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Joe M. Recipient

HeartMate III Mens Clothing

I received a HeartMate III LVAD on 1/25/19. I have been home from the hospital for 5 days and I am using a Thoratec vest that was given to me at the hospital.I am ready to order mens clothing to accommodate my LVAD and would appreciate some advice. The batteries are now hanging on my side and the system controller is hanging around my neck. It is cumbersome and uncomfortable. I am looking for clothing recommendations that will be more comfortable. I like loose fitting tops/shirts. In looking at the LVAD clothing site, I am a bit confused on how best to order. Any suggestions on shirts/vests that will hold the batteries and drive line comfortably would be greatly appreciated. 

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Ken L.

Try Olympian fishing jacket from Amazon. Pockets all in the right place. 

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In reply to by Ken L.

Juanita P.

I find that most of clothing and equipment for the LVAD are more designed for men.  Not quite sure with the stats but are there more men with an LVAD than Women?  Had to be a male that designed the clothing.  

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In reply to by bill g.

Anonymous

   It's  called Fishing outdoor vest  that 's how they are listed. Make sure they have four inside pockets.  They have two types 1 is cotton and 2nd one is called a poplin is made of 65% polyester and 35% cotton. You shouldn't have any trouble finding it. Take care and Peace be with you. 

 

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In reply to by Anonymous

MITCHELL S.

Google medi-materials.  They sell an LVAD vest that all the equipment fits in, and all of is completely underneath the vest. I have one, nice breathable lightweight fabric. Look at the pics, everything i,your drive line,is protected it can get snagged because it's under your vest and shirt

 

https://medi-materials.com/product/lvad-vest/

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Larry B.

There are tons of clothing options out there for you.

if you want inexpensive vests use amazon.com Here’s a link to one that I have multiple ones of https://www.amazon.com/Eidlvais-Multi-Pockets-Outdoors-Travels-Sports/dp/B01ESLJS0O/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=Multi+pocket+travel+vests&qid=1552335756&s=gateway&sr=8-5

Do a search on amazon for “multi pocket travel vests”. Most of these have large inside posters that will hold your batteries and smaller ones for the controller.

my daily go to clothing are cargo shorts/pants. Put my batteries in pant/short front pockets and controller in front cargo pocket. I use velcro ties to tie the cords together and then loop it through my belt loop to secure. Pull my shirt down and it only leaves about 4” of cords that can get caught on anything.

if you have a reason to get dressed up and don’t want to cut your clothes up to accommodate your cords there is a fix for that. It’s called a football girdle. I use the Under Armour 6 pad football girdle. Wear it inside out. Batteries go in ea of the thigh pad pockets and controller goes in the hip pad pocket. You wear it inside out because it’s easier to get the equipment in and out. Put your shorts or pants on and you are good to go. All your cords are out of sight and nothing to get caught on. This is what I use to play golf in. Works perfect.

ive found all the shirts they advertise to be a little lame. When you pull a shirt on over them you look like The Hulk! Good luck

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Yolanda M.

My son is 33 we order tactical shirt is what police officers wear

the batteries are held by the side pockets where the hand guns are usually held, then I see a pocket in front to hold the device.

 

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In reply to by RODNEY B.

Anonymous

Go to ETSY LVAD shirts and look.  Fran Tubiola has shirts with "holsters" for the batteries and a pouch in the front for the controller.   $75.00

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Diana K.

We use

web page www.lvadgear.com

Brett (owner)#715.577.3995

My last communication Brett inquired if i was a patient as he was looking for ladies to review his clothes. U might consider reaching out to him.

Email lvadgear@live.com 

Ps my husband has the m/l sleeping belt and the backpack (his waist size is 32 inches) hope this helps. Take a look at his gear its great. If u have questions reach out he is great n will respond. Oh ya ...he has an LVAD TOO.

Best of luck

D.Kuykendall

diane55@aol.com 

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Myriam T.

My wife has purchased Nike Jackets at Kohls for $20.00 dollars. Theycome with pockets on the inside and she has added an additional one for the driveline. They look great and are very comfortable. She also purchase a small backpack at Walmart and carries her bagtteries and driveline on  a backpack and aor also a sa small womans purse. She looks fashionable and chic all the time. Has had her LVAD ll for almost 7 years.

 

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In reply to by Myriam T.

Mariza M.

Hi

I also used to wear nice vests with pockets inside to put the batteries. Now I bougth an LVADshirt that is very practical as the batteries are placed in the lateral and this avoid back pain. Over the LVADshirt I wear a kind of an addapted homemade Blazers or coats. 

Mariza

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In reply to by Myriam T.

Mariza M.

Hi

I also used to wear nice vests with pockets inside to put the batteries. Now I bougth an LVADshirt that is very practical as the batteries are placed in the lateral and this avoid back pain. Over the LVADshirt I wear a kind of an addapted homemade Blazers or coats. 

