Shannon's trip to London

We were all over in London for Shannon's visit to Great Ormond Street Hospital.

She done so well on the flight. Although, she is something of a seasoned air traveller at this stage with all the trips from Ireland to England.

She is currently having a monthly check up at the RVH, Belfast and six monthly at GOSH, London.

There was some concern about the rising level of antibodies that had developed over the course of the last couple of months. A biopsy had to be carried out to ensure that there was no rejection of her heart. It is not a very pleasant experience to bring her to the cath lab and watch her being put to sleep- struggling usually!!! However it is a necessary part of her treatment- the biopsy can show up harm that may not have manifested itself in the form of any symptoms.

Shannon had to have an ABO mismatch transplant which means that her blood group did not match that of her donor. Due to the age she received her heart transplant- 13 weeks old- her immune system had not fully developed reducing the possiblity of rejection. However there is always a risk of rejection which is managed with the daily intake of immunosuppressant medication.

Shannon will have to take this for life.

Thankfully the news was good and there is no sign of any rejection. The medical team have no explanation for what is causing the increase in antibodies. But the important issue is that it is not affecting her heart.

We look forward to the wedding of friends of ours who have bestowed the honour on Shannon of asking her to be their flower girl. She got her pretty dress and will look beautiful. I will post photos in due course.

We then holiday in the West of Ireland in August all being well. We just might get some good weather.

Great News on the other side of the Atlantic- a little fighter by the name of Tillman Chesney from the US is going home. He was very ill in hospital for a long time and required a heart transplant. He has taken a while to recuperate after his transplant but is now finally going home...I initially came across his story on You tube and have been in contact with his parents.

Well done to all!!!!

Adrian