JOHN SLOAN/GateHouse News ServiceWalt, left, and Sally Bass of Galva are enjoying the upside after having endured WaltÕs serious health issues. He had his heart replaced this past summer.
Man's new heart full of appreciation
Galva's Walt Bass recovering from transplant
Monday, November 5, 2007
GALVA - In 1995, Walt Bass had a heart attack.
Like many Americans, he received treatment and, fairly quickly, returned to work.
Last February, after undergoing treatment for an unrelated illness, it was discovered that Walt's heart had been damaged in that first attack ... and that the damage had grown much worse over the years. By the end of February, his condition had worsened.
At age 59, Walt, of Galva, was suffering from congestive heart failure.
Transferred to Peoria's OSF St. Francis Medical Center, he couldn't walk. He couldn't talk and breathe at the same time.
His heart, now enlarged to the size of a basketball, was operating at about 15 percent of its normal efficiency.
"One day in early March he turned to me and started making funeral plans," said his wife, Sally.
"They didn't give me much hope," remembered Walt.
And just as things were at their worst ... they started getting better.
First, Walt's cardiologist, Dr. Kent Wise, came to the couple with an idea.
An artificial heart pump, called a left ventricular assist device, could be used to help Walt return home and gain some strength. Then he made a suggestion that truly surprised the couple:
"He started talking heart transplant," said Walt.
The couple agreed to the treatment plan and embarked on a journey that would expose them to an incredible array of medical skill and technology. And a wonderful display of human love and faith.
Walt's LVAD was surgically "installed" in late March.
Two tubes connected his heart to an external pump and power pack that could be pulled alongside like a suitcase. Walt came home and started the process of recovering enough strength to be added to the heart transplant list. And Sally learned to do things she never thought she'd do.
"I learned to do sterile dressings and I learned how to give him shots," she said. "I'm not a nurse."
"You learn quick, though," Walt said.
The couple also learned some of the emergency measures necessary in the event of a power failure ... a problem with the pump mechanism itself.
"It's a little scary," agreed the couple.
In the midst of all the high-tech medical miracles came another set of special miracles.
"Faith and prayer," said Walt.
The couple received an outpouring of support and prayers from family and friends and members of their church family at LaFayette United Methodist.
And the couple began to receive prayer messages, words of encouragement and other assistance from all over the country via a Web site set up for them by their daughter through Caring Bridges, an organization that provides free, personalized Web sites that support and connect loved ones during critical illness, treatment and recovery.
They began a daily online journal to share their experiences, thoughts and concerns with others, who, in turn, offered additional prayers and support.
Things got better.
In early July, as Walt's strength increased, he was put on the "B" list for those preparing for heart transplants. About a month later, he was placed on the "A" list, signifying he was ready for a transplant.
Just 36 hours later, the couple got the call. A heart was available in Chicago. Immediately.
"It all happened so fast," said Sally. "I guess God rewards you sometimes."
Their son, Walt Jr., got them to the University of Chicago Hospital in "about 2 1/2 hours flat."
And, after over eight hours in surgery, Walt had his new heart ... just in time for son Wally's 36th birthday Aug. 6.
Since the transplant, the couple has enjoyed watching Walt's condition improve.
"I get a little stronger every day," said Walt.
"When I see him doing some of the things I had to take over, I get real excited," added Sally.
They look back at the 100-plus days Walt spent in hospitals with no regrets ... and even a little fondness.
In just over 35 years of marriage, the couple has raised five children between them, and enjoyed the addition of eight grandchildren, including two who live with them, plus a great-grandchild, who has also spent time living in the couple's home.
"Those 100 days in the hospital were the most time we've been alone in 35 years," laughed Sally, who slept on a cot in Walt's room except when he was in intensive care, when she slept on a couch in the waiting room.
But most of all, the couple looks back at their experience with a real sense of gratitude for the many prayers and expressions of support that continue to come their way ... and with a sense of amazement at what's happened.
"Having Walt home with a new heart ... if that's not God, I don't know what is," said Sally.
"It means a lot," said Walt. "It definitely increased our faith."
Walt summed it up in his reply to a comment on Galva's recent nice fall weather:
"Every day's a beautiful day now!"
