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Carolann A. Recipient

New LVAD person soon

Going to have a right heart cat done, and was told to pack my bags, went to go see the heart Doctor, ; Dr. Andrew Sauer, sounds want to stay for a while and that my kidneys are starting to shut down, has anyone been through something like before? New and a little unsure and just a little bit afraid. Carolann Adair
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Brian L.

I am sorry that I did not become a member of this forum earlier so that I could provide a timely response. While heart failure was the leading reason for my having an LVAD implanted, I was (prior to the LVAD) experiencing some decreasing kidney function. Shortly after the LVAD was put in, my kidney function was at levels better than I had seen in eight (8) years, the time of my first heart attack.
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Edward Joseph P.

Hi Carolann..... I had bi ventricular heart failure before I had my LVAD put in. My situation was complicated with right heart failure, then left heart failure. I had five surgeries, three induced comas, and a code for 22 minutes. My kidneys were starting to fail and I found out this was due to poor heart circulation. I had an ejection fraction of 10% which is poor. I’m 63 and had LVAD installed on May 10, 2018. After three month stay in hospital, I’m home and doing cardiac rehab three times a week. My ejection fraction is 50% and I feel great. My kidneys are back to normal. The blood test for kidneys is called GFR. Have them draw it and see were you at. Good luck and keep a positive outlook.