Patients and Caregivers Forums

Does anyone here do their own INR testing at home. If so how did your team approach it, does the tester work well and what brand if tester do you use. Getting lab work is expensive with the co pay and I am personally sick of being a pin cushion lol Thank you for any help.

Has anyone been told their Heart Mate 3 LVAD impeller is striking the base plate causing super low flow conditions with alarms, hard chest thumping, stiff back neck, severe light headedness, blurred vision, eyes super sensitive to light, and sometimes a strange numbness in the chest? Have you ever...

Does anyone miss not using a vacuum cleaner? How do you take care of carpeting without one? Any suggestions besides having someone else do it?

My husband just got his LVAD on May 2, 2023. We are looking for some type of sleep belt to hold his controller in place while he sleeps. Does anyone have any recommendations for a product that has worked well for them? Thank you, Ellen

I have an LVAD Heartmate III Holster Vest, Medium Thoratec Heartmate GoGear Holster Vest. New, only tried on. I found the medium to very small, not realizing that it was a medium. I am a 3X...Needless to say, It has not been worn. Asking $80.00, will ship for free. (Tried to load Pic's but they are...

Anyone able to.wear jeans again after lvad? I used to live in jeans but now they seem to press on my driveline site too much. I've basically been living in pajama/lounge pants and getting tired of them. Any suggestions for pants? None of the lvad gear has suited me. I feel like a football player...

My father just purchased this small backpack at Walmart, and he is excited to share that he loves carrying his batteries this way! Perhaps someone handy with sewing bags could really make something like this super lvad friendly. He’s very active, and said that having the batteries off of his mid...

My site is about 2-3 inches to the left of my belly button, about an inch below my waist. The more I talk with people on this website, the more I am thinking there isn't a standard placement for a driveline sute? I was given an LVAD as emergency surgery. I was given a 30% survival chance until I got...

Is this website supposed to be a social site or an experiment for doctors or researchers to get information from our discussions?

It sometimes shows "prospective patient" under my name when I post. I have an lvad. How do I change this title? Thanks.

I have MyLVAD for almost 4 years. I want to encourage everyone to live your best life do not allow the LVAD to hinder you. Don’t be ashamed to go in public. Of course people are curious and just explain to them and you will be surprised at how understanding they will be and amazed because we are...

So I have had my LVAD for over 3 years now and thankfully without any major issues. I have been supported by family through this time but unerstandably that is not a long term option and has gone on long enough already. I don't feel comfortable going back to work full time as my energy levels can...

Hello LVAD patients and caregivers my husband has been on destination LVAD for almost 2 years. He is pretty stable now and he wants to go on a cruise. His VAD coordinator said it would be okay and we would have to get a letter from them to give to the airlines and ship crew. My question is to find...

Just wanting to know what is the average speed for LVAD? Doctor said goal was 5300 - 5400. My husband was up to 5200 but drs have decreased it several times. His surgery was May 2, 2023 so he's still in the hospital. Thank you for your input.

I've been told I need to take an antibiotic before any dental appointments now because of the lvad. But is there anything a dentist or hygienist uses that I need to avoid? (similar to not getting an MRI) that uses magnetic waves?

My name is Barbara, I've had my Lvad Heartmate 3 over 3 years. So far I haven't experienced any major issues thank God! My question is regarding medication sensitivity and high PI's. Can anyone share regarding their experience with medicatons and High PI with Heartmate 3?

Hello! My dad 80 is still in ICU for the last 6 days. He was closed on last Monday. He is still intubated and they are slowly trying to wake him up. They have started nose feeding and has the temp RVAD on. I was wondering if anyone in the group went through the same experience? How long it took you...

Hello, Im 23 and got my VAD in January. Im looking to connect with people hopefully around my age that understand what is happening and can relate. It’s weird interacting with people who have no idea what this is like, and just wanna make friends that do. Thanks for reading.

Can anyone give suggestions on LVAD patients going on a cruise?

My dad is a possible Lvad pt at just shy of 80 anyone else have experience with it at this age would love to hear your experience. It seems overwhelming