Community Forums

I have an ICD as well as my LVAD. Can the two affect each other. I had three alarms on my control unit but I felt like I do before getting a shock. I am interested in knowing if anyone else is having this outcome ?

Does anyone with an LVAD have any experience with a plug-in hybrid vehicle? Any issue with electromagnetic waves?

I had my LVAD implanted on March 9,2018 and after six months in and out of hospitals I am finally getting back some energy. I had at least six alarms on my controller and no explanation on the screen. My battery was changed in the controller and the very next day an alarm. I labeled all 8 batteries...

hey guys! I am 32 years old Female, received my Heartmate 3 2 months ago. Back home for a week now. One question: I recognized that my speed range on the system controller is jumping. Speed range jumps every second from 5200 to 5250 and back to 5200 and sometimes to 5300. I spoke to my surgeon and...

My wife has had an LVAD for three years. She was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. She had surgery to remove the cancer and is now facing chemotherpy. We are wondering if any other women with an LVAD have faced this challenge.

My brother received his LVAD on 8/30/18 and fortunately was also approved for disability; however, we just learned that when SSDI kicks Jan 2019, he will lose Medicaid....leaving him without any insurance to continue care for LVAD and he won't be eligible for heart transplant. This week he learned...

Hello, my name is Chris and I have had my HeartWare LVAD for a little over a year now. Life with the device had gone mostly as well as could be expected although I have experienced one problem that is quite a nuisance and was wondering if anyone had some feedback or advice on how to tackle this...

Was in Hospital 4 months, after LVAD, doing OK but walking is very hard yet, how long dose it take to walk again ?

Hello everyone! As a cardiac rehab nurse supervisor I want you to know nurses understand your journey from heart failure - meds- hospitalizations and decreased quality of life leading to decision of LVAD. Cardiac rehabs can help you in your recovery we monitor you and we help you regain your muscle...

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...

FOR FASTEST RESPONSE, Please email for instructions directly at hankpattyrichmond@sbcglobal.net We have received and filled more than 200 requests for the LVAD vest instructions. We hope that you were able to make your vest and are enjoying its benefits. If you would like to email us pictures of...

Hi, Has anyone already had problems with the Battery charger? I had to unplug it from the outlet for a few hours and, when I plugged it back, it did not turn on. There was no electricity problem that could explain that. I do not know what is the half-life of this type of machine, but mine has only 3...

I am the proud owner of a Heartmate 3 LVAD. I have had it for 15 months now and have has an interesting ride, but that is for a later post. My issues have been with driveline management and skin rashes. My skin is very sensitive to tape and adhesives and it has been a challenge to find the most...

Hi, I'm reviewing my health care and prescription insurance. I'm currently using Medicare and a supplement for my prescriptions. My insurance agent has recommended the Aetna Advantage plan. My understanding is that once I moved to it it's extremely difficult to go back to what I currently have. I...

my dad had a lvad (Heart Mate 2). He passed away October 8th 2018. We have all of his batteries and Wall module as well as accessories like a brand new shower bag, battery clips, etc. If someone will pay shipping I will donate these items to you. The hospital nor thoratec will take these back and...

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...

I am a 78 year old male LVAD recipient, eight + years out. Generally have been doing quite well but am increasingly bothered by a very painful hip which is inhibiting my activity level and quality of life. I am interested in communicating with any LVADers out there who has had hip or joint...

Hi, hello, good afternoon! My husband is jumping through the hoops to get qualified for the Heartmate II. We're just about done and meeting with the LVAD surgeon in just a week. I don't see many recent posts and it concerns me dearly. My husband is not a bridge to transplant due to his age (73) and...

Hi, I have had my LVAD for 3 months now. I was in the hospital critical care for 1.5 months before my surgery. My LVAD is a "bridge-to-transplant" option. Heart transplant list is long. Can anyone who had their LVAD for 1 year or longer give me any tips about living with the LVAD. I am new to this...

Two years ago my husband who suffers from congestive heart failure was tested to be put on a heart transplant list. He was deemed to healthy. Now we are facing the same testing. I can live with the thought of him receiving a heart transplant. He feels fine right now. No shortness of breath, he golfs...