Profile picture for user RichmondLVAD
Henry R. Recipient

FREE LVAD VEST INSTRUCTIONS. My Wife Made Me a Wonderful LVAD Vest! Email us For FREE INSTRUCTIONS at hankpattyrichmond@icloud.com Updated 2024

PLEASE EMAIL US DIRECTLY FOR INSTRUCTIONS at Hankpattyrichmond@icloud.com     

We have received and filled hundreds of requests for the LVAD vest instructions. We hope that you were able to make your vest and are enjoying its benefits. 

My name is Hank Richmond. I received my LVAD on Friday the 13th of June, 2014.  I want to share with you the vest that my wife Patty made for me for my Heartmate II gear. I've been wearing them (I have had at least 10 in all) since September 2014. I needed something comfortable and balanced that would fit under my shirt. After some experiments, she came up with this one, see pictures. It's very comfortable, I forget I'm wearing it, and I can play golf in it! The wires are tucked away and protected too. Patty made a word document with pictures and instructions on how she made the vest. You can adapt it to your own size and desires. I would be happy to send the instructions to you, just send your request to the email above. We wish you a strong recovery with your LVAD.

Dear Friends, please don’t forget to scroll to the end to see all of the wonderful photos of how this legendary vest will blend into your body and give you comfort and independence. Hank could not say enough about how this vest changed his life.  It really did help him to recover and live a high quality of life.  Hank had his LVAD for five and a half years.  We traveled all over the US and five times to Europe during that time.  Hank passed away on December 6, 2019.  He had a stroke on December 4, passed very quickly and did not suffer.  Up to that day he lived life to the fullest, and so can you.  Please note that in 2017 Hank fell off a low ladder that he was advised not to use.  That led to his medical complications, so keep that in mind.  Please enjoy this wonderful vest, and enjoy your life, like Hank did.  Thanks,  Patty Richmond

Profile picture for user acura
Pat A.

Love what your wife made. My husband has the Heartmate 2 . It links like that's what you have. I would greatly appreciate the in structions. I do not have a printer . So, I can't give the instructions to a seamstress . I do not sew. I've tried to Dickie my ideas to someone, but not knowing about this equipment . They had no idea what I wanted. If you could mail me the directions . I would reimburse you for your time and trouble . Thank you, Patsy Ash 60 Lake Shore Dr. , North , Westford, Ma. 01886 God bless you and your family, happy New Year. Thanks again
Profile picture for user RichmondLVAD

In reply to by Pat A.

Henry R.

Dear Acura, I am so sorry that I have not responded to you. When I first posted the information about the vest on the My LVAD site, I had so much trouble with the site that I quit looking at it. As a result, I missed many requests for the vest instructions, including yours. I feel awful about this. Just today I received a request to my email address, and then discovered that the web site is much more friendly now. I hope you were able to figure out the style anyway, but I promise to email the instructions to you not later than July 21, 2017. We are out of town for a week, and then I will be back. Again, I am so sorry, and I hope this response finds you well. Hank and Patty Richmond
Profile picture for user RichmondLVAD

In reply to by Pat A.

Henry R.

Dear Patsy, I am so sorry for not replying to your request. If you would still like the instructions, I will mail them to you right away. I apoplogize again for not sending them, I was having trouble with the myLvad web site and gave up on it. I see now that it is easier to use. Let me know, and I will mail the instructions out right away. My email is hankpattyrichmond@sbcglobal.net
Profile picture for user Malingss
Martin M.

Hello my grandfather just had this same surgery done last year as well and your wifes creation really is wonderfull i would really like to get him one made here in az just like yours would you mind sharing how your wife made it my email is malingss@hotmail.com please and thank you
Profile picture for user RichmondLVAD

In reply to by Martin M.

Henry R.

I am so sorry that I have not responded to you. When I first posted the information about the vest on the My LVAD site, I had so much trouble with the site that I quit looking at it. As a result, I missed many requests for the vest instructions, including yours. I feel awful about this. Just today I received a request to my email address, and then discovered that the web site is much more friendly now. I hope you were able to figure out the style anyway, but I promise to email the instructions to you not later than July 21, 2017. We are out of town for a week, and then I will be back. Again, I am so sorry, and I hope this response finds you well. Hank and Patty Richmond
Profile picture for user Ladye54

In reply to by Henry R.

