Life On the List

Life On the List My name is Sam Wells, I'm 40 years old, and I'm on the heart transplant list.

07/10/2026

Prayers answered! Last week we had our heart cath done at MUSC. Keep in mind, they wanted to admit me in January and list me as a status 2. For the last 6 months I’ve worked on cleaning up my diet, cutting out soda etc, and lost good bit of weight in the process. When they ran the tests my numbers had improved! We asked him how often this happens and he said “not often. Whatever you’re doing, keep doing it.” And then sent me home! So I get to stay home now until October. We will repeat the tests again and see what their recommendation is. To have the rest of summer with my family means more to me than I can explain. Thank you to everyone who’s been reaching out and keeping up! We are still listed as a status 4 and could get that call at any time, but for now we will enjoy life!

Update time! Jenn and I will head to MUSC on the 30th for my next round of appointments. The last few months have been s...
06/20/2026

Update time! Jenn and I will head to MUSC on the 30th for my next round of appointments. The last few months have been spent working on cleaning up my diet and trying to get more exercise in, even though I’m limited to only walking. I don’t know that it will prolong any of what’s coming but it certainly can’t hurt. This past week I was able to take the girls to Carowinds and we spent the day walking the park and riding as many coasters as possible (I ignored the warnings to have fun for the day).

Some days leading up to this surgery are better than others. Some days my mind gets in its own way and reminds me of all...
03/23/2026

Some days leading up to this surgery are better than others. Some days my mind gets in its own way and reminds me of all the worst parts about what’s coming.
But, there are days like today where during work I get this view. It’s a great reminder that problems are only temporary. Fear is what we create, and always appreciate what’s right here in front of you.

Well we got a new heart…but just the squishy kind. Great gift from my wife though!
02/25/2026

Well we got a new heart…but just the squishy kind. Great gift from my wife though!

01/28/2026

Wanted to share the most recent news. After the evaluation we were called with the doctor recommendations for how to move forward. The heart transplant ratings go from 1-6. 1’s being severely ill and limited mobility all the way to a 6 which is someone working and going about their daily life with some limitations. We always thought that (6) is where we were going to land. The call came, and the recommendation was that I admit now and list as a status 2. From there I would wait in the hospital for a heart to become available. They also gave us the option to defer for 3 months and list as a status 4. We have decided to defer and take status 4. While the odds of a heart making its way to me are slim, it’s not 0! Now we wait!

After three days of transplant evaluation, ct scans, breathing tests, stress tests, 22 vials of blood and a right heart ...
01/12/2026

After three days of transplant evaluation, ct scans, breathing tests, stress tests, 22 vials of blood and a right heart cath, they decided my numbers warranted placement on the list. Now we wait for insurance to approve.

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Greenville, SC

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