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jeff n. Recipient

jeff n

the best clothing option I've found at lvadvests.com...I got my lvad 11/7/19...the batteries hang on the side, under arms and has two pockets in front for left or right line...I actually put my controller in my left front pants pocket and I have a right line...the other shirt I've found is at lvadshirt.com.. they also hang under arm but doesn't have pocket for controller so my pants pocket works just fine...these both come from overseas and have purchased 4 shirts at different times and no problem at all...

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Mariza M.

Hi,

I have been using the lvadshirt (from lvadshirt.com) for a while. It is very comfortable, including in a hot country, like Brazil. I always put on a vest, jacket or blouse to disguise the volume of the batteries and belt/controller and it works quite well. I recommend it.

Mariza

 

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Susanna B.

Hi Jeff,

hubby has his Heart Mate II since July 15 ; we first tried the equipment from Thoratec, but everything is so stiff and scratchy. The bag drags on the neck like mad. LVAD shirts aka the holster ones place the batteries too high and too much under the arms and one would just need some green paint to imperson Hulk perfectly ;-)). Since then we are constantly on the search for something comfy and lightweight. Fishing vests are fab, some have a zippable net in the back, which makes them even better on hot summer days. We recently discovered the AlomejorFly Fishing vest on Amazon, which simply is two large pockets in front and a strap back. Straps are velcro and can be adjusted. That thing comes from China and costs a merely 21US$. Very comfy, can be worn over and under garments or alone, when it´s bathing time. We ripped off the front pockets and use the inner net pockets for the batteries. The controler slips into a stretchy Flip belt, which holds it safe even during sleep. 

Best of luck and greetings from Germany

Susanna + Heinrich

P.S. I am not affiliated to any of the mentioned garments above.

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In reply to by Susanna B.

Larry B.

The absolute best clothing I have found is also the simplest. My cargo shorts and cargo pants for the fall/winter. Works perfect. A battery in each shorts pocket and the controller in the cargo pocket. I tie the cords together with a Velcro tie and secure to a belt loop on the shorts. Pull my shirt down and I’ve probably got four inches of cords exposed! Minimal amount that has never caught on anything in the 3 yrs I’ve had my HM3.

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In reply to by Larry B.

Debra K.

I'm so glad you've found what works for you. However, as a woman, I'm finding it very frustrating. Tried EVERYTHING short of making it myself.  Bout ready to do it. Backpacks,  purses, shirts, fannypacks....alas I'm still searching. 

✌🐝

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In reply to by Debra K.

Mariza M.

Lvadshirt and different models of coats or large blouses work quite properly. 

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Chris H.

For anyone in the Tampa Bay FL Area there is a meeting at Tampa General Hospital for the Beat After Beat group this Friday, August 9th. Starts at noon. Find them on Facebook. Please RSVP. It is Great resource for both LVAD recipients and their care givers to learn, meet others and enjoy the day. Beautiful location.

Also, VAD Wear™️ Vests will be available there. They will have some great new products, their new Fall line, caregiver gifts,  discounts and a giveaway!

VAD Wear™️ is the most comfortable vest I own. vadwearvests.com

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In reply to by Chris H.

Debra K.

Thank you Jeff..I've tried a vest as well. Again it was a no go. I adore the Tampa area. However,  I live in Illinois 🌞I'm sure I'll think of something that doesn't hang on my shoulders, neck, knees or back. I have osteoarthritis as well as joints that no Orthopaedic surgeon will attempt due to my lvad.

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In reply to by Debra K.

Sharon P.

I'm with you Debra, I haven't found anything that is comfortable. I do have one of the short sleeve tee shirts which holds the batteries and that is fine for around the house. I created a fanny pack out of some gear which came with all sorts of other stuff and it works okay but I have a hard time holding my pants up and it gets bulky after a while. We need a female designer who has an LVAD.

 

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Larry B.

While I use my six pad football girdle for dress up, there is no reason it can’t be used daily by anyone. I use it turned inside out. Put a battery in each of the thigh pad pockets and the controller in a hip pad pocket. Works perfect. I use it for dress pants when needed and you cannot even tell m wearing anything and I don’t have to worry about cords. For women it looks great underneath a skirt or dress. I also use it occasionally to play gold in. No problem with getting cords snagged. I wear it inside out for ease in getting the batteries and controller in and out. While it’s not perfect, it’s fairly inexpensive and does work.

This is the one I use but there are others. https://www.amazon.com/Under-Armour-6-Pad-Football-Girdle/dp/B00GRAJDUA/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=Six+pad+football+girdle&qid=1565622471&s=gateway&sr=8-3

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In reply to by Larry B.

Lisa J.

Hello Larry, 

If it was you that found the football pants as a solution great job!  They have been the best solution for me to have the ability to wear my batteries instead of carrying them.   I just bought a second pair  

Other LVAD ladies:  I have tried to design a shirt to wear wear.  The best so far has been the football pants and a tunic dress.  It Has been the most comfortable and concealed.  I wish we could share pictures  on here.

Lisa