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Jack W. Recipient

9 years today (20th Oct 2020) living with LVAD

Mon, 10/19/2020 - 9:19PM

Nine years ago today, Prof Phil Spratt and the wonderful, dedicated Heart team from St. Vincent's Hospital in Sydney (Australia) inserted my Heartware LVAD and consequently extended my life another 9 years to date. I have been very fortunate to have used this time wisely and to the maximum with travelling via caravan each year for approximately 2-4  months at a time to places such as Tasmania, Queensland and exploring NSW a bit more. My wife and I have also joined a few cruises to Tasmania, Victoria and South Australia, the latest being a Christmas Cruise(2019-2020) for 2 weeks aboard the Holland America Liner 'Maasdam'. There is still just so much to see and be involved with in Australia, even during this COVID period.

Most importantly however, is the care and support given to myself and my wife at St.Vincent's Hospital. We have a marvellous LVAD Co-ordinator Desiree Robson, along with Prof Peter MacDonald, Prof Chris Hayward and other wonderful doctors. Of special note, Prof Anne Keogh, my cardiologist for over 10 years, has been a lifesaver, as she is the one who suggested I would benefit from an LVAD (destination surgery at the age of 75).  When I was given a couple of months to live (from another hospital), Prof Anne Keogh took me on as a challenge and the rest is history, still enjoying life (sailing, etc. in our 30ft yacht).

 

 

 

544 reads
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Mercedes S.

Wed, 10/21/2020 - 11:46AM

I'm so glad to hear about you. Brings me some courage.  I'm about to set a date for surgery this Thursday.  I was doing good and then I crashed.  On melatonin.  It's a big step. 

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Lisa W.

Mon, 10/26/2020 - 9:13PM

So nice to hear the longevity you’ve had with your LVAD.   It will be a year in December that my husband got his LVAD.  He wants a heart transplant so bad.   Any words of encouragement if this doesn’t happen for him?

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Dick T.

Mon, 11/02/2020 - 1:43PM

Very encouraging to hear. Dec 4th will be my one year anniversary. Had a few complications the first six months (GI bleeds, driveline infection) but have now settled into a routine. Destination therapy for me. Not qualified for transplant due to age (72).