Elaine H.

I have a Heart mate 3 and don't want to go outside because the drive line and battery lines be hanging all over the place. I like the way your vest looks an DC would like to try and make one for myself. So that I can feel better about going outside and going for a walk. Please send me the instructions on how to make one to: hilliardelaine@yahoo.com

Profile picture for user randyman5775
Randy M.

Hi Hank, I'd appreciate a copy of the instructions to make this vest. My email is randyman5775@gmail.com. Thanks!
Profile picture for user RichmondLVAD

In reply to by Randy M.

Henry R.

Dear Randy, I am so sorry that I have not responded to you. When I first posted the information about the vest on the My LVAD site, I had so much trouble with the site that I quit looking at it. As a result, I missed many requests for the vest instructions, including yours. I feel awful about this. Just today I received a request to my email address, and then discovered that the web site is much more friendly now. I hope you were able to figure out the style anyway, but I promise to email the instructions to you not later than July 21, 2017. We are out of town for a week, and then I will be back. Again, I am so sorry, and I hope this response finds you well. Hank and Patty Richmond
Profile picture for user Myrna
Myrna P.

You can send the instuctions to myrna.partridge@gmail.com I would be thankful to make this for my husband. Looks great!!!
Profile picture for user RichmondLVAD

In reply to by Myrna P.

Henry R.

Dear Myrna, I am so sorry that I have not responded to you. When I first posted the information about the vest on the My LVAD site, I had so much trouble with the site that I quit looking at it. As a result, I missed many requests for the vest instructions, including yours. I feel awful about this. Just today I received a request to my email address, and then discovered that the web site is much more friendly now. I hope you were able to figure out the style anyway, but I promise to email the instructions to you not later than July 21, 2017. We are out of town for a week, and then I will be back. Again, I am so sorry, and I hope this response finds you well. Hank and Patty Richmond
Profile picture for user COLLEENH

In reply to by Myrna P.

colleen h.

Hi Myrna, I realize its 2022 but do you still have the vest instructions. I would really like to make one for my husband. 

Thank you,

Colleen 

colleen20@optonline.net

Profile picture for user Mbdayo
Mateo D.

That looks awesome. I have a Heartware and my cables aren't as long so they limit wearable options but I can modify these pics and send them to a seamstress
Profile picture for user RichmondLVAD

In reply to by Mateo D.

Henry R.

I am so sorry that I have not responded to you. When I first posted the information about the vest on the My LVAD site, I had so much trouble with the site that I quit looking at it. As a result, I missed many requests for the vest instructions, including yours. I feel awful about this. Just today I received a request to my email address, and then discovered that the web site is much more friendly now. I hope you were able to figure out the style anyway, but I promise to email the instructions to you not later than July 21, 2017. We are out of town for a week, and then I will be back. Again, I am so sorry, and I hope this response finds you well. Hank and Patty Richmond
Profile picture for user RichmondLVAD

In reply to by Mateo D.

Henry R.

I can send those instructions to you if you would still like them. I am really sorry that I did not respond sooner, I see that the myLvad site is easier to negotiate now. Send me your email, or email me at hankpattyrichmond@sbcglobal.net. Thanks, Patty and Hank Richmond
Profile picture for user Thomas Dircks
Thomas D.

Please have you or your wife send the instructions on the vest. I am a avid golfer but only have my Lvad since August so a looking for a goog vest and this one seems to answer my needs. Thank You Thomas M. Dircks Email is ( tmdircks@gmail.com )
Profile picture for user RichmondLVAD

In reply to by Thomas D.

Henry R.

Hi Thomas, I am so sorry that I have not responded to you. When I first posted the information about the vest on the My LVAD site, I had so much trouble with the site that I quit looking at it. As a result, I missed many requests for the vest instructions, including yours. I feel awful about this. Just today I received a request to my email address, and then discovered that the web site is much more friendly now. I hope you were able to figure out the style anyway, but I promise to email the instructions to you not later than July 21, 2017. We are out of town for a week, and then I will be back. Again, I am so sorry, and I hope this response finds you well. Hank and Patty Richmond
Profile picture for user Anonymous
Anonymous

Hi - Please send me the pattern for the LVAD vest shown. It looks very comfortable. My email address is sandi67@hvc.rr.com. Thanks.
Profile picture for user RichmondLVAD

In reply to by Anonymous

Henry R.

