Patients and Caregivers Forums

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...

Nine years ago today, Prof Phil Spratt and the wonderful, dedicated Heart team from St. Vincent's Hospital in Sydney (Australia) inserted my Heartware LVAD and consequently extended my life another 9 years to date. I have been very fortunate to have used this time wisely and to the maximum with...

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...

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...

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...

I got my LVAD July 2021, Heartmate III. I found that using wall power made me nervous overnight, after the power went out. I find it easier to use batteries day and night now. Anyone else do this?

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.

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 always had issues securing the driveline to my stomach using anchors or tape. It always seems to pull off or get stuck on my shirt. I found adhesive patches for insulin arm sensors. Amazon has waterproof adhesives. They flex so if there's any movement of the driveline the entire patch doesn't...

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

Hello Everyone again, i have a Heartmate II for almost 3 years now. Not a candidate for transplant, too healthy,, antibodies too high. However, the Dr. wants to put on entresto and continue on coreg to possibly remodel the heart and bring up the EF. There is more information, but no need to bore you...

I’ve had my Lvad now for eight months. I have continuous hiccups when I’m sitting but when I’m standing or walking they go away anyone else have this problem? I do use a hiccups straw, but they seem to come back.

My husband received a Heartmate III on 3/7 this year. He would like to have an extra mobile power unit and cables to keep in our family room as that is where we do most of our relaxing. Please let me know if you have an extra. We live in the Chicago area.

Hello A dear friend of mine has just received and HVAD and will be coming home from hospital within a week. Some ladies and I are working on moving her bedroom downstairs and wanted to setup an area to store all the bandages, equipment and items needed for driveline management. What has been the...