Patients and Caregivers Forums

Hello all, So my boyfriend is currently in the hospital due to water retention from congestive heart failure, at first they had discussed putting in a difibulator in. A couple days later he was transfered to a larger hospital to have said difibulator put in. Days later and like what seemed to be a...

Hello My Aunt got her LVAd around 3 weeks back but unfortunately the recovery is extremely slow. She is in early 50s. she was on ventilator for almost 2 weeks. She is able to breathe on her own now but we have noticed: - she keeps her eyes closed for most of the day and doesnt talk much - she...

Hi, am I able to ride a bike?, where live now I can ride one around and not worry getting hurt or hit by a car. Thank you for your time and Peace be with you all.

Hi, my husband passed 10/8/20 he received his Vad 2/20. I have all his equipment extra batteries, wall unit,,bags, vest, book, battery charger, drive line bandages n ect. Would like it to go to someone that can use it. Thx

My Husband had LVAD surgery on Friday 1/8/2021. About 10 pm that night they had to put a tube down his throat to see what was going wrong. By 1:00am Saturday Morning I had to consent again for them to go back in him because the right side of the heart wasn't strong enough. Well Sunday the nurse told...

Today was my education day with my LVAD coordinator, Social worker, pharmist and finance. Of course at this point I am overwhelmed with all the information and such that I got today. My LVAD surgeon will meet with his team next Tuesday to discuss my case, but according to him there is no other...

My Husband had LVAD surgery on Friday 1/8/2021. About 10 pm that night they had to put a tube down his throat to see what was going wrong. By 1:00am Saturday Morning I had to consent again for them to go back in him because the right side of the heart wasn't strong enough. Well Sunday the nurse told...

Hi all, Just wanted to see if anyone has any recommendation on carry on bag for all the equipment to go in when traveling. Also, anyone had to purchase a generator for backup in case of power outage? If so, what have you found to be most useful? Thanks.

Hello everyone! I was interested to know if anyone received the Covid vaccine and has an LVAD Can you share your story .. side effects and any advice

Hello, my brother is currently going to get a LVAD. I apologize for bad English as I am still young and Im just very worried. My brother had gone through an operation and needed rehab therapy. However, the state we lived in did not offer him the specific rehab therapy so he needed to be flown out to...

Is anyone aware of a watch that might be worn that will vibrate if there is an lvad alarm?

My husband is possibly going to get an lvad shortly. Will he be able to learn how to maintain his own driveline. I like to travel and would like him to be able to do this while I am away.

PLEASE EMAIL US DIRECTLY FOR INSTRUCTIONS at Hankpattyrichmond@sbcglobal.net. We have received and filled hundreds of requests for the LVAD vest instructions. We hope that you were able to make your vest and are enjoying its benefits. My name is Hank Richmond. I received my LVAD on Friday the 13th...

Any news of development of smaller batteries and if so when are they likely to be implemented - Thanks

Lets get to it. The worst thing that can happen to an LVAD user is a drive line infection. It can put you in the hospital many times over and cures with the various antibiotics may or may not work for you. It can lead to extra surgeries for debridement and in some cases make it worse. In my case I...

I have had my LVAD for 2 1/2 years and have devised clothing options for daily use, including vests, fishing vests, LVAD shirts, and concealed tactical shirts that my wife sews a pocket on for the controller. My problem has always been with the belt for the controller. I am fat and have a flat hips...

Just wanted to let everyone know about this vest. Vests in general have been a great option for me over the last 4+ years. I even wear one now to play golf in. But other than the high cost ones I’ve not had an option of a sleeveless one for winter wear. I wore this for the first time today. I wore...

I lost my sweet husband Nov. 24 th, 2020. He had his LVAD since Oct. 19, 2016. I have all his equipment that I would love to pass on to someone that can use it. Please reply here.

Hello, My husband and I are considering spending a month or so in the Ft. Myers/Naples, FL area. I'd be more comfortable if I knew of a hospital/cardiology group located in the area that I could contact in case there would be any type of emergency that could come up with my husband's Medtronic LVAD...

My husband, Michael had his LVAD implanted in August 2019 after much discussion and lots of defib shocks. He has been in heart failure since his heart attack in 2017... well as of June 2020 it has been determined by his team that a heart transplant will not happen for him. He hasn’t been able to...