2 SAHealth.com KEEPINGWELL — SPRING 2023 “He was on the most critical mechanical support devices, and we had to pause on listing him for a heart transplant and focus on treating his pulmonary condition separately.” Justin recalls the moment Dr. Kunavarapu told him, “Your heart no longer works, and we’re going to find a replacement.” He remembers the defeating realization that he may not survive. “I wasn’t going to leave my wife without a husband and my son without a father,” Justin said. Several medical exams revealed the source of Justin’s weakened pulmonary function was a rare and fatal condition known as diffuse alveolar hemorrhage, which may have been caused by an infection developed from COVID-19 pneumonia. The severe infection is believed to have caused myocarditis, inflammation and weakening of the heart muscle that reduces the heart’s ability to pump and causes rapid or irregular heart rhythms. Justin was treated with high-dose steroids. Once his kidney failure normalized on ECMO and it was determined that his pulmonary status would allow for a transplant, Justin was placed on the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) cardiac transplant list. “Justin’s case exemplifies how the multidisciplinary team approach at Methodist can make a huge difference when multiple specialties collaborate to diagnose and treat these difficult, complex, and incredibly sick patients,” commented Michael Kwan, MD, Program Director of the Advanced Heart Failure and Cardiac Transplant Program. “This is a great example of why it’s not only the technology but the expertise and experience that sets Methodist apart.” He knew his survival was dependent on his motivation and strength. Justin devoted himself to what he knew best—hard work and strength training. Every day he set goals for himself to walk even just a foot further than he had the day prior—70, 500, 1,000 feet. He gained confidence, becoming selfsufficient with simple tasks, such as holding a phone on his own. He remembers taking the steps to the nursing station where he saw Dr. Kwan. He said, “Hi, sir. Please don’t give up on me.” After just over a month, Justin had lost 60 pounds, having gone from a bodybuilder physique to one of very little muscle and energy. Justin found solace in those around him. The community roared with support for him throughout his care. A “Justin Strong” Facebook group was built to share inspiring stories, prayers and words of hope, and his H-E-B family set up community blood drives in his honor. On March 18, 2021, Justin received a call that changed his life forever; a donor’s heart matched and he would be transplanted that day. It was the most humbling moment of his life. Masahiro Ono, MD, heart transplant surgeon, performed Justin’s transplant. He recalls the moment he woke up met with the sight of his nurse, Alexis, and his ex-wife. “She [Alexis] took her stethoscope and put it to my heart. She let me hear my new heartbeat for the first time,” Justin emotionally remembered. Justin was released from the hospital on April 1. “All I wanted to do was see my son. He was my greatest motivator,” Justin said. “When I got home, my son, Bear, ran up and gave me a hug on my leg. That hit me hard… that he still remembered me. He hadn’t seen his dad in over two months,” Justin said. A few months post-transplant, Justin ran his first mile and was slowly getting back to his active lifestyle. He was released back to work, and H-E-B proudly welcomed their brave employee back, where he also continues to receive care from his primary care doctor at an H-E-B Wellness Clinic. “Your second life really starts the moment you realize you only have one. I’m extremely thankful to be alive, to appreciate the beauty of life, to listen to the sound of my son’s laugh. Everything is amplified,” he said. Young father beats all odds for son —Continued from front page Justin with his mom, Susan; son, Bear; and girlfriend, Ashley.
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