July 5 AM Update
Good morning! Josh is doing better today, though he gets tired really easily. He sends his love to all.
This morning, we did a test run to see if Josh's heart would respond positively without the benefit of the heart balloon pump, and it was a success! His heart was functioning very well without the assistance of the pump, and he didn't experience any pain or discomfort. This is great news, because the balloon pump severely restricts his range of motion; he has to remain flat on his back, and cannot bend his right leg at all. The staff will begin weaning him off the pump in the early hours of the morning, and if all goes well it will be removed sometime tomorrow.
At the present, we are expecting surgery to happen sometime between July 8-9 (next Monday or Tuesday). The doctors feel good about his progress and his "numbers," of which there are many and all of which are confusing to a layman.
The surgery will be open heart, so there will be quite a good amount of recovery time involved. After the surgery, the doctors are less worried about his heart and more worried about the huge incision they will have to make. We're making plans, once he's discharged from the hospital, to make sure he has the right folks and right equipment around him.
We appreciate so much everybody's kind words and offers of assistance. We really do have everything we need right now thanks to the kindness of our friends and family. But the struggle is not over! Please continue to send your thoughts and prayers our way.
The one thing Josh has asked of his family and friends: GET YOUR HEART CHECKED OUT! Regardless of your age, everyone should get a Heart Health screening at least annually. Talk to your doctor, if you haven't, and schedule a screening as soon as possible. Heart disease can affect anyone, regardless of their fitness level, eating habits, age or ethnicity.
