My name is Kelly Ann Holt. I am a 54-year old woman. I am a wife, a mother with a beautiful blended family and a registered nurse of 30 years. I was born with a congenital heart defect and over the last few months my heart function has declined significantly. In March my husband and I were informed that I needed a heart transplant. I was contacted by the Mass General heart transplant team on Tuesday May 9, 2023 and informed that I am officially on the list. I am both excited and scared. I have a chance to live!
I am writing this blog as a platform to keep everyone informed and updated on my journey.
I'm going to start my story with the most recent events on February 22,2023 I developed extreme nausea and chest pressure while at work. I went to Baystate Medical Center ER and was admitted to the Cardiology floor overnight. I was quickly transferred to Brigham and Women's hospital with the assistance of my Boston Childrens Cardiologist ( who was on vacation when he received a call about me) Thank you Dr. Singh! At Brigham and Women's I had a right heart cath, aggressive diuretics to pull fluid off so that I could breathe better and an echocardiogram. Once these diagnostic exams were completed my husband David and I were informed that my heart was failing. I needed a heart transplant and they were going to order the tests and evaluation required. We were both so scared but we knew this is what I need to do. How can we tell our children? We are not ready to say goodbye to each other and I'm not ready to leave my family and friends. I'm going to fight to keep this beautiful life I have!
I was discharged from Brigham on March 13, 2023 with a Hickman Cather in my chest so that I can receive a continuous infusion of Milrinone. This is an inotrope medication that assists the heart to beat efficiently and keep the fluid from building up. I am managing this medication well and have been stable on it. After my discharge we were contacted by our insurance company explaining that they will not cover the heart transplant surgery at Brigham so we need to choose a different facility. We chose Mass General and my care was transferred there. I was admitted on April 30, 2023 for heart transplant evaluation with the Mass General team. This went very well and I was able to come home on May 5, 2023. The heart transplant committee was scheduled to review my case on Tuesday May 9, 2023 and they would contact us. Needless to say it was the longest weekend ever! Thankfully I received the good news on Tuesday. I could have jumped for joy if I had the energy! Then the reality sets in... I'm scared.
I have a few weeks to enjoy my home, snuggle with my dog and my husband. I will have a chance to celebrate my birthday with friends, family and my children who are coming home from Texas for my birthday. The plan is that I will be admitted to Mass General on or around June 11, 2023... I will keep everyone posted
Thank you for your love and support
KellyAnn
I am so sorry you are going through this. I am praying for you and keeping you in my thoughts. Like others have said..I look forward to reading about all the good news ahead for you! ❤️
Continued good thoughts and prayers sent to you Kelly and David and everyone else involved with taking care of you, including all of the medical staff. Your blog here will become a source of inspiration for all those that will have to go through this same procedure. This is truly a miracle...hang in there!❤️
You are not alone. Everyone you know, anyone reading this is carrying you, David, and everyone in our hearts ..until the heart in you is beating strong once more.. love you.
You got this ! ❤️. What a great way to keep your family & friends updated.
We love you and your in our prayers. Please keep us updated and thank you for sharing ❤️