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Sophie F. Friend

LVAD Adaptive Bra Concepts

Sun, 02/23/2020 - 3:42PM

Hello Everyone!

I am a product design student at the University of Cincinnati with a friend who has an LVAD. Since witnessing her experience as a young 20 year old living with an LVAD, I have been inspired to do my thesis project on trying to address some of the frustrations and pain points experienced when living with an LVAD.

Based on previous feedback I have recieved, I have created some bra concepts for women that will aim to better accommodate VAD’s while not sacrificing style. I have created a survey in order to get your honest feedback on the concepts and see if there is anything that I can improve within them.

The information you provide in this survey, if you choose to participate, will be keep completely anonymous and will go towards a project aimed at improving the overall experience of LVAD patients everywhere.


This is the survey link if you choose to participate. Feel free to share with other females with an LVAD that you know!

http://cincinnati.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_a8Bb3B67THEL7Rb

Thank you for considering sharing your experiences! I appreciate it!

 

584 reads
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Mariza M.

Mon, 02/24/2020 - 1:50PM

Hi, could you please define what Bra is?

Thanks 

Mariza

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Brenda G.

Mon, 02/24/2020 - 4:09PM

I have had my LVAD since 2018 and yes I understand how hard it would be at 20 to deal with clothing options. I am 54 and still try to be fashionable by using cross strap purses and different types of bags. I never had a issue with a bra however would love to hear more about your concept. Have a great day and good luck to you ...

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Lisa J.

Tue, 02/25/2020 - 11:21PM

Hi Brenda. I am 53 and my vad was placed in 2018.  Over the summer I discovered football pants to for the ability to batteries.  Not even a a great handbag was lessening my hatred for carrying around the batteries.  I wear skirts and larger tunic dresses. I find wearing the batteries more comfortable.   Cheers to trying to make the lvad fashionable  

In the middle

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Mariza M.

Wed, 02/26/2020 - 9:22AM

Hi Lisa,

Are you wearing your vad in the photo above? It is absolutely hidden. I normally adapt vests and plus size clothes to hide my LVAD. I wear first a lvadshirt to place the batteries in the lateral “pockets” and the controller in the belt. Over that I use a larger vest, but it always leaves me with an aspect of being fat.

Yours looks great!

Mariza

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Brenda G.

Mon, 03/09/2020 - 1:05PM

Thank you for the idea of football pants . Just went on line and purchased a pair.You look great and stay healthy.

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Jessica Lea D.

Tue, 09/22/2020 - 9:23PM

Dear Lisa, you look absolutely fabulous in this photo and no one would even guess you were wearing a VAD in this photograph! This solution looks like it works well with a fit-and-flare style dress. Where are you keeping the controller? Kind regards, Jess

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Mariza M.

Wed, 02/26/2020 - 9:24AM

I am interested in participating in your survey, but I don’t know what Bra is. Please clarify that.

Mariza

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Sophie F.

Wed, 02/26/2020 - 9:54AM

Hi Mariza, 

What i mean by a "bra" is the undergarment meant to support the breasts, and using this garment as an building point to slip the batteries and controller into.

Thanks, 

Sophie 

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Mariza M.

Wed, 02/26/2020 - 1:38PM

Ah, okay! Thanks! Are you planning to associate bra with the battery support? For the batteries it should not be very difficult, as it can be placed in each side, like in the lvadshirt. The issue is the controller, that is more difficult to hide under the clothes. 
Thanks

Mariza

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Lisa J.

Wed, 02/26/2020 - 10:46AM

Yes I am wearing my VAD.  I wear underarmour football pants.    I found this is the best way to hide.  Just need to wear a-line skirts or tunic dresses.  The controller goes in the cup pocket and the batteries go in the thigh pockets.  I tuck the cords in the hip pockets.  Need to turn the pants inside out.  I have not had success wearing vests or shirts.

I am working on a letter to underarmour to see if they would help with some other versions for adaptive clothing.  I have tried to make shirts but need that commercial grade fabrics and stitching.  It is a long shot but I thought I would play my 

If you need more info on how to wear I am happy to share.  It helped my attitude considerably.  

https://www.underarmour.com/en-us/mens-ua-football-6-pocket-girdle/pid1305375-100?utm_source=Bing&utm_medium=CPC&utm_campaign=PLA&scid=scbplp1305375-100-LG&sc_intid=1305375-100-LG&cid=PLA|US|B_FULL|BING|DES|SiC|ROAS|&msclkid=2489a312ad4f1e52a774fd44226b677c&geat43=a

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Sophie F.

Fri, 02/28/2020 - 2:21PM

Hi Lisa, 

I'd love to hear more specifically on how you incorporate the football girdle with your LVAD to do different activities. Do you just wear this particular under armor solution for under dresses for more socializing occasions, and then adapted garment for doing more physical activity or being active? If possible and if you feel I'd love to see in an image how the components all fit together in the girdle. 

I think your experience could be beneficial in pointing my project in the right direction. 

Any additional information would be helpful! 

This is my email address if you have specifics: fainsl@uc.edu 

Thanks so much! 

 

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Janet S.

Wed, 03/08/2023 - 8:48PM
I’m a very tiny lady. 4”11 100 pounds and in the process of being worked up for heart mate 3. I love fashion and I’m actually terrified. I can’t imagine how difficult it will be to carry and hide those batteries. You look so good so I’m asking you for any suggestions on type of clothing I will be able to wear thank you and God bless you Janet
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Diane B.

Tue, 03/14/2023 - 12:33PM

My husband is much taller than you but I think some of our research may benefit you. He uses the underarmour football pants that have no pads if we are going out for dinner. Under dress slacks barely noticeable if not the new tight style. He also uses various LVAD shirts depending on seasons and occasion. I did an outline for a couple of other folks with contact  info for each. I will try to upload for you

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Lisa J.

Fri, 02/28/2020 - 2:43PM

Hi Sophie,

would love to help!!!!  I will email you.  

Makes me happy that you are trying to find a solution.

Lisa