Dear sandi67, I am so sorry that I have not responded to you. When I first posted the information about the vest on the My LVAD site, I had so much trouble with the site that I quit looking at it. As a result, I missed many requests for the vest instructions, including yours. I feel awful about this. Just today I received a request to my email address, and then discovered that the web site is much more friendly now. I hope you were able to figure out the style anyway, but I promise to email the instructions to you not later than July 21, 2017. We are out of town for a week, and then I will be back. Again, I am so sorry, and I hope this response finds you well. Hank and Patty Richmond
Profile picture for user memerson2000@gmail.com

In reply to by Henry R.

Mary E.

My husband got LVAD/RVAD for Giant Cell myocarditis--so he's got two controllers, four sets of batteries to lug around. I don't even know where to start.
Profile picture for user MikeJoyLVAD
Michael Y.

Hi Hank, My husband Mike has an LVAD HeartMate II and we have been trying to figure out a more comfortable way for him to carry around the batteries and controller. He is an avid fisherman and also used to golf but thought he would have to give up that pastime, but your post has given us new hope! Your vest looks like a very interesting option! Can you please email the instructions to me? I can sew and give it a try. Our email is myankjoy@comcast.net Thanks so much! Joy and Mike
Profile picture for user RichmondLVAD

In reply to by Michael Y.

Henry R.

Dear Joy and MIke, I am so sorry that I have not responded to you. When I first posted the information about the vest on the My LVAD site, I had so much trouble with the site that I quit looking at it. As a result, I missed many requests for the vest instructions, including yours. I feel awful about this. Just today I received a request to my email address, and then discovered that the web site is much more friendly now. I hope you were able to figure out the style anyway, but I promise to email the instructions to you not later than July 21, 2017. We are out of town for a week, and then I will be back. Again, I am so sorry, and I hope this response finds you well. Hank and Patty Richmond
Profile picture for user Lawnman
Chris G.

I would love the instructions on how to make the vest. My email is genkinger336@bellsouth.net. I just received my lvad this month. Thank you
Profile picture for user RichmondLVAD

In reply to by Chris G.

Henry R.

Hi Lawnman/Chris, I got your request through an email from My LVAD and have responded to it. I will be delighted to send the instructions next week. Take care, and have a good recovery. Hank and Patty Richmond
Profile picture for user RichmondLVAD
Henry R.

Hi Everyone, I am so sorry that I have not sent the instructions to everyone who has asked. I feel awful about this. I had trouble with this web site in the past, logging on and so forth, so I quit looking at it. I just received an email from the last request, in July of 2017. Looking again at the site, I see that it is much more friendly now. Please forgive me, I will send out the instructions to everyone listed here and will do so not later than July 21, 2017. Hank and I are in San Francisco for a week, and the instructions are back home on our laptop. Once again, I apologize for not answering. I bet some of you figured out the design from the pictures, it is pretty easy. God Bless you all. Thanks, and Sorry!!! Patty Richmond
Profile picture for user RichmondLVAD
Henry R.

I are so sorry for not sending out the instructions in the past. We had a hard time loading our first comment with the pictures and all, and then it was difficult to log on and find our stuff. As a result, I stopped looking at it. That was over two years ago!! A lucky email brought me back to the site, which is working much better these days -- or maybe I am working much better these days, both may be the case. I hope that all of you who wrote are doing well. I am doing very well at age 70, and am very grateful for my LVAD for all that I have learned since receiving it. We send our best to all of you. Hank and Patty Richmond
Profile picture for user pschmaltz
Phil S.

Hi Hank, When you have time, can you send me that file with the instructions for the LVAD Vest? My mom would like to try making it. You can send it to the address below: prdfy@bis.midco.net Thanks
Profile picture for user pschmaltz
Phil S.

Hi Hank, When you have time, can you please send me the instructions for the LVAD vest? My mom would to try making it for hers. You can send it to the address below: philmcp1@bis.midco.net Thanks,
Profile picture for user marilynpointer@aol.com
marilyn P.