Mariza

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In reply to by Mariza M.

Cherie C.

I was wondering what shirt you were using? Also what do I use for sleeping? I find I wake up with the cords under me. Thanks.

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In reply to by Cherie C.

John S.

The Freedom UnderVest was designed for LVADers to be able to sleep with their equipment without worrying about their wires and driveline getting tangled or damaged, or pulling at the driveline wound site.  Take a look at it at www.medi-materials.com.

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Myriam T.

My wife has purchased Nike Jackets at Kohls for $20.00 dollars. They come with pockets on the inside and she has added an additional one for the driveline. They look great and are very comfortable. She also purchase a small backpack at Walmart and carries her batteries and driveline on  a backpack and also wears a small woman"s purse. She looks fashionable and chic all the time. Has had her LVAD ll for almost 7 years.

 

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Erin P.

My dad had loops on his belt that the batteries would sit in. He also had another pocket that slid on the belt to hold the controller. 

I also had found that they sell consealed weapon shirts work well too. They have pockets on each side to hold the batteries. 

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In reply to by Erin P.

Bonnie S.

Hi! I make LVAD Vests. Custom Design and made to order. I am a wife/caregiver of a LVAD patient.

BosLVADVests.Etsy.com

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Kelly R.

My boyfriend uses the tactical under shirts he received at the hospital when he left.  We ordered more and altered them a little by adding a slit in the side where the drive line is.  He tucks his shirts in and without the slit it pulls on the cord.

Also, we purchased a backpack that he carries and it holds his batteries as well as the controller. He is a baseball coach and everything is safely on his back, it's easy to carry, and no one really mentions the fact that he has the pack. (he is very self-conscious and is still getting used to all of it.)  We just looked up LVAD clothes and LVAD accessories on Amazon.

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In reply to by Kelly R.

Juanita P.

Yes I do understand, I am very conscious of it too.  I also bought a backpack, paid $127 for it....not worth that price, but I guess they have you going.  Or i'll buy a backpack and take down to the dry cleaners/alterations and they put velcro or a zipper on for me.  

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In reply to by Kelly R.

Amy K.

my husband has 3 of the shirts and they work very well. Definitely buy a size or two larger. After 8 months I wish I could say he’s use to the weight of everything. He has the heartmate 3

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In reply to by Kelly R.

Wendygail F.

The LVAD shirts are expensive but very very good. They distribute the weight of everything they can be used as undershirts and no knows you have a LVAD ...I am not sure what size your boy friend is but I have several LVAD Heartmate 3 shirts slightly worn in XL they are made of a wick away material and fit like a Large (the black ones) I also have a different style white ones slightly roomier....if interested drop me a line at redfox2755@aol.com     I am in Pennsylvania and if I can find a seriously in need person for them they are for free....thats over 500.00 worth of shirts that really work in need of someone who really needs them.

wendygail f

 

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In reply to by Wendygail F.

Mariza M.

Does anyone have any information about COVID-19 in LVAD recipients?

Mariza

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In reply to by Wendygail F.

Mariza M.

Does anyone have any information about COVID-19 in LVAD recipients?

Mariza

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In reply to by Wendygail F.

Mariza M.

Does anyone have any information about COVID-19 in LVAD recipients?

Mariza

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Joanne W.

undertechundercover,com ….mens concealment carry shirts v neck 3 pak  shirts. 3/ $129.99  ..   41115-White.....  large. Both sides fit the heartmate 3 after you take out a tiny bit of curved stitching, on both sides. They have worked the best for us.  we purchase 6. and they hold up well for about 2 years.   My son wears his controller on his belt. another shirt over the top.  the prices on the medical  shirts are outrageous.  Hope it will help you .  

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Todd J.

It really depends on your body type what's good to wear to carry your equipment in. I'm 5'11" 240lbs so the conceal shirts look bulky on me. I've chosen when I'm at home to wear many pocketed vest. However in public, I've purchased cargo shorts which holds the batteries and a  5 inch Velcro waist band that holds my controller, which I wear under my pants. What I do is buy a larger waist size as to make the pants look less bulky. Your best bet is to find what works best for you.

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Jeannie S.

My husband had the Heartmate 2 LVAD in March 2016.  I have the equipment that goes with this such as batteries, charger, etc that I would like to give to someone that can use them.  If interested just send me a message.

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In reply to by Jeannie S.

Gene C.

I suggest that the batteries NOT be sent. Reason: if they are 3 years old, or older, they could FAIL immediately at any time. I was told this by my team. Check with yours.

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In reply to by Jeannie S.

Gene C.

I suggest that the batteries NOT be sent. Reason: if they are 3 years old, or older, they could FAIL immediately at any time. I was told this by my team. Check with yours.

