry to hear about the set back, but hang tough. I will be listening to “Take Me Home Country Roads” by John Denver and passing the best vibes possible.
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What a huge disappointment for both of you!!! You have my sympathy in coping with this latest roadblock. More prayers coming your way!
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I’m so sorry to hear this guys! I hope for the best always. She’s a trooper and very strong. Knowing her she will be up with that brilliant radiant smile that lights up the world, dancing again soon. All my love always.
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We are sorry to hear of the failure of the surgery. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
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Oh, God Bless her sweet little body. Those little country road veins are going to do the job, you wait and see. These bodies of ours are amazing miracles. Her’s is particularly amazing!
xoxo Heidi
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