October 30, 2008

Richard is in ICU and he is doing well after surgery yesterday. It was about a 6 hour surgery all in all. We saw him about 9:30 and he looked good. We had a really good day on Tuesday, we were able to go by his work and talk to some of his friends and eat out. We went to the ER about 10:30 Tuesday night because he had some leakage from one of the canulaes. (tube in chest that wraps around the heart to help pump) After an Ultrasound they decided to admit him. It seems he had some more fluid building up around the right side of the heart. On Wed. they were either going in to do one of two things, take the right side assist device completely out or just replace it all together. They thought that the right side had become stronger and could possible pump for itself however, after watching it try for about an hour it was decided to replace it.

There is a lady from Flatonia that got her vad the next day after Richard was transferred from Round Rock on Thursday September 25th. Ironically on that Thursday their sons 7th grade team and Brandons 7th grade team played against each other in Thrall that day. Susan received her heart on Tuesday and is doing well. Please pray for each of them. Thanks everyone we appreciate everything.

October 29th

Richard and Wendy moved into the League house on Monday. On Tuesday night Richard had some leakage from one of the canulaes. Wendy took him back to the Hospital Tuesday Night. Please pray for him as he will be going into surgery again today at 2:30.

October 22,2008

Richard had a minor setback this past Saturday where they had to go back in and replace one of the blood pumps. There was a little clotting around one of the tubes (cannulaes) that they were able to remove. By Sunday he was doing much better and Monday he was sitting up in a chair. Tuesday he was moved back to the 3rd floor.

The VAD coordinators, Erin and Mim have been coming out to Thrall, Taylor, and Hutto to educate our local Fire and EMS as we prepare to try to get Richard home to Thrall. They both commented about what a great community we have. We are so very proud to be a part of this community and want to thank everyone for being so caring.

Richard is doing very well. Since being placed on the more portable version of the VAD, Richard has been up moving around. The doctors are really pleased with Richard's recovery. He has been moved to room 356 on the third floor. Richard has also been placed on the top tier of the heart transplants list. His doctors are considering releasing Richard to the Seaton League House. This is a facility for patients who no longer need to be in the hospital but need to remain relatively close to the hospital.

Friends and family of Richard and Wendy are planning a Benefit to help defray some of the costs. This benefit is being held on November 9th from 11am to 9pm. For tickets call Mark Jarosek 512-784-4322, Reisha Stolte 512-461-3577 or Chris Salazar 512-470-7859.

Please keep Richard and his family in your prayers.

October 6, 2008

Richard's recovery from the Ventricular Assist Device (VAD) surgery is going really well. He was able to sit in a chair, stand and take a few steps over the weekend. Today he was placed on a more portable version which will allow him to move around more freely. The doctors are really pleased with his recovery. They will be presenting his case to the Transplant review board on Wednesday October 8th. If all goes well he will be place on the Transplant list with a priortiy status of 1A for 30 days. Some other good news is that Richard's blood type is A, which means that he will be able to receive either an A or O type donor. Please keep the prayers up and thank you all for your support.

October 2, 2008

Richard had a Ventricular Assist Device put in on Tuesday the 30th of September, this device will assist in the pumping of his heart. He is recovering from this procedure and is doing very well. The review board at Seton Hospital approved on Wed. for Richard to be placed on the transplant list just as soon as he recovers from this most recent procedure. Thank you everyone for your support during this difficult time. We really appreciate all of your prayers and concern.

Thank you Chris for setting this up for me!!!

Update on Richard...

This blogspot has been created in hopes of messaging out to all of those whom have expressed interest on the health and well being of Richard Valadez and his family durning this difficult time. As news changes the blog will be updated as soon as possible to help keep everyone informed of the progress made. The family would appreciate using this forum as a way to keep communication centralized. Thank you to all who have shown their support and please continue to keep the Valadez family in your thoughts and prayers.