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Thomas M. Recipient

Tactile holster T shirt for carrying LVAD items

I am a new LVAD patient, and I have the HeartWare pump and controller. I just modified a 5.11 tactical shirt. I sewed in an 1 1/2 elastic strap to the shirt across my lower chest to act as a belt for holding the controller. With batteries in the holster pockets and my controller just above my stomach, all the weight is amazingly well distributed. I made the belt in two pieces, one attached to each side, and they are connected with sewn in hook stays. This way I can thread the strap through my mini LVAD pouch. I just ordered another shirt, and for my next go around I will make a new pouch and sew it to the elastic. This way the elastic can be just be one piece with no hook stays. I highly recommend this arrangement for LVAD patients.
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Scott M.

I have been using for the past year and half a football girdle inside out. The hip pad area used for the controller and thigh pad area for batteries.  Under armour carries them on line.works great.

 

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Karyn N.

I just received my LVAD 5/27/20 and I am looking for clothing (women’s tops) that would go over LVAD equipment. Any suggestions? I’m excited I found this group.

karyn

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Scott M.

I have used the girdle almost two years now and use nothing else. I order 1size smaller. With that you need to get Dickes shorts which are a bit longer to cover. It holds the controller in the hip pocket and the 2 batteries on the thighs. I have a Heartmate 2 and it works great. Please let me know how it works for you. Matthewsscott025@gmail.com.