EDIT: Thank you to all the Wing Night campers for the cool card and well wishes. That was really cool. Much appreciated.

Some of you already know this, but I have been under cardiac care since 2013 when I suffered a cardiac arrest. Thanks to a well-prepared athletic trainer and a lot of great cardiology doctors, I came through that with flying colors. I continued on with my life, went to Quetico and the BWCA several times and have basically been in good health, all things considered.

Around 2022, my heart pumping function started declining. This is in addition to the decline that happened already. My cardiologists stepped up their testing which eventually lead to being referred to Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. After several trips to Mayo from our home in Appleton, WI (four hour drive) and more tests, echo cardiograms, x-rays, blood work... I can't even name them all... it was determined that I was a candidate for a heart transplant. Yes, a heart TRANSPLANT. As you can imagine, it hit my wife and me pretty square on.

Back in Jan/Feb of this year, I was notified by Mayo that I was officially accepted into the transplant program, and in May, I was notified that I was officially on the transplant list. Status 6 out of 6. That status is the least urgent status.

A couple weeks ago, I collapsed at a restaurant in Appleton and ended up getting transferred to Mayo since they are my transplant care. Now I'm up to a Status 2.

What this all means is that I'm in the hospital at Mayo until a heart becomes available. I've been told that, generally speaking, Status 2 patients usually get a heart in 2-4 weeks, and one week has gone by since they bumped my status. That made it real. I could get the call as soon as this afternoon... or it might be 2-3 more weeks. Only the Lord knows. I can't wait to have a healthy heart in my chest with a normal pumping function.

I'm sharing this with you because, before long, I will be out of commission for at least a month before I will be able to get on the computer. My post-op cares will keep me in Rochester for about two more months. My wife or I will keep Adam updated and he'll be able to share any updates as time goes along. My goal is to get back to Quetico or the BW, along with holding my new baby granddaughter that's being born next week and a great many other trips and activities with Debbie. Can't wait.

When I get the call, I'll either post something or pass along the info to Adam. So until I'm post-transplant, I'll likely not be on the board.

Thanks for the caring and support.

Wow!

Prayers for a successful surgery and a speedy recovery and a return to the Q AND BW.

Jackfish

Prayers to you, your family, the donor and his/her family and for a speedy & successful recovery!

It feels odd to say congratulations on being in the hospital...but, alas you are and I am super happy you are at Mayo and getting cared for. Wonder if you and I have the same cardiologist. Was just there last week for another scan. Shoot me an email if your are bored and we can compare notes.

Stay positive...you will soon be better and stronger than ever.

Prayers for you and always thinking of you and also this board would not be here if it wasn't for you and a few others.
It is informative and a entertaining pastime.
Take care.

You've been a big part of what makes this forum fun, friendly, and so informative. I will be thinking about you and your family, and I look forward to hearing from you again on this site soon!

Dave

I'm sure you are in good hands at Mayo. They have done more for my sister Sandy than anyone else after she was thrown from a horse and essentially broke her neck. At least she has been able to taste ground food instead of that gray stuff being pushed into her feeding tube.

This came as a surprise to us, Pete. And, only repeating what has been said, you are in the best hands now. The wait is difficult. Our niece got her new heart a little more than five years ago (and is doing well), and I remember the time when she was in the hospital waiting.

We will pray that a healthy heart can be located for you, and that all goes well. We consider you a dear friend, and we will be thinking of you often in the days ahead, and looking every day for Adam's updates.

With love from the Spartans,
Lynda and Neil

You are in our prayers and in great hands. Mayo is a well oiled machine. I was amazed by them when I had my mom there for her cancer surgery.

Sending good vibes your way!

I am hoping the best for you during this time for you. The waiting is never easy. But you will be in good hands at the Mayo.
Shug

Praying for you Jackfish. May God touch you before, during and after the transplant surgery.

PapaL

Pete, sorry to hear all your news. Mayo is an exceptional facility.
Since you'll be there awhile, look up frank Walsh. He works there somewhere. You two can talk bwca, quetico, fishing.. forever!

Wishing you the best and I'll be keeping you and Debbie in my prayers

Wow that's heavy duty. I'll I can add is Good Luck! Get a new heart you'll be better than new. Hang in there and keep going!

Having been a Mayo cardiology patient for a quarter century, I know you are in good hands. Will continue to pray things go well for you.

I’m sorry to hear this Jackfish. I hope you are comfortable as you wait. You are very brave and in our thoughts.
I remember clearly in 1967 the news of the first successful heart transplant and was astonished that it had been possible.
I’m a donor and I’m close to Rochester but I was hoping to keep my heart until the Vikings win a Super Bowl.
Thanks for sharing. Hoping for the best.

WOW...wasn't expecting this as I logged on. A little shocked at the moment. We'll all be thinking of you and your journey... I just hope you get a new heart from a Vikings fan and not a Packers or Bears fan...everyone knows we have the strongest hearts...we've been persevering for over 65 years :)

You got this Pete!

T

Keep your stick on the ice wishing you a speedy recovery...

Zulu and I were posting at the same time...I just want to add...Although I said I hope you get a Vikings fan's heart...I hope you don't get Zulu's heart :) he's going to need it when the Vikings win the Superbowl in 2050 :)

T

Keep the faith! You are in good hands. Those folks in Rochester are the best!

Prayers for a successful transplant and best wishes for a full and fast recovery and return to a more normal life with your loved ones.

Sending positive vibes & prayers your way. Thank you for sharing your journey. Glad you’ve able to receive care at Mayo, it provides some of the best in the world. From a former Fox Valley resident to a current one, stay strong!

Keep Pete in your thoughts and prayers today. His organ donations arrived sooner than expected and will be undergoing the procedures today.

Hang in there Pete. God be with you. Joe

Prayers sent for a new heart for you, no rejections, healing and recovery.