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Anna N.
Patient and Caregiver Forums

My dad

Last activity 3 years 7 months
My dad has lived with his LVad for about 4 years successfully. In recent months he developed an infection and was treated for same in the hospital and now takes a medication to keep the infection at bay. Of course he has other medications related to his device as well. The infection was caught in...
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Adam B.
Stories

Out of Body Experience While Getting LVAD

Last activity 3 years 7 months
Hello All, Quick background, I am 37 and got my LVAD put in when I was 36. I had blood clots in my widow maker artery, it resulted in 2 massive heart attacks and subsequentially, heart failure. I flatlined and came back 6 times within a 2 week period. I was in a coma for almost a month.I had some...
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Anonymous
New to LVADs

Patricia Shares Their Story

Last activity 7 years 9 months
Henry, my husband, had a massive heart attack, Nov. 2016. We practically lost him and we were devasted at the news that he may not "make" it we were told. No "promises"....I knew it was dire. I knew at that point we had to just pray for the doctors and staff that were treating him. Now....almost six...
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Courtney V.
Inspiration and Encouragement

LVAD 5/25/17 for my Dad

Last activity 3 years 8 months
My Dad had his LVAD put in on 5/25/17. He seems to have had a new issue every, single, day, of his recovery so far. Hours after the surgery, they said he had bleeding in his chest and had to take him back and open him up a second time (then couldn't find the cause!). Then had to give him a lot of...
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Carolynn J.
Research Participation Opportunities

Paid Research Interviews for VAD Patients / Parents

Last activity 3 years 8 months
Do you have a Heartmate or a Heartware VAD? Are you the parent of a child implanted with a Heartmate or a Heartware VAD? We want to talk to you! We are conducting a research study in support of a new VAD system and we would like to talk with you about your experiences with your or your child’s VAD...
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John S.
Clothing Options

Medi-Materials.com now offers LVAD vests up to 5XL!

Last activity 3 years 9 months
Medi-Materials now offers the original WHITE Freedom Undervest in larger sizes: 2XL-3XL and the new 4XL-5XL. There is no price mark up for the larger sizes, at all. The 4XL-5XL BLACK Freedom 2 Undervest will be available sometime this Fall.
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Lisa G.
Living with an LVAD

How do you use seatbelts

Last activity 3 years 9 months
I received my Lvad early March and still just using the bag to hold my batteries etc. How do you use your seat belt to support bag and not disturb your driveline?
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Chris H.
Equipment

GO Bag Backpack

Last activity 3 years 10 months
Thought I’d let you know about a new “GO Bag” backpack from VAD Wear®️. It’s on sale for Father’s Day. Holds all equipment securely. Quick battery access port. Plenty of room for additional gear and even a laptop! https://www.etsy.com/listing/1029233329/new-lvad-go-bag-backpack?ref=shop_home_active...
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Nicole M.
Caregiver Support

Energy and weight loss after LVAD surgery

Last activity 3 years 10 months
Hello All, My father just had the LVAD surgery on October 12, 2017. I was wondering if anyone experienced weight loss or loss of energy after the surgery. If so, how long did it take for your weight loss to level out.
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Jeff B.
Exercise and Physical Activity

Dry suit and swimming

Last activity 3 years 10 months
To Fellow LVAD users who must swim, snorkel, or dive some questions: 1. Do you participate in all the water sport activities mentioned above? 2. If so, how did you size yourself to best fit in a dry suit and what brand did you buy? I am 5'10" and 210# My device is a Heart Mate III. 3. Did you get a...
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Jeff K.
Equipment

Heartmate 3

Last activity 3 years 10 months
I am looking for a tharotec heartmate 3 holster vest thank you jeff
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Tonya E.
Travel

Flying

Last activity 2 years 8 months
Hi I was wondering has there been anyone who has traveled/flown since they have had thier l.v.a.d? And if so how did you do it with your equipment ( wall power,battery backups, dressing kits,etc )did you put that in your carry on or stow it underneath. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
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David M.
Clothing Options

Shirts

Last activity 3 years 10 months
I am a new patient to the LVAD and I need or I guess I want some shirts but but they were 100 bucks or close to that, that is far out of my price range
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MyLVAD A.
Research Participation Opportunities

LVAD Wearables Survey

Last activity 3 years 10 months
INVITATION TO VOICE YOUR EXPERIENCE IN ORDER TO IMPROVE THE NEXT GENERATION OF LVAD WEARABLE ACCESSORIES This research study is supported by a company currently developing a next- generation left ventricular assist device (LVAD). Are you a current or a former LVAD patient? Would you like to voice...
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Tony f.
Caregiver Support

Need a little advice about my dad

Last activity 3 years 10 months
My dad had an Lvad implanted exactly 6 weeks ago today, However the doctors are saying his right side simply is not doing its job, and being that he has been in the hospital so long he is not strong enough to be considered for an Rvad surgery making it a Bivad. Due to his age AND undiagnosed spot on...