Traversing a new road

[shutterfire]

Just need a little help from those in Dallas and Houston. My wife had another heart attack and we are trying to get information about stem cell cardiac transplantation. We were informed this week that her heart is only functioning at 15-20 % and setting an appointment with a Transplant surgeon. I'm just researching all of our options. Thanks in advance Eldon

[Sonny]

Very sorry to hear about your wife, Eldon.

My wife's uncle is only function with 35% of his heart due to multiple heart attacks. Later today we'll contact him for information.

[shutterfire]

Thanks sonny!

[Stargazer77517]

Sorry I can not help with info but, I can send prayers your way.

[Fireball]

Sending prayers too! That's a scary scenario. Hang in there!

[shutterfire]

Thanks Charrie and Fred. I found a cardiologist in Houston that is doing clinical trials for stem cell transplantation and am currently following that lead. It has already been approved in Europe and that's another option. Now I just pray that we can do this in Houston and that she qualifies as a candidate. we could go to Europe and have something go awry is a very scary thought. I guess we have to consider the time constraints for Heart transplantation. The waiting list is a minimum of 2 years could be up to 4 years. Even though I am a complete control freak this is totally out of my hands.

[carrbowl]

Eldon, can you tell me who the cardiologist is? My husband sees one here in Houston at St. Lukes, and my kids see one at Texas Childrens. We are all going to a convention concerning their heart condition at the end of the month. I would be interested in asking some questions about your possible transplant. I've never heard of it and it sounds very interesting.

[texxter]

Eldon, wishing you and your wife the best as you go through all this!

[shutterfire]

Renae, I have pasted the link for you and hope it helps. Paco thank you very much my wife is young and that makes it very difficult.http://http://www.texasheart.org/Res...FQbatgodvFH76g

[Rson]

Dr Jain in Grapevine was recommended to me by a very solid reputable doctor friend of mine.

Dr. Vikas Jain

Cardiovascular Disease

Male - 11 years experience
Cor. Specialty Associates of North Texas Pa
1643 Lancaster Dr Ste 203
Grapevine, TX

Read more: Dr. Vikas Jain, MD - Cardiologist - Grapevine, TX - Internal Medicine

[John_A]

Have a place for you to stay. Sending a PM....

[shutterfire]

Dr Jain is our cardiologist and we have been referred to the Transplant team by him. My Wifes heart condition has deteriorated past his abilities to help. But he is a very good cardiologist! I am very up to date with all of the information. There are a lot of issues with transplant. Dr Jain informed us that we should try to hold off as long as possible related to mortality post heart transplant. Stem Cell transplantation is a cutting edge technology and still in clinical trials in the united states. Mortality post stem cell transplantation is 1% which is a lot better. The question is remodeling and regeneration of cardiac cells and improvement in ejection fraction or the ability of the hearts pumping capabilities. The stem cells are obtained through your own bone marrow so rejection is not a complication and not controversial related to the fact that the do not use embryonic stem cells. I was hoping that someone here has had stem cell transplantation and could offer some first hand experience, or Know a Cardiologist that does stem cell transplantation locally. I think a lot of Dr Jain and need to explore his thoughts further on this. I am just wanting to explore every avenue available. the thought of a heart transplant just gives me cold chills but if its your only option what do you do?

[John_A]

Prayers sent....

[groovyone]

Wow, I hope she gets all the help out there, Eldon.

[shutterfire]

Rich, Johnny, Keith thanks for your support!