Patients and Caregivers Forums

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.

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 brother in law received his LVAD a little over a year ago. He has had some issues but seems ok with it. He is slowly recovering - goes to the gym to walk most days and is slowly regaining appetite and strength. Two issues: 1. In the last few months he seems to have Restless Leg syndrome and is...

My brother in law received his LVAD a little over a year ago. He has had some issues but seems ok with it. He is slowly recovering - goes to the gym to walk most days and is slowly regaining appetite and strength. Two issues: 1. In the last few months he seems to have Restless Leg syndrome and is...

My husband will receive a LVAD shortly. We live in Dallas Texas and are looking for additional care takers that can relieve me as his primary caregiver occasionally. Any suggestions. Am willing to pay obviously. Thank you.

My uncle has had his Lvad for 6 years. He doesn't follow any dr recommendations... He smokes, eats and drinks whatever he wants even though he's diabetic. In the last 6 months he has really declined. More recently in the last 6 weeks he's been life flighted 3 times to hospital because he can't...

Hi everyone! My dad had an LVAD implanted in May 2015 and has since being doing really well. We have booked a family holiday away to Turkey this August however having trouble to get my dad insured for his LVAD and Dilated Cardiomyapathy- has anyone got any suggestions? Or what travel insurance...

Has anyone known someone with an LVAD that decided that the LVAD lifestyle no longer is acceptable to them? Has anyone known someone who had their LVAD deactivated?