Profile picture for user joemanuola
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. 

Profile picture for user Gene Clements

In reply to by Bob S.

Gene C.

Please check with your LVAD team regarding the insulated compartments. Excessive HEAT is not a good thing for your equipment.

Profile picture for user Gene Clements

In reply to by Bob S.

Gene C.

Please check with your LVAD team regarding the insulated compartments. Excessive HEAT is not a good thing for your equipment.

Profile picture for user bobshill

In reply to by Gene C.

Bob S.

Our LVAD Team  is excited about our research on a suitable bag for use with the Heartmate 3.  We have been using the Wildkin Adult Lunch Bags for  a year now.  We have not experienced any problems.

Profile picture for user Ivan McCarthy

In reply to by Bob S.

Ivan M.

I designed my own bag that fits nicely on my back. I modified my clothing by putting a zip on the side. The cable exits under my armpit. 
I play tennis very comfortably, cycle and walk.

I find it marvellous.

I have sent a prototype of the bag to be manufactured and when I receive it back I will post details

Profile picture for user Dayle

In reply to by Ivan M.

Dayle W.

Ivan:  Im 5 weeks out of surgery.  Im interested  in what you produce.  Please let me know when you are ready to go.

Merry Christmas

Dayle Wright

 

w

Profile picture for user lakefrt@hotmail.com

In reply to by Dayle W.

Ross S.

Dayle. The shirt I designed for golfing but found several different people use it for different active activities. Check it out at sewnforyoumn.com. There is a section with pictures. We will measure it to your specs. Call myself (Ross) or Laura with any questions. Hope it works as well for you as it does for me. 

Profile picture for user yolanda-1
Yolanda M.

   My son get these holster 

shirts from tactical gear. It’s a 

police shirt with pockets on side 

to hold guns but you put your batteries in them and I see a little pocket in front to hold machine. Also look up LVAD shirts on the web they gave numerous places now to purchase them.

hope this helps ♥️♥️

Profile picture for user yolanda-1
Yolanda M.

google LVAD shirts to buy

this will bring up a lot of companies. We get ours from

tactical gear. Police shirt

Profile picture for user

In reply to by Yolanda M.

Anonymous

If you go on Etsy to LVAD shirts for $75.00 you can get shirts from Fran Tubiola the best shirts I have found.

Profile picture for user Mschris64
Christine L.

I agree with Robin K.  Cross-body Vera Bradley purse are the best!  They are nicely padded, sturdy and attractive.  The one I use the most has multiple pockets so that I can put my phone, pen, and other essentials in it.

Profile picture for user debrakasson@gmail.com

In reply to by Christine L.

Debra K.

Hey Christine,

I'm LVAD04/01/2016. Hope I'm finding you well. I've tried all the above and found my crossbody is the winner. I've gone back to Unionbay leather purse. However, nothing will help with pain in back neck shoulder etc... from weight of batteries😟  Stay safe dear.

Na zdrowie ✌

Profile picture for user redfox2755

In reply to by Debra K.

Wendygail F.

I have LVAD 3 shirts....XL black and XL white some are new never used and the others used for a while

they really do the trick in keeping the battery weight off your neck and shoulders also the controller fits neatly in a center pocket.

They are sold on line and way to pricey .....Im not looking to sell them Im looking for someone who seriously wants that size and will wear them ....when they were used its like no pain from the weight and it keeps all your batteries and controller snug safely....and you can wear them as under shirts hiding all the wires and gear.

Not sure if this would help you but if I were you I would definitely try if they would fit you.

If you are serious and would like to try the shirt reach me at redfox2755@aol.com

wendygail 

Profile picture for user kath3970

In reply to by Wendygail F.

Kathleen N.

Are these still available..  are they mens or womans interested if mens hubby just got lvad 11/9/21

Email me at....

Kath3970_2003@yahoo.com

 

Profile picture for user jdneppl
jeff n.

check out lvadvests.com...best piece of clothing I've found..It's actually a shirt where the batteries are on the side under your arm and 2 extra pockets in front for controller right or left..I bought a large and I'm 200 lbs because I like the shirt to fit snug..

Profile picture for user LvadVestLady
Bianca B.

I'm a seamstress and have been selling vests to accommodate the batteries and controller for HeartMate patients. I just wanted to let you know that I found some fabric that might interest some ladies, it's black lace on 1 side and backed with sturdy denim which will work with inside pockets to hold batteries and controller. Let me know if you need any help with custom design clothing, I live to serve.

Image of black lace fabric

Profile picture for user shortstp78

In reply to by Bianca B.

Juanita P.

That sounds very nice with lace and denim.  Please have my personal email, I would love to see them...shortstp78@yahoo.com.

 

Thank you, Juanita. 

Profile picture for user bobw
Bob W.

