Ever wonder what it’s like to have a life changing experience? Just ask an organ recipient. Lou Schluntz found out first hand on July 21,2020 around 8pm with 3 phone calls from doctors at the Heart Institute from Hartford Hospital, That night by midnight he was admitted to the Cardiac-Thoracic ICU for a long anticipated heart transplant and by 10pm the following day (July 22), he was on his way to continue watching his grandson to grow and explore their world. His journey to a heart transplant was not typical for most people living with heart disease. Heredity played it’s part with him. Over 25 years ago having his first heart attack with bypass surgery, and as years went on having 3 more, with the last one in early autumn 2011, which placed him on Social Security Disability due to an Implantable Cardiac Device (ICD) placed. As his heart became weaker over the subsequent years, which was hastened by a bout of pneumonia in late November 2016, he eventually had a Left Ventricle Assist Device (LVAD) implanted in early 2019, for a possible bridge to transplant if he so desired or he could stay on the LVAD. With the progress he made during 2019 and speaking with other heart transplant recipients, he decided in December 2019, to be tested and evaluated to see if he could be placed on the transplant list. Enter 2020 and the Covid 19 pandemic. Testing and evaluation were almost completed by mid-March. It was becoming questionable if being listed would happen or he would have to wait at least a year to be listed. In April, he received a phone call and a letter stating was listed, and it could take up to 5 years for an appropriate match. On July 1st, he was able to have 30 day (once a year) condition upgrade, where they would be actively searching for a heart for him – the rest is history. Now the hardest part begins with immuno suppressant (anti- rejection medication), continued social distancing and mask wearing just for starters. He is definitely up to the challenge to continue to live.
The other side of this story involves the donor. Due to the anonymity of transplant procedures Lou was told little about his donor other than he died of a drug overdose and was in his late 30’s to early 40’s; and that his organs were in good condition. Lou is forever in his debt for the chance to continue living and watch his 3 grandsons grow into young men.
Special thanks go to the doctors and nurses and staff members at Hartford Hospital. He is especially indebted to New England Donor Services (Donate Life CT), which made this possible.
As of the writing of this story, Lou currently serves as Tiler for Anchor Lodge #112, along with playing the Wayfarer man and Captain.
Story written by Heidi Schluntz wife of this heart transplant warrior.