I received my LVAD April 12 of this year and have been using the holster that came with the Heartmate III. It is not comfortable; shoulders and back become very tired. I would like to try to make a vest if I could have your instructions. Thank you. Marilyn
Profile picture for user marilynpointer@aol.com
marilyn P.

I received my LVAD April 12 of this year and have been using the holster that came with the Heartmate III. It is not comfortable; shoulders and back become very tired. I would like to try to make a vest if I could have your instructions. Thank you. Marilyn
Profile picture for user donnab1944@aol.com
JOHN B.

WOULD LOVE TO HAVE THE INSTRUCTIONS - THANK YOU! donnab1944@aol.com
Profile picture for user marilynpointer@aol.com
marilyn P.

Dear Hank, I would appreciate it if you would email me the instructions for your lvad vest. I haven't been successful in finding something comfortable to hold the batteries and controller. Received my lvad Apr 12 this year. Thank you for your help. Marilyn
Profile picture for user RichmondLVAD

In reply to by marilyn P.

Henry R.

Hi Marilyn, please email me your email address to hankpattyrichmond@sbcglobal.net, so I can send you the instructions. Thanks, Hank Richmond
Profile picture for user RichmondLVAD

In reply to by marilyn P.

Henry R.

Hi Marilyn, I found your email address afterall, and have sent the instructions. Sorry for the delay. Hank Richmond
Profile picture for user samantha2007

In reply to by marilyn P.

Coleen E.

Marilyn, I saw your post to Hank on the mylvad site re instructions to make an LVAD vest. I had my LVAD since April 30, 2018. I, too, found the holster way to uncomfortable to wear for long - oh my aching neck & shoulders! I bought some womens' concealed carry shirts on Amazon and they are SO much more comfortable. The batteries go in the "holster" on each side and the controller goes around my waist using the strap that came with it, altho it irritates my drive line if I wear it around my waist too long. So sometimes I will hang it over the one battery when I'm at home. It looks goofy, but it works for me. Feel free to contact me if you want to talk. Coleen E

Profile picture for user nurseacw
Anne W.

I also would love instructions for the vest - thanks nurseacw@aol.com Arthur Williams
Profile picture for user Terik
Teri K.

Hi Hank My husband is to receive the LVAD in about 3 weeks. I'm very interested in the vest pattern your wife designed. I would be most grateful if you could email me the instructions. Thanks to you and your wife Terikarrer@gmail.com
Profile picture for user Terik
Teri K.

Hi Hank My husband is to receive the LVAD in about 3 weeks. Could you please send me the instructions for the vest? Thank you very much Terikarrer@gmail.com
Profile picture for user Anonymous

In reply to by Agnieszka S.

Anonymous

I have a problem with LVAD shirts where the controller is separate on a belt.  It makes it difficult when sitting in seats with arms, or even in car seats.  Can you add a pocket for the controller on the shirt?

Profile picture for user Vincent8
Vincent G.

My son has had his Heartmate II since April. He's 6 foot and only weights 130 pounds. Your vest looks bulky and the straps look like they'd be uncomfortable. We did buy a LVAD shirt but he didn't like it because the batteries by his body made him feel too hot. Do you have something in your instructions that keep the heat down? If so, please send the instructions.
Profile picture for user RichmondLVAD
Henry R.

Hi, I will be glad to send you the instructions, please send your request to my email at hankpattyrichmond@sbcglobal.net and I will email them to you. Enjoy!
Profile picture for user Mariza
Mariza M.

Hi, I am from Brazil and I’ve been using a Heartmate II since August 2015. It seems to be ok now, but I had several episodes of gastrointestinal bleeding due to the varfarin treatment. Any way, this post concerns the LVAD vest. A colleague followed at the same hospital than me (Hospital Procardiaco), in Rio de Janeiro, addapted a photograph jacket adding two internal pockets to put the batteries and we also use the belt for the controller and it works quite well to have an almost normal life. I use it all they long. If someone is intersted I can post the photos. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year for the LVAD users and their families and caregivers.
Profile picture for user RichmondLVAD
Henry R.

Hi, your vest arrangement sounds great. I wish you all the best. Hank