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Cathie W.
Driveline Management

Sterile Dressing Supplies

Last activity 1 month
My husband received his new heart on June 4th. We have a large amount of supplies to share for the cost of shipping. Please let me know if you have need of any of the following: 2" and 4" gauze 2" and 4" driveline sponge rolls of 2" and 4" medipore tape hibiclens sterile water hair bonnets foley...
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Maryellen F.
Equipment

LVAD Equipment to give away

Last activity 1 month 1 week
Hi. I have some LVAD equipment I would love to give away to anyone who needs it. Thoratec Heart Mate Go Gear Battery Holster, 2 Shower Bags, one consolidated bag, right, Battery Holster, power module cable, 2 stabilization belts, white. Please let me know and I will ship to you. thanks Maryellen
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ulric k.
Clothing Options

jacket

Last activity 1 month 2 weeks
We guarantee that your single purchase won't disappoint you because what we offer is definitely the best choice. Just in case you have any second thoughts, you ... Elena Gilbert Diaries Jacket
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Ian P.
Inspiration and Encouragement

!0 years with a Ventrasist Lvad!

Last activity 1 month 2 weeks
I have recently 'celebrated' 10 years of living with an 'antiquated' Ventrassist LVAD in the UK. Life has not been easy with the heavy batteries and so on, but the 'behaviour' of the pump itself has been exemplary! We are getting to the stage where getting batteries for it can be quite difficult....
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Gova R.
Equipment

Heart mate 3 equipment

Last activity 1 month 2 weeks
Hi, I have Lvad Heartmate 3 equipment, 4 batteries, battery charger, Wall charger, go gear (small) , some dressing supplies, folly anchors, chloroprep etc. I have used less than a year. It’s in good condition. I can also ship the items if needed. Pls let me know if any one Is interested. you can...
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Katie P.
Caregiver Support

Younger VAD Couple

Last activity 1 month 2 weeks
Hello everyone! My husband is getting the LVAD this Friday. We knew about his heart failure but getting the VAD this early was a surprise, his condition has declined quickly. I'm nervous about a lot of things but would love advice from younger couples/families (older couples too if you have advice!)...
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Cathie W.
Driveline Management

Sterile Dressing Supplies

Last activity 1 month 2 weeks
My husband got his LVAD June 2018. We JUST received the first invoice for dressing supplies and it was $3,443!! Our cost after insurance for Chloraprep is $202. A box of sterile gloves $75, Foley anchors (which are terrible and always come off but that's another story) are $62.00 The company is...
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Vikki R.
New to LVADs

Low Flow

Last activity 1 month 2 weeks
Hello, I’m 58 years old wife, mother. My CHF started in my early 40s secondary to Rocky Mountain spotted fever destroyed my ventricles. Now as of Dec 16, 2019 just out of the hospital 2months Feb 16. It’s been a roller coaster with my heartmate 3. Many low flow incidents, and high PIs. I’m either to...
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Linda H.
Caregiver Support

CAREGIVER ADVICE FOR SOMEONE WHO'S "GIVEN UP"

Last activity 1 month 3 weeks
My significant other had LVAD implantation last year in May. Before he had the surgery his heart function was at 15% and he had prepared himself that he was going to die. His children and I talked to him about pursuing LVAD surgery and he seemed receptive. We went to Mayo and they said he would be a...
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Debra W.
Patient and Caregiver Forums

Eliquis VS Coumadin

Last activity 1 month 3 weeks
My husband had a Heartmate 3 Inserted last March and did very well at first but soon was experiencing GI bleeds, source unknown after tests and scopes. Has rec'd numerous units of blood to get his Hemoglobin up to a whopping 8 or 9. MD wants to try Eliquis instead of Coumadin but not much study has...
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Tonya E.
Recipient Support

Does anyone else feel.........

Last activity 1 month 4 weeks
Hi I have had my heartmate 3 since November 2019. And spent 2 months in hospital, since i have been home. I have had driveline pain since they cut out my stitches at the site, in February of this year. I have had CHF with an injection fraction rate of 15 to 20% off and on for 17 1/2 years before i...
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Larry G.
Driveline Management

Ongoing scabs driveline

Last activity 2 months
Just wondering if anyone else have ongoing scabs around the drive line my doctor says the site looks good no infections and it would never heal because no matter how secure the line is it still moves. Had my lvad since Aug 2018 doing well even went to my winter camp for ice fishing and my inverter...
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Ibrahim S.
Recipient Support

LVAD Flow

Last activity 2 months
Last week my LVAD flow reduce from 4. 5 L to 2.5L i dont know why thia happen now i complete one week with 2. 5L And my INR increase last week to 6 Is there any relation between INR and flow?
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Kathleen B.
Tips and Tricks

Fitbit for LVAD patient

Last activity 2 months
I am looking to buy my husband a gift. I want any in put on a fit bit that would be good for a Heartware LVAD patient. TIA
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Tonya E.
Equipment

Thunder and lighting storms...

Last activity 2 months
Hey good evening have a question....whats the protocol for being on wall power when its thundering and lightning? I know we cant be plugged into a surge protector , we are suppose to be plugged directly into the wall ? Right? I can't seem to find the answer. If anyone has the answer or suggestions i...
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Jerome M.
Equipment

Jerry M.

Last activity 2 months
The doctors staff check my equipment every six months. I always hook up to AC at night and I am going on my third year with my Heart Mate 3. During hurricanes I slept with my batteries as I did not want to tethered to a plug during an emergency. I charge the back up controller monthly by plugging it...
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Pat S.
Equipment

Equipment Needs a New Home

Last activity 2 months 1 week
I was on the Heart-Mate 2 for about 2 years. During that time I experienced no problems with my unit and the Hospital (Delray) regularly inspected it. I have all of my equipment in excellent condition with a need for a new home. I want this to go to somebody that has a real financial need for it and...
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Laura A.
Clothing Options

clothing to donate

Last activity 2 months 1 week
Hi - Unfortunately, my father passed away in November and was an LVAD patient. I have a couple of LVAD shirts and an LVAD vest that I would like to donate. Is there a place that I could send these to? The hospital did not take donations. Thank you -
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Bill W.
New to LVADs

Getting a Heart Mate 3

Last activity 2 months 1 week
Good day to you all. I am going to be getting a Heart mate 3 here in the next couple of weeks. I admit to being very apprehensive about this and initially rejected the idea. I Just wanted to say That this site has been very helpful in making my decision to go ahead with the surgery. Time is short if...