A few new updates on Evelyn. Yesterday, Evelyn developed another GI bleed and passed a significant amount of blood. It’s caused her quite a bit of pain, and the team restarted Protonix, stopped her feeds through her NG tube, and significantly reduced her blood thinner to help slow the bleeding. She ended up needing a unit of blood given back to her.The difficult part is that reducing her blood thinner increases the risk of clotting in her LVAD circuit. One of the doctors explained it in a way that made sense to me: right now, they’re willing to risk a machine failing before they risk Evelyn’s body failing. If a clot develops in the LVAD circuit, they can replace tubing and components. Their priority is helping her body heal.Even with this setback, Evelyn continues to amaze us.
She is still on the breathing tube, but with the help of 5 people Evelyn was able to sit up and give me a hug. It was one of the best moments we’ve had in a long time. When we asked if she wanted to lie back down, she shook her head no. She was comfortable, enjoying being upright, and wanted to stay there.I’m so incredibly proud of my daughter.We’re also seeing more and more of her personality shine through. She raised her fist at the GI doctor when she was mad, has been swatting people away when she’s had enough, and is letting us know when she needs suctioning after coughing. Those may seem like small things, but to us they are huge victories. They are reminders that our strong, stubborn, determined girl is still fighting.Please continue to keep Evelyn in your thoughts and prayers.
We still have a long road ahead, but today we got a hug, a little attitude, and a lot of hope. ❤️
How You Can Help
We’re getting ready for the big fundraiser garage sale for COTA for Evelyn’s Heart starting next Thursday! Thank you to everyone who has donated items to the garage sale!
THURSDAY MORNING JUNE 4th: Join us for coffee and donuts available for donation to COTA for Evelyn’s Heart and shop our amazing items from our community!
Garage Sale Details:
June 4-6
Location: 7040 Eagle Trail, Centerville, MN
Time: Thurs. and Fri. 8am to 5pm
Sat. 8am to 12pm
Get your “Hearts for Evelyn” T-Shirt
Join our “Hearts for Evelyn” Facebook Group
What makes our partnership with COTA so great is that they will be with Evelyn throughout her lifetime. Every dollar donated to COTA in honor of Evelyn goes to transplant-related expenses. Thank you for being here with us for Evelyn.