What are the qualifications for getting an LVAD

Having an LVAD Implanted is a major life changing event. It is typically used for end-stage (stage 4) heart failure patents. You’re young enough for the LVAD to be used as a bridge to transplant, so I’m guessing your cardio team doesn’t want to implant the LVAD until you really need it. Keep in mind once implanted, they usually don’t come out unless the unit is failing or you get a heart transplant. Having lived with a LVAD for 39 months, it’s a life saving device but not a panacea. Be aware of how your life will change. You’re attached to batteries during the day and plugged into a wall at night. You’ll have a daily routine of sterile dressing changes. A drug regime that includes blood thinners that bring their own side effects, some of which can be major. Bathing is a chore. You have to be cognizant of keeping the external unit and batteries away from water (no boating, jet skiing, etc). Let me clear, the LVAD saved my life. Without it I wouldn’t have lived another 6 months. But don’t be in too much of a hurry to get one until your cardio team thinks the time is right.

I must say I wholeheartedly agree with the last respondent. (no pun intended) I too was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy at 38 and stage 3 heart failure. I followed a strict regimen of medications, diet and exercise and my heart function improved for nearly 20 years. When first diagnosed, I was told that at some point I would need to talk about transplant. Fast forward 18 years....I started feeling those old symptoms returning and over a 2 year period I steadily went downhill. After my 2nd hospital stay my cardiologist informed me that I should transfer to a hospital where I could receive a transplant. Upon meeting with the Heart Failure team at the new hospital they talked about an LVAD, a word I had never heard before. We discussed what it was and how it could help my condition while waiting for a transplant. Many tests later I was given the all clear to receive the LVAD. As the previous respondent mentioned, it did give me my life back and allowed me to return to work and many activities that I had given up because of shortness of breath, overall fatigue etc. I was able to return to regular exercise, golf, hiking, biking, etc. I could no longer participate in water sports but at least I was alive and had energy and the color back in my cheeks and lips. It is truly life-saving technology but it has its limits. On long or uphill bike rides I would often have to stop and walk the bike as it could only deliver what it was set for and unlike a natural heart doesn't respond to increased demand. Once I discovered the limitations, I adjusted my expectations and resumed enjoying my life. It gave me the opportunity to see my 1st grandchild born, allowed me to marry the woman of my dreams, and to enjoy her grandchildren as well. I continued on many of the same medications as before the LVAD with a few tweaks. I considered it a small price to pay to have continued life. I would not rush into anything as it does have issues as well. A new daily routine, dressing changes, a shower bag, and having to connect to a power outlet at night. Also you will have to make sure that you have fully charged batteries with you at all times. This can be challenging but with thoughtful planning you can even go camping overnight. Air travel takes on a whole new meaning as well, as you can no longer be scanned but will have to be patted down before each flight. I was on vacation last summer and attended a wedding on a nearby island that was a ferry ride away. We had planned to take the 2nd evening ferry back to the mainland but it was cancelled due to high winds and choppy waves. I panicked of course as I had only a limited supply of backup batteries as I had expected to be back at my hotel with electricity and a battery charger that evening. As it turned out, the batteries lasted through the night and my backups were sufficient until I could re-charge them. I am grateful to be alive and to have had so many more experiences thanks to the LVAD technology.

I must say I wholeheartedly agree with the last respondent. (no pun intended) I too was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy at 38 and stage 3 heart failure. I followed a strict regimen of medications, diet and exercise and my heart function improved for nearly 20 years. When first diagnosed, I was told that at some point I would need to talk about transplant. Fast forward 18 years....I started feeling those old symptoms returning and over a 2 year period I steadily went downhill. After my 2nd hospital stay my cardiologist informed me that I should transfer to a hospital where I could receive a transplant. Upon meeting with the Heart Failure team at the new hospital they talked about an LVAD, a word I had never heard before. We discussed what it was and how it could help my condition while waiting for a transplant. Many tests later I was given the all clear to receive the LVAD. As the previous respondent mentioned, it did give me my life back and allowed me to return to work and many activities that I had given up because of shortness of breath, overall fatigue etc. I was able to return to regular exercise, golf, hiking, biking, etc. I could no longer participate in water sports but at least I was alive and had energy and the color back in my cheeks and lips. It is truly life-saving technology but it has its limits. On long or uphill bike rides I would often have to stop and walk the bike as it could only deliver what it was set for and unlike a natural heart doesn't respond to increased demand. Once I discovered the limitations, I adjusted my expectations and resumed enjoying my life. It gave me the opportunity to see my 1st grandchild born, allowed me to marry the woman of my dreams, and to enjoy her grandchildren as well. I continued on many of the same medications as before the LVAD with a few tweaks. I considered it a small price to pay to have continued life. I would not rush into anything as it does have issues as well. A new daily routine, dressing changes, a shower bag, and having to connect to a power outlet at night. Also you will have to make sure that you have fully charged batteries with you at all times. This can be challenging but with thoughtful planning you can even go camping overnight. Air travel takes on a whole new meaning as well, as you can no longer be scanned but will have to be patted down before each flight. I was on vacation last summer and attended a wedding on a nearby island that was a ferry ride away. We had planned to take the 2nd evening ferry back to the mainland but it was cancelled due to high winds and choppy waves. I panicked of course as I had only a limited supply of backup batteries as I had expected to be back at my hotel with electricity and a battery charger that evening. As it turned out, the batteries lasted through the night and my backups were sufficient until I could re-charge them. I am grateful to be alive and to have had so many more experiences thanks to the LVAD technology.

I do not know what city and state you are in. My husband received hius LVAD at Memorial Hermann Hospital at the Medical Center in Houston, Texas. He received Heartware (not Heartmate) (both are excellent heart pumps). He has had his heart pump for almost 4 years and has done miraculously well. The first 5 1/2 months, we lived at the hospital. His lungs, kidneys, liver failed and he became nacrotic (even though he is not diabetic). He is doing very well now and is truly a living walking miracle of God. His cardiologist is Dr. Siriam Nathan and he is absolutely the most brilliant doctor we have ever had (we are very particular about doctors). The phone number is 713-704-4300. Getting a second opinion from a brilliant cardiologist can only help you. Praying for your recovery.