Patients and Caregivers Forums

My brother received his LVAD on 02/02/2015. We went through the same search. The vest he received in hospital was uncomfortable for him. At one of his therapy sessions we found the answer. I replicated an idea a fellow patient's wife devised for him. We use mans tank tops which I modify. Turn shirt...

Hi my ex husband is having an LVAD this wk. He has asked me to be a caregiver. I have researched much information, however I have not been able to find out much about what role caregiver takes. If anyone could tell me what to expect I would greatly appreciate it and any advice. Thank-you

Hello All! My Dad had his LVAD surgery on the 6th of March, 2019. I believe he had an anxiety attack today but wanted to see if anyone else had any of the same symptoms. He's 79 and had a heart attack in 2015. Was told February 6th he had 3-6 months to live if he didn't try to qualify for the LVAD...

This may not be the forum for this question, but who better to answer my questions than those living with an LVAD and the people who care for them. My fathers LVAD (Heart Mate II) was implanted August 2015. When he had his heart attack we were literally told to take him home so he could die, as the...

My wife of 37 years is the entire reason for my survival. I had a heart mate 2 put in in January 2019. She has been by my side the entire 2 months in hospital. God bless her. Love you Steph!!

My father had LVAD surgery on June 11th since then things have moved more slowly with his recovery than we had hoped. For the last 7-8 days has been suffering from low sodium levels, low oxygen levels, and bouts of what they are calling ICU Psychosis. He either is disoriented and unsure of where he...

Hello, I am JW Rucker Jr. Founder of Walking On Water Outreach Ministries. I am an LVAD recipient. I have had it since September of 2018. I am very grateful for my wife, family, and neighbors who have been understanding and compassionate during this life-changing event. When I was in the Hospital I...

my husband is 72 end stage chf he had LVAD surgery fri morn it’s now tues and is still Intubated . Whenever the drs try to wake him up he gets very agitated and stressed. So the have to re intubate him. I am very scared for him. Is the confusion he is experiencing normal. ?

Hi, my name is phil lay and I've been the care giver for a grouchy old man since he received his first lvad (he's on his third one now). I've been fired several times, mind you I've never been hired or paid. I do it outta love for the old fart. So here's my question: he's in Sutter again, and this...

My husband was diagnosed with CHF in 2014. In 2017 he had a stroke and his heart enlarged and as time went on, his heart health declined a lot. Last week, while I was pumping gas, my husband, son (5 yrs) and daughter (2yrs) were in the car and my husbands ICD fired. HIs ICD fired a total of 54 in 40...

My husband got his lvad December 22nd, 2018 and he is getting discouraged as he feels he isn't making much progress. Feels like he takes one step forward and two back. Any ideas on how to encourage him.

I am writing this in hope of finding someone with some advice. Perhaps someone out there has experienced the following sympoms and has found healing. My father, is currently in the hospital and his team doesn't know for sure what is causing his constant dizziness and low PI. He has also experienced...

My 72 yr old husband had surgery on Sept 3rd 2018, he has the heartmate 3, he was in the hospital 11 days and did well, he's still improving everyday except for his balance and he gets light headed, the Dr had changed his blood pressure meds and it hasn't helped so now they want him to go to a ENT...

My 21year old son got his LVAD on August 28, 2018. Hopefully will be released from the hospital tomorrow. I am a little apprehensive about what to expect. Are there any other parents of young adults here that can guide me through these first few months. Thank you.

I have a friend who is soon to be receiving an LVAD. I was quite suprised to receive a call from him today ( he is in the hospital )asking if I would consider being his caregiver after the surgery. I have told him I need some time to consider. When he first told me he was a candidate for this a week...

Has anyone done international travel with their LVAD? We are planning a trip to England and have purchased a travel adaptor for the power supply. We are wondering if anyone has had any experience with this.

I would like this to respond to Cat S who says she is scared. I would like to send a few words of encouragement to her. My husband received an LVAD II nearly 6 months ago. Prior to that, he had had 3 cardiac arrests outside of the hospital with a 1:1,000 chance of survival, so we feel very blessed...

Hi everyone who replied to my post. I would just like to say a big Thank you it has helped to know there are others out there that has similar problems. I would like to wish everyone a happy Christmas and all best wishes for the new year.

My husband is likely getting an LVAD this week. He has cardiomyopathy and is only 40 so they want to put off a transplant as long as possible. The more I read about LVADs, the more I hear of numerous complications, recovery issues, and the amount of care the caregiver must provide in the months...