My husband was implanted on December 9th, 2011...we are having trouble trying to find the most comfortable & efficient vest, etc. Could someone please advise where to go? We ordered a 511 tachtical vest, but it was way too heavy & he didn't like it at all...thank you in advance...

Cinders, You might want to try LL Bean for a men's Emerger fishing vest. it's very light and keeps your batteries secure and has many pockets. $59.00

I ordered one on line. I still use the holster that came with the heartmate2 lvad because at times my wife tells me I'm bent over when I walk.

I ordered a xxl and I,'m 5' 11 and weigh 180# they do run small.

I'm 6 months out and feel great! tell you husband to hang in there,things keep getting better!

Dan

Thanks so much Dan! I will check-out that vest! So glad to hear that you are doing so well and I will forward the words of encouragement to my husband! I'll let you know if we get one...

Hi. My name is Sam King. I am an LVAD recipiient since May 2010. I have discovered a great website for getting custom fit vests for us folks with LVADs. It is called BoscoLVADvest.com. I bought 2 of their vests, one denim and one kaki.. They are custom fit as you will see when you visit this website. They work even better than my LL Bean fishing vests!

Anyone having issues with lightheadedness and dizziness like I am?

Hey Sam,

The advice for lightheadedness is drink,drink,drink fluids!

I am not a doctor but I am an lvad patient and when I get lightheaded, I hook myself up to the wall and check my Pulse Index. For me if it's 3.0 or less, I drink a lot of water and it settles down. Hope that helps solve your problem, good luck.

Dan

Haven't seen anyone mention their brand of LVAD. Heartmate seems to have lots of options. Heartware has none.

Hello- I have HeartWare and I carry my VAD in my purses. There is another gentleman who also has the HeartWare device and he carries his in a satchel. I'm not too sure how the Heartmate differs, except I think in size.

I am coming up on 2 years with my LVAD. I use the modular belt on thoratec.com. It's all on my waist. Nothing on the shoulders. Makes me just about free and unrestricted above the waist.

MY HUSBAND HAS HAD A HEARTMATEl since 2010. There is a person in Michigan that makes vest for lvad patents. They cost about $110.00 you take your measurements etc. go to WWW.BOSCOLVADVEST.COM. You can see it, and get more info. He has about 6 of them now, just loves them when we go out. For traveling in the car whe still uses the lvad consolidated bag, and it's easier. Good luck