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Chris H.

Light weight vest with patent pending pocket system for Heartmate 2 & 3.

Http://www.VADLiving.com

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Anonymous

If you go to www.etsy.com and look up LVAD Tee shirts, Frances Tubiola's entry   https://www.etsy.com/people/francestubiola?  Fran will alter the Tee shirts to your wishes, so for instance, I had her raise the controller pouch so it wasn't over my driveline; I had her put it at an angle so the controller wouldn't slide out on its own, and leave off the velcro.  Since I am shorter than her 80 year old husband, I had her raise the battery pouches under the arms so I could wear a dress shirt over the Tee shirt.

I have tried I don't know how many vests and other shirts and this is the best.  The only better garment is the pattern that Patty gives out free, but you can't wear that "vest" in warm weather.

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Anonymous

If you go to www.etsy.com and look up LVAD Tee shirts, Frances Tubiola's entry   https://www.etsy.com/people/francestubiola?  Fran will alter the Tee shirts to your wishes, so for instance, I had her raise the controller pouch so it wasn't over my driveline; I had her put it at an angle so the controller wouldn't slide out on its own, and leave off the velcro.  Since I am shorter than her 80 year old husband, I had her raise the battery pouches under the arms so I could wear a dress shirt over the Tee shirt.

I have tried I don't know how many vests and other shirts and this is the best.  The only better garment is the pattern that Patty gives out free, but you can't wear that "vest" in warm weather.

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Chris H.

I Wear the VAD Wear™️ Vest by C-MED Innovations LLC. It’s lightweight, comfortable and easy to clean. The specialized pockets were created to hold HeartMate 2 & 3 batteries and controller. You can check your batteries and view functions without removing them from the pockets. It hides my lines  and is so easy to use! Also the outside has 8 pockets. Not bulky. Clean lines.

You can find them online at:

www.vadwearvests.com

VADWear™️ Vest by C-MED Innovations
Great new VAD Wear™️ vest!

 

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In reply to by Chris H.

Juanita P.

That looks like a nice vest; however, again model was a male and manly design.  Do they have anything to support a more female look??

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In reply to by Juanita P.

Chris H.

Great new Autumn line of LVAD vests for women on VAD Wear. 

www.vadwearvests.com

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Anonymous

I use Etsy shirts by Fran Tubuilo (sp) for a HM 2. They are the best I have found 

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Anonymous

I use Etsy shirts by Fran Tubuilo (sp) for a HM 2. They are the best I have found 

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Tom M.

I wear both the shirt and the vest depending on what outer clothes I wear or activity planned for the day.  I just purchased the VAD Wear™️ Vest by C-MED Innovations LLC. It’s lightweight, comfortable and easy to clean as commented in an earlier response.  I can play golf easily with it.  I also like the Etsy shirts by Fran Tubuilo.  They are also light and comfortable but I typically wear a shirt over it to hide the wires.  Very good for the colder months.  Try and find what works best for you.

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Juanita P.

I've seen individuals talk about purses that carry batteries and controller...I haven't found one yet that fit all three...Or they were not supportive enough and put a great deal of strain on shoulder and neck.  I have probably 50 bags...some cheap, some expensive...Help!! 

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In reply to by Juanita P.

Mariza M.

Are you talking about the backup batteries and controllers? If yes,  I use a regular backpack.For the ones connected to the heartmate system, I am using a LVADshirt to fit the batteries and the belt for the controller. Over that a kind of blouse. This shirt is very comfortable as the batteries are placed on the sides, distributing their weight. 

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In reply to by Juanita P.

Debra K.

I've tried it all for carrying my LVAD equipment. I prefer my cross body purse. I found it at Walmart. I test them by fitting my batteries and controller into it at the store. I like the ones with zipper pockets on the outside for my phone and little accessories that I need. 

 

Deb k

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In reply to by Debra K.

Robin K.

I use Vera Bradley triple zip crossbody for my LVAD equipment.  Most come with the nylon zippers not metal.  All the nurses and docs were amazed.  No ugly man bags for me.

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Juanita P.

I've seen individuals talk about purses that carry batteries and controller...I haven't found one yet that fit all three...Or they were not supportive enough and put a great deal of strain on shoulder and neck.  I have probably 50 bags...some cheap, some expensive...Help!! 

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Bob S.

My wife Sue has a Heartmate 3...We have experienced complete success  with the Wildkin adult lunch bags....they have 2 compartments (upper and lower) are insulated....they have double zippers....come in a variety of colors...she currently has 6 bags to match with all her clothes.  They are quite functional...all the equipment fits in the lower compartment...batteries and controller...and the upper compartment is great for regular purse items (makeup, identification, note paper & pen etc) plus they have an adjustable strap!