Episcopal Bishop In Critical Condition

Sat., Jan. 30, 1999

From Staff

Episcopal Bishop Jeff Terry remains in critical condition three weeks after his heart transplant. Doctors said Friday the next two or three days will be crucial to his recovery.

Although Terry’s new heart is working well, his lungs are not. Except for a brief period, he has been on a ventilator since the operation on Jan. 7.

At first, doctors thought the setback was minor, but Terry’s lungs have not improved. On Thursday, his condition worsened and toxins in his blood rose to dangerous levels.

Terry is in stable condition. Terry, 60, is the spiritual leader of 6,000 families in Eastern Washington and North Idaho.

Diagnosed in 1994 with cardiomyopathy - an enlargement of the heart, Terry was placed on the transplant waiting list in 1996.

He was hospitalized intermittently during his wait, permanently since September.

Until the surgery, he continued to run the diocese from his hospital bed, receiving visitors and working on the computer. He waited more than two years for a new heart.

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