Andrea Needs A Heart Transplant

She started feeling symptoms on Wednesday, September 3rd, and went to Urgent Care to see if she might be suffering from pneumonia, a condition her sister (Karen) was just recovering. As it turns out, the doctor on call referred her to Riverbend Hospital as a possible myocardial infarction (heart attack) patient where she checked herself in on Friday the 5th. After spending 5 days there, her condition dramatically deteriorated and was sent to OHSU hospital on Wednesday (10th). By Friday, Andi had undergone open heart surgery and was in critical condition in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (CICU). She was fixed with a heart pump to keep her blood circulating, as both her ventricles (the actual heart pumps) had failed.

We visited her on Friday the 12th, and stayed with her through the weekend. By Sunday, she seemed stable and could acknowledge conversation, but still remains in critical condition.
Unfortunately, as patients on heart pumps often do, the doctors discovered that Andi developed a clot in her heart.

September 22nd Update

September 24th Update

Whether you believe in God or you are a complete atheist, whether you go to church or the synagogue, or you simply trust the universe, we all have seen the healing power of our prayer, wishes and love. As parents, we hold our kids in our arms when they hurt. We whisper words of love and encouragement in their ear and we tell them that everything will be O.K. We hug them, kiss them, and hold them against our heart. And we make them feel better.

As people, when our friends hurt, we do the same. We hug them and allow them to put their head on our shoulder. We tell them we love them, we are there for them, and that they are not alone. And we make them feel better.
There is not much we can do for Andrea’s medical condition, as she is in the hands of the best doctors around. And at the same time, there is a lot we can do to help her heal. It takes no money or time, just your good intentions.

That was on Tuesday, the 16th, and is scheduled for surgery to remove the clot this Friday. Visitors are welcomed on a limited basis, and her family has been there everyday since this ordeal began. Her mother and father have been with her the entire time, as her sister, Karen. Andi's two daughters Aleesa and Dannica are also at her side constantly with their dad, Carl.

Andrea's two best friends and confidants James Cloutier and Ronit Cohen keep unending contact with both Andi and the OHSU staff. Between endless phone calls, text messages, and emails, they have kept all of Andi's friends and family abreast of all the latest developments. We cannot thank them enough for what they are doing at this very difficult time.

I've known Andrea for almost 17 years. She raises the question, "Why do bad things happen to good people?" A single mom of twin teenage girls, working full-time as a physical therapist, and facing unbelieveable health obstacles, Andi has "tenacity plus". She takes any and all obstacles head-on, and always with successful outcome. This is one time I am praying with all my heart and soul that she succeeds with this one as well. Selfish as it may be, I'm not ready for Andi to go to that "better place". I want her to be here with me in this less-than-better place for a lot more years to come.
We love you, Andrea Nagy...

Keep checking back for daily updates on Andrea's condition. Andrea was extubated today and she sat up in a chair! Our girl is definitely showing improvement but she still needs our help!

Picture Andrea in your mind (and if you have never seen her, just imagine this tall, fit, gorgeous blond woman). Imagine her as healthy and happy as she always is. Imagine her lifting weights, laughing, dancing, taking Quincy (her dog) for a walk, sitting at home with her daughters or having coffee with her friends. Imagine her tall, strong and full of life, and wish this wonderful woman everything you would wish to your child or friend when they hurt. Trust your faith, trust the universe, and trust the healing power you carry in your heart, as it all sends our friend, Andrea, the same message: we love you, we miss you, and we can’t wait to have you back home healthier then ever.
Andrea’s friend, James, and I, truly believe that the more people we have sending these positive healing thoughts to Andy, the impossible can happen. Please pass this message on to your friends, even the ones who do not know Andy, as her story, just like her life, touches us all.

October 2nd Update

Sad news today. Andrea is back on the ventilator and is not progressing well. It marks a major setback to her progress. Also, with the amount of heparin she's taking in, she's now bleeding through her nose and mouth. James received a phone call from the doctors at 4:00 AM this morning telling him that Andrea was not doing well. James sounded tired and defeated. I feel the same way. It's frustrating and maddening, upsetting and saddening. I just hope and pray.......

October 1st Update

Hi everyone, I think we are getting into a long period of "wait and see". Andrea continues to be off the vent, but still very weak. She had to have some fluid drained from her lungs and that helped with her breathing. James was able to talk with the "transplant team" today, when they made their rounds in the department. The Doctor he spoke with said that her body needs to get stronger for her to get on the transplant list. Of course he couldn't give him time frame, but said that it could take months. James, who visits Andy almost every day, said she is still not completely coherent and somewhat sedated, but looks better then she did before. I am hoping that she is, as the doctors think, on the right track, however slow it may be.
Once more, I would like to thank you all for your kind words of support and encouragement, both for Andy and me. These words cost you nothing but mean so much to me. Thank you.

September 28th Update

Andi is still in critical condition as of this morning, the 28th. Last Wednesday, the 24th she underwent another massive open heart surgery that lasted almost 12 hours. It was a touch and go procedure, to say the least. Ever the fighter, Andi survived the surgery and is back on an even larger heart pump and also, back on a ventilator to help her breathe.
The larger pump does more work and is meant to be in for up to 6 months. Andrea will be at OHSU for long while...
>The better news is that she passed her first bowel movement in weeks, and that's a GOOD thing! Her urinary tract also seems to be working well. Another good thing. She's heavily sedated and needs to rest and recover so they can remove the ventilator and get her strong enough to get on the heart transplant list.
If you are donating blood, be sure to put it in her name, Andrea Nagy (at OHSU - CICU) as she can get credit for the donation against her tremendous hospital bill. She has gone through a lot of blood. Donations would be very helpful at this time. Other than that, we just sit and wait and pray.

SUNDAY, SEPT 28, 10:30 PM