Karina's Story

My name is Karina Daniel and I'm 49 years old. I'm married to Rob, who is my CAREGIVER! He's my nurse, my therapist, my protector, and my best friend. We have three children: Simone (29) and husband Cade, Jackson (20), and Anna Jane (16). We also have two grandkids/energizer bunnies: Elliot (9) and Marlee (5).

About seven years ago I was diagnosed with congestive heart failure caused by hereditary cardiomyopathy. My ejection fraction was around 40% at this time. I was no stranger to this condition as my father had two heart transplants and my youngest brother died from heart failure at the age of 17. Because heart failure ran in my family, I was under the care of a cardiologist during my last two pregnancies. Up until seven years ago, I would get an annual check-up which included EKG and echo done through my local primary care doctor. When the shortness of breath, wheezing, and swelling in my feet started, I knew I needed to be checked again and that is when they told me I was in heart failure. I was put on diuretics and the usual meds (Metoprolol, Atorvastatin, Spironolactone.) I was also put on Entresto but had to stop because it lowered my blood pressure too much. I would see my cardiologist about twice a year until about three years ago when I had a pacemaker/ICD placed. My EF had reduced to about 25%. Not long after the pacemaker, I received a picc line with Milrinone because my current meds were no longer enough to keep the heart failure at bay. 

I’m a patient at the Advanced Heart and Lung Disease Clinic at Baylor Scott & White Hospital in Dallas where my father had his heart transplants. Two and half years ago, my cardiologist decided it was time to talk about a transplant. I was officially "listed" in July 2021. By the end of August 2021, my heart function was down to 10% and I was admitted to the hospital to wait for a heart. 

In the meantime, blood tests revealed I had a very high number of antibodies which, when trying to match a donor heart, isn't necessarily a good thing. High antibodies, or being considered "sensitized", means I would be high risk for my body rejecting the new heart. My team decided I would undergo plasmapheresis (plasma exchange) in an effort to desensitize some of my antibodies. Apparently, I have the antibodies of a superhero because they didn’t budge! This, coupled with I'm O+ blood type, meant there was only a 15% chance of finding a matching heart. So, after four weeks in cardiac ICU, my team decided that I was a good candidate for the LVAD. I'm thankful to say my recovery was quick and my heart function improved to about 25%. 

I'm just recently a stay-at-home mom, but I worked in fundraising as a grant writer (non-profit children's organization, private higher education) for many years. For me, living with LVAD is much more of a mental challenge as it is a physical one. The LVAD allows me to enjoy things  I hadn't been able to do in quite a while, like playing with my grandkids and watching my daughter's tennis matches. I still get short of breath, but my "rest stops" are fewer than before the LVAD. The mental side of it is what I've struggled with the most, but I've learned to give myself a whole bunch of grace. Overall, the positives absolutely outweigh the negatives. I never forget how blessed I am!

The end of September was two years since I received my LVAD and I’m so grateful for each day. I’m not currently on the transplant list but we are exploring the possibility. The road hasn't always been easy, but God has placed people in my life to help me over the bumps. One such friend is originally from my hometown and received her LVAD at the same hospital. Kyla Davis became my unofficial LVAD Life Coach after I spoke with her for the first time the day before my surgery. Thank you, Kyla, for all you do for our community! I also want to thank my "other brother", John Krischke, for nominating me as a Heart Warrior! I'm stronger from both of your encouragement!