Question about LVAD and stomach issues
Fri, 11/02/2012 - 9:00PMMy father had his LVAD implanted on October 11, 2012. He has lost at least 50lbs and is unable to eat very much. He has good days and bad days with food. His biggest complaint is a pounding like sensation in his stomach. You can actually see what looks like a strong heartbeat in his stomach. He spoke with one of his doctors on the phone who said it shouldn't be the pump and isn't sure what it could be while another doctor said his blood could be to thick and could be causing the pump to have to work harder. His doctor called today and said for us to increase his blood thinner medication. Anyone every exeperienced this? He has already had to be re-admitted to the hospital due to severe nausea and shortness of breath and would hate for him to have to go thru that again so soon. Any information would be appreciated. Thanks!
I was implanted 5/5/10 @ the Cleveland Clinic and I have…
Sun, 11/04/2012 - 9:32PMI was implanted 5/5/10 @ the Cleveland Clinic and I have what are called abdomen pulses.Sound similar to what you are describing.I was told it is caused by the LVAD lead being to close to one of the leads on my pacemaker/defib.It drives me crazty at times but I was assured it is harmless.They have tried to alter the settings on the Pacemaker but it still does it.Short of turning off the pacemaker there is not much that can be done.And until I no longer need it it will stay turned on.
Thanks for the response. I completely forgot to mention…
Mon, 11/05/2012 - 5:29PMThanks for the response. I completely forgot to mention that he has a pacemaker/defib also. He has an appointment Wednesday so I will make sure he mentions it to the doctor. Thanks agin!
I would check his INR if his blood is too thick the pump…
Sat, 12/08/2012 - 1:20PMI would check his INR if his blood is too thick the pump sounds louder and you can feel your heart beat hard. The INR test and potassium level and the easiest way to feel better. From my own experience a low INR you can feel in your chest and low potassium your heart rate get faster usually after you use the toilet. Your blood test help so much and a few bananas or extra potassium keeps feeling ok. ken
One more really important part if the potassium gets too…
Sat, 12/08/2012 - 1:26PMOne more really important part if the potassium gets too low you have a chance of the defib going off IT REALLY MESSES WITH YOU MIND FOR A LONG TIME!!! It has been over a year for me and it still haunts me.
Thanks for all the information. The "heartbeat" he was…
Sat, 12/08/2012 - 6:22PMThanks for all the information. The "heartbeat" he was feeling was in fact one of the leads from his pacemaker. They were able to turn off that one lead because it was going to what I believe was the left side of his heart and wasn't needed. He has gradually begun to feel better and is able to eat more and has been more motivated to move around more.
Thanks again.
Thank you for your post, it was really helpful. My husband…
Thu, 03/14/2013 - 3:45PMThank you for your post, it was really helpful. My husband had the same stomach pounding sensation a few weeks after surgery. The pacemaker technician dropped the lead by a half of a volt and the problem disappeared.