Lvad gear.com has a really great under shirt 

which has pockets for batteries and computer,  wearing it makes you feel human again. Made in usa

Profile picture for user Mariza
Mariza M.

I’ve been using the lvadshirt, with the batteries placed laterally and the the controller is placed in the belt. Over that I wear a vest or a jacket. It’s very comfortable and solve the problem of the back pain caused by the bag. Moreover, it seems to be safer, as everything is closer to the body, reducing the risk of driveline traction and infection

Profile picture for user shortstp78

In reply to by Mariza M.

Juanita P.

I can't vision that, would need to see a pic....Right now I'm having a tough time, been having a tough time with LVAD psychologically.  I have been alone for the last 3 years since I received it. I am very healthy, strong, and outside of the weak heart due to myopathy...nothing is wrong.  I'm on two heart meds, one baby dose of coreg and coumadin...The rest are vitamins.  I'm alone, lonely, angry, and tired of battery operated and switching to night gear.  Sleeping with one eye open at night and dragging a 20 foot line, just doesn't feel appealing to me anymore...and that beautiful driveline through the stomach.  It never did,  but for now, reaching my THIRD YEAR WITH THE LVAD, i've had enough.  I go to the gym weekly, usually several miles a week, wearing clothes would never think of wearing and had to retire from a job i literally loved with all my heart.  I was told this was a bridge to transplant three years ago; however, when the hospital ran up a l,000,000.00 dollar tab of testing, they advised antibodies were too high. They knew that at the beginning... So after 8 months took me off the list...WOW...,now I'm a DT at 59 years old...I don't buy it...and have been doing research with having it disconnected...Cathed off.  If your with someone that loves you beautiful, but being alone...well is a another story.  I spend more money and time dealing with this, then I do working around my home.  A full time job if you will.  Calling for dressings, INR levels, trips to the lab, out of state Dr's...tolls, parking charges, its all there and each and everyone of you know this.  I've spent needless amount of $$ through the 3 years for LVAD gear to go and buy a simple backpack and have extra zipper put in to go to the gym.  Horrible, and so sorry my attitude is horrible right now.  But it is what it is.  My doctor advised me last week, that the totally internal LVAD is being tested now here in the US...and we are three years off from implantation.  WOW i'm excited 6 years with an LVAD...lol. Not. What a crock.  

Profile picture for user debrakasson@gmail.com

In reply to by Juanita P.

Debra K.

Hey Juanita P.. 

I'm Deb K. I'm 61 yrs old. I've been disabled since getting fired in 2007 for being unhealthy! Lol...yeah, how bout that. Bet you can feel me✌

Wow, your life sounds just like mine only ... you are a healthier me and younger. But the same in alotta ways. I've had my lovely lvad since April fools day 2016. Heartmate II and leash.

Don't really need to repeat your story....mines the fucking same. From never getting on a list to... oh, we told you from the beginning that you were NEVER getting a heart!! Fuck off vad team... that's news to me! Yeah found that out a year ago. Thought about finally giving up. If I didn't have my man, I would have gave up during the first year. Like you Juanita, I've never named it...come to love it! Hell no!!! If ya wanna talk... I'm here✌🐝

Deb K 

Profile picture for user redfox2755

In reply to by Juanita P.

Wendygail F.

Don't be sorry ....my husband had the speech and all the big hyped up talk of this LVAD 3.....we were talked to like is was the greatest thing and that it only came with a few draw backs such as ....dressings and a few dr appointments extra.

They did not tell a lot like by accepting the LVAD you basically are married to the Lvad team...they do not like

consulting specialists...they have a nurse practitioner who runs the clinic who ...basically controls you like a puppet not to mention we were on the surgical schedule and off for several days...on and off blood thinners.

and we mentioned this as a risk and it was down played...told strokes were rare. Well that was not true

my husband had a major stroke...from then on it was treatment of the worst kind...he was not their poster child of success...he was now disabled and had a LVAD 3. He finally after so many mistreatments said if he had known what he should of been told he never would of had it. Especially since his stroke when he was sick they would not let him see specialists but would say only they treat the LVAD patients. I could give you many spine chilling stories but its not worth it until the LVAD doctors and nurses are corrected in how they leave out info and surprise you with other info...leaving you sick. 

I am sure being alone is hard...having all this gear and lifestyle change is the pits I can only say ...educate yourself on their limitations...if you were on a list and "they" took you off Id be looking to hold them responsible for false hope and making a choice that should be yours to make.

Today I am alone....he is gone....unnecessarily his treatment by the LVAD team...and the heart unit...weighed heavy on his not being given a specialist and shipped out too soon very sick...less the 30 hours later he was rushed back to the ER with the same but worse reason and I finally had to say STOP let him go in peace to our heavenly home.

My word to LVADers......keep going you can make it even alone but always be your own judge on what treatment you need....and above all else when you need a specialist for other then cardiology ....dont ask permission from the LVAD team...go to a specialist!

