My girlfriend has a serious condition. And trying to learn more about

Hello @dakoda69,

Welcome to Connect. I'm sorry to learn about your girlfriend, and so glad you've joined us. Here is some information from Mayo Clinic, about heart transplant: http://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/heart-transplant/details/how-you-prepare/ppc-20206292

I would also encourage you to view the Transplant group on Connect, https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/transplants/

@dakoda69, we would love to get to know you and your girlfriend better; could you share more details about her condition and symptoms?

I know it's not the same but she has an artificial valve in her heart. I don't know the name of what it is. We've been together for about 2 years now. I've been through two procedures just to make sure she's okay and healthy.

So a donor heart can be outside of the body for awhile?

No a donor heart is transplanted asap, maybe a few hours in cold solution while transported but often immediate if the donor and recipient can be in the same place. How frightening for you and your girlfriend, thinking of you both. Linda Libby RN

I'm not frightened I'm trying to just keep positive. But 1-10 I'm about a 9.

Hi @dakoda69,

According to U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services (organdonor.gov, https://organdonor.gov/about/process/matching.html#heart), "Organs remain healthy only for a short period of time after removal from the donor, so minutes count. The OPO representative arranges the transportation of the organs to the hospitals of the intended recipients. Transportation depends on the distance involved..."
With regard to heart transplants, and after taking many important factors into consideration, the time period that the heart can survive outside the body may be anywhere between 2 to 6 hours.

@dakoda69, may I ask what symptoms she is experiencing?