Patients and Caregivers Forums

I asked my husband who has a Heartmate 3 to dig out ten old t shirts he will still wear. THis is all he used to wear so he is comfortable in them. Then I got donations of old t shirts from our children and cut them up to make pockets to go on his old t shirts. I sew two pockets under the arms and...

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...

I am going to get lvad in July at Methodist hospital in Houston. Can any one tell me what all changes I'll be dealing with. And any info shared would be great

My husband has a LVAD and unfortunately is now on dialysis three days a week at our local dialysis clinic. We can't be the only ones dealing with this! I have had to quit my job so that I can go to dialysis with him and sit beside his chair in order for them to do dialysis on him. They had to be...

https://www.amazon.com/LVAD-Man-Tabitha-Belhomme/dp/B0BMSNRHM5/ref=sr_1_1?crid=DZ6FAHAKT209&keywords=lvad+man+book&qid=1669051242&s=books&sprefix=lvad+man+book%2Cstripbooks%2C132&sr=1-1 Hello everyone, My name is Tabitha, and I'm a nurse who formerly worked on a cardiac step-down unit. I am reaching...

I’ve always found it difficult to navigate the different forums so I just copied and pasted the post: I went through the same… Mon, 09/05/2022 - 1:35PM I went through the same thing after my VAD implant, wondering what life would be like, whether it was worth it to undergo the surgery, pain and...

First time posting,, December 14th is my two year anniversary with the lvad, Balancing a positive mindset has been an on going issue,I'll be turning 48 in September I recently lost my younger brother who was 42, too a massive heart attack ,in July. The depression is Abit much I feel I'm losing what...

My daily routine: 1. Do a self-check of the controller, check the readings, and check for alarms (low flow and power). 2. Disconnect from remote power; connect to the batteries. 3. If staying-in-the house, use controller bag supplied by the hospital. 4. If going out, use fishing vest purchased from...

YouTube: Living with an lvad - Three Henry Ford patients patients share their stories

I was disappointed to hear from my doctor that right now I'm not a candidate for an LVAD. I didn't know until my doctor informed us that your heart has to be enlarged and you have to have a certain Ejection fraction in order to get an LVAD. Right now my heart isn't the size and my ejection fraction...

Hi all!! My name is Dick. I was just reminded that I joined this forum 15 days ago. Here is my story so far. I went to the hospital on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving to get the evaluations and approvals done. I was supposed to return the following week and have the LVAD installed if all went well...

If anyone would like to laugh, talk, cry, scream and just sat in silence. Plz feel free to reach out. You are not along. I have had my LVAD for almost 3 yrs….so I know a little something of what you may be going through. You are STRONGER than you know. 🤗🤗

I received a HeartMate III LVAD on 1/25/19. I have been home from the hospital for 5 days and I am using a Thoratec vest that was given to me at the hospital.I am ready to order mens clothing to accommodate my LVAD and would appreciate some advice. The batteries are now hanging on my side and the...

Hi- I am a new recipient for the Heartmate 3. My surgery was on May 3 of this year. My recovery has been a little rocky- but my medical team has really helped and I am now stable.. That said- I have really been having quite a bit of trouble with worrying about contracting Covid. I had my usual labs...

It’s been two years since my implant. I’ve got a 9 year old nephew that wants me to trick or treating! Depending on how quickly it gets dark here in Michigan tonight, I might be able to get on lvad zoom group. Don’t count it though! Candy Time!! Wahoo😝😝

Hi all! I am new to the LVAD caregiver community. My Father-in-law has his LVAD surgery this Wednesday. He is a BIG lover of the outdoors so I want to get him a fishing style vest to haul around his equipment in (his backup equipment will be in a bag). Can anyone with a HeartMate 3 tell me the...

The Electric Cranks are a group of LVAD recipients from across the North of England, all patients at Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester. A number of us are awaiting a heart transplant. We had all been physically fit and active prior to developing severe heart conditions which required life-saving...

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...

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...

Something that I've been considering doing is getting a embroidered patch made so that my go bag is clearly marked as medical equipment. I feel that this is important since I actually use a LowePro Camera bag with padded compartments and dual shoulder straps for carrying my spare batteries...