 

Good luck...and stop being so hard on yourself

Profile picture for user shortstp78

In reply to by Mariza M.

Juanita P.

I can't vision that, would need to see a pic....Right now I'm having a tough time, been having a tough time with LVAD psychologically.  I have been alone for the last 3 years since I received it. I am very healthy, strong, and outside of the weak heart due to myopathy...nothing is wrong.  I'm on two heart meds, one baby dose of coreg and coumadin...The rest are vitamins.  I'm alone, lonely, angry, and tired of battery operated and switching to night gear.  Sleeping with one eye open at night and dragging a 20 foot line, just doesn't feel appealing to me anymore...and that beautiful driveline through the stomach.  It never did,  but for now, reaching my THIRD YEAR WITH THE LVAD, i've had enough.  I go to the gym weekly, usually several miles a week, wearing clothes would never think of wearing and had to retire from a job i literally loved with all my heart.  I was told this was a bridge to transplant three years ago; however, when the hospital ran up a l,000,000.00 dollar tab of testing, they advised antibodies were too high. They knew that at the beginning... So after 8 months took me off the list...WOW...,now I'm a DT at 59 years old...I don't buy it...and have been doing research with having it disconnected...Cathed off.  If your with someone that loves you beautiful, but being alone...well is a another story.  I spend more money and time dealing with this, then I do working around my home.  A full time job if you will.  Calling for dressings, INR levels, trips to the lab, out of state Dr's...tolls, parking charges, its all there and each and everyone of you know this.  I've spent needless amount of $$ through the 3 years for LVAD gear to go and buy a simple backpack and have extra zipper put in to go to the gym.  Horrible, and so sorry my attitude is horrible right now.  But it is what it is.  My doctor advised me last week, that the totally internal LVAD is being tested now here in the US...and we are three years off from implantation.  WOW i'm excited 6 years with an LVAD...lol. Not. What a crock.  

Profile picture for user Mariza
Mariza M.

I’ve been using the lvadshirt, with the batteries placed laterally and the the controller is placed in the belt. Over that I wear a vest or a jacket. It’s very comfortable and solve the problem of the back pain caused by the bag. Moreover, it seems to be safer, as everything is closer to the body, reducing the risk of driveline traction and infection

Profile picture for user Mugsymgs
MITCHELL S.

Try this one. Fits have heart mate and HeartWARE.

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

It's cool because your DRIVELINE stats contained under the first layer of the shirt. It will droop over time order one size smaller, but great weight distribution.

 

Plus price is reasonable

 

Profile picture for user lee@gibson07.com
Lee G.

They make these shirts for women as well.  I have 2 of them and they are fantastic!

Profile picture for user chiplon

In reply to by Lee G.

Chiplon W.

My wife came up with a design for shirts for. And, makes them from T-shirts. Work fantastic for me. Really no pattern. Just what's in her head.  My mother was a seamstress and taught her a lot.

Profile picture for user conniew

In reply to by Chiplon W.

Connie W.

Hi would it be possible to send me a pic of your t-shirt? Ty

Profile picture for user chiplon

In reply to by Connie W.

Chiplon W.

Here is one view. It will only allow me to add one photo as far as I can tell If you have questions, let me know.  LVAD Shirt

Profile picture for user chiplon

In reply to by Lee G.

Chiplon W.

My wife came up with a design for shirts for. And, makes them from T-shirts. Work fantastic for me. Really no pattern. Just what's in her head.  My mother was a seamstress and taught her a lot.

Profile picture for user redfox2755
Wendygail F.

My husband has a Lvad Heart mate III for going on a year...in the hospital he was given the standard over the neck controller holder and what they call battery vest (2 straps and holders) ....he was so uncomfortable! Vests we tried but still batteries hang too close to under arms and there is no real good controller pocket.... I tried fishing gear too ....nope not comfortable. The price was high but I finally ordered the Heartmate III LVAD T-shirt perfect! For us this implant is his life so buying the right shirt has made it so easy ...not bulky and no pull on neck, shoulders or in the way of movement. They have been washed lots and still like new. And he can wear shirts over it with no problems. I really am happy we bought these shirts it just makes him so confident and comfortable.

Profile picture for user Mariza
Mariza M.

Hi Joe,

I ‘ ve using the lvadshirt for about 3 years. It is announced in the Facebook. It’s very comfortable and we can use a vest over that.

Mariza

Profile picture for user lakefrt@hotmail.com
Ross S.

Hi, I am a three year LVAD patient with a Heartmate III. I wanted to play golf again and all the shirts I bought my elbows would hit the batteries. I found a seamstress and together we developed a shirt that worked. We began marketing them using other LVAD patients in the Minnesota area. Our shirt is completely customizable for pocket placement and sized for your body. You can see it on https:://Sewnforyoumn.com/lvad-shirt 

Hope this is helpful