Life with a new heart

Last week I introduced you to Paola Ruiz. She was hours away from getting a new heart. I'm happy to report this superstar only spent one day in the intensive care unit before being transferred to the Cardiology floor, and she will be on her way home tomorrow.

Paola's progress is absolutely amazing, especially since her transplant was trickier than most. She was diagnosed with dextrocardia, meaning her heart has complex plumbing. Drs. Joseph Forbess and Kristine Guleserian performed her transplant opposite of a typical one.

Thanks to the heart team, her transplant was seamless and Paola's heart beats perfectly in her chest. But before going home and starting her new life, this soon-to-be teenager and her parents must be prepared for a new regimen. To prevent rejection and infection, Paola will take 10 medications twice each day and will come to Children's twice a week to see Dr. Aliessa Barnes. The family studied hard for a very important test on medications, symptoms of rejection and her immunity.

And they passed the test with flying colors. Now Paola can focus on all the plans she has for her life.

Watch Paola learn about her test and walk to the playroom just three days after her transplant: