Introductions

Welcome to a new community member, and thanks for sharing your story!

I am a 58 year old female, with the LVD. It really saved my life. I was struggling just to get out of bed. Diagnosed by a military Physician as being in congestive heart failure, he suggested a transplant. I went to St. Joseph Hospital in Atlanta, and was evaluated for the procedure. The Heart Surgeon told me about this device. It was considered a bridge to transplant, but I did not want it...I wanted a transplant. I had survived open heart surgery in 1994 with a zero percent chance of even making it off the table. I was very fearful of the procedure. The Surgeon, Dr. Miller calmed my fears and suggested that I would to better with the LVAD. My surgery was April 2011. I did not know what to expect! The healing process was horrible, but I could move around more and began to venture out a little more each day. I was able to go up and down the stairs within a few weeks. This machine has given me a chance at a quality life. I travel and have no problems. There is very little that I can not do. I am extremely active, however I was not aware of the amount of weight gain with this procedure. I am eating more and have to watch the calorie intake as well as the amount of sugar. It is a challenge! On the humorous side, I have made my device fashionable. I carry a Dooney and Burke Messenger Bag. It is perfect for the device, with its two pockets in the front to handle the batteries. It is fashionable! I carry it across my shoulders for ease and for assurance that it will not slip (it fell of once, and was quite painful). I thank God for the inventors of the LVAD and for the surgeons that put it in.