Patients and Caregivers Forums

Looking to purchase Doppler / blood pressure cuff for the purpose of checking LVad patient for Return To Flow.

I am a caregiver and am VERY frustrated with the options for carrying around the backup supplies. We were given a blue bag for this purpose. It has 2 handles on it, but they are too short to be shoulder straps, and the bag is too heavy to carry off the shoulder. The bag has no top to it, to protect...

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...

Hello world. My name is Tyler and I’m 31. I live in Ohio and have had a LVAD for almost 3 months. Going into surgery I was on several inotropes for RHF, but was quicklt weened off those post-surgery and otherwise had a speedy recovery in hospital. Since then I have struggled with what we now suspect...

Has anyone had to be put on dialysis BEFORE LVAD was implanted?

I'm scheduled for my LVAD on 7/17/18. I have done a lot of research but can't seem to find much about bras. I'm a big breasted woman and worry that the weight of my breasts will pull on the incision and either tear it or at least increase the pain. I've seen special post surgical bras that are front...

I am starting the transplant process. It has been recommended to me to avoid an Lvad at all cost. My condition is such that even an Lvad is only delaying the transplant and adding several surgeries. The transplant clinic has floated the idea, but it's too early in the process for anyone to pick a...

I am going to get a LVad 3 in two weeks. The information I have gotten from all your questions and answers has been so helpful. Thank you all

My husband received his HeartMate 3 May 24, 2017. He is having some issues with the sorbaview dressing. He hs very sensitive skin. Any ideas. Also we are planning an Alaskan Cruise next year. Any suggestions how to travel on a cruise ship with his contoller he plugs in at night and his battery...

Travel is something that we at MyLVAD encourage for LVAD recipients and their loved ones. Information on traveling with an LVAD can be difficult to find. Below you will find an instruction sheet that we created on how to pack the HeartMate II®external equipment in a standard sized carry-on bag that...

Intimacy was challenging at first of course, but besides being loving to each other in all aspects of our relationship, my wife and I are creative in a lot of the things we do together. Intimacy, I can report, still brings joy to everyones' lives around here.

How do I deal with the stress and unknown taking care of spouse with lvad system.

I just can’t afford $80 to $120 for shirts to carry batteries and George(yes, I named my system controller). I bought package of iron-on Velcro, which cost $6. I took T-shirt’s and cut 3 inch hole. This is plenty wide enough to push controller or even battery through. I then bought fly fishing vest...

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...

Going to have a right heart cat done, and was told to pack my bags, went to go see the heart Doctor, ; Dr. Andrew Sauer, sounds want to stay for a while and that my kidneys are starting to shut down, has anyone been through something like before? New and a little unsure and just a little bit afraid...

To anyone interested if you have a "Heartmate 2", You can find a very comfortable undershirt to wear to carry you equipment under your clothing @ www.lvadshirt.com. It comes in Black or White with a short sleeve, or sleeveless. They have a fit for Men and Women. Shipping time is quick For those with...

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I am about to tell you a story that still to this moment makes me feel as if I am in surreal dream waiting to be awakened. It started with a cough. A nagging cough that drove me to the minute clinic. They told me it was just a cough that would work itself out. I left and went about my routines of...