Pacemaker ~ An Update

The pacemaker was placed yesterday.

Austin ended up being the last patient of the day.
However, he was excited and ready to get on with it.
Truly, evidence of the Grace of God in his life.

He was taken into the OR at 3:45pm PST
and brought back out again at about 5:45pm.
We took him home at 8:00pm!
Amazing, don't you think?

Apparently, Austin was awake for the whole thing.
He chatted with the electrophysiologists and nurses throughout ~
he found it to be very interesting.
They even showed him the x-ray while the leads were being placed.
It went like clockwork ~ perfectly!

To God be the glory!!

Below ~ Austin with our Children's Hospital Electrophysiologist, Dr. Sherwin.  
She is one of those who has championed Austin's cause, 
for which we are very thankful!



Things got quite uncomfortable when the device was inserted.
It had to be placed under the muscle.
My poor guy ~ he was a real trooper!
Apparently, he was told it was like having a baby, only in reverse.  :)

New respect for Mum?  I think so!



Austin was blessed with a good sleep last night ~ 
with the help of some powerful meds to keep him comfortable.
Now, he rests and recovers ~ it really was a bit of an ordeal.
We must watch for infection, while praying that it does not appear.

And, Austin must adjust.



But, his heart ~ it's working properly for the first time in a long time.
I just spoke with him and he reports feeling the left side of his heart beating!
It makes me smile.

May the LORD use this means to bring healing to the
left ventricle which has been greatly reduced in its function.

This device will *listen* to what the atria want to do,
and seek to mimic that pacing in the lower two chambers.
It will send the message that has long been interrupted, and help his heart to beat in sync.
The prayer is that, over time, it will help to tone the heart muscle up once again.



Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your prayers,
and for all your love and concern ~ We are so thankful for each one of you!

"Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear Him.
For he knoweth our frame: He remembereth that we are dust." Psalm 103:13-14

With our Love,
Howie, Camille, and Austin (and siblings too!)

**The device in these photos is not exactly as the one placed in Austin ~ but, it is similar.
Austin asked if it was the one they would be using,
and they said they would certainly rinse it off before putting it in!
(FYI ~ That is Austin's humour...exactly!)