Community Forums

Hi, I have had my LVAD for 3 months now. I was in the hospital critical care for 1.5 months before my surgery. My LVAD is a "bridge-to-transplant" option. Heart transplant list is long. Can anyone who had their LVAD for 1 year or longer give me any tips about living with the LVAD. I am new to this...

Two years ago my husband who suffers from congestive heart failure was tested to be put on a heart transplant list. He was deemed to healthy. Now we are facing the same testing. I can live with the thought of him receiving a heart transplant. He feels fine right now. No shortness of breath, he golfs...

This is my first post. My husband has had his LVAD for five weeks now, and I want to share this web site with you all for making your life easier with a LVAD. My husband is so grateful to discover how this shirt gave him freedom to do daily life activities. Take a peek and see if it is something you...

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.

Can anyone tell me if a day of diarrhea constitutes a phone call to LVAD? How much fluid does he need to replenish to keep from dehydrating? Thanking you in advance. Sharon

My 21year old son got his LVAD on August 28, 2018. Hopefully will be released from the hospital tomorrow. I am a little apprehensive about what to expect. Are there any other parents of young adults here that can guide me through these first few months. Thank you.

I've got to assume there is some backup equipment out there that one can purchase; whether it be from a heart transplant patient or from someone whose family member has unfortunately passed away? We would like not to lug equipment back and forth between two homes. Does anyone have an information on...

Looking to purchase Doppler / blood pressure cuff for the purpose of checking LVad patient for Return To Flow.

Just thought I would let y'all know carew medical wear is having a 4th of July sale. I just received a e-mail from them. My coordinators love this lvad shirt, I'm very happy with it too. www.carewmedicalwear.com

I am 26, in fair condition, well enough to exercise and want to add jumping to my exercise program but the controller and two batteries aren't held stable well enough with anything I have. Does anyone have suggestions? Thanks

I am a caregiver and am VERY frustrated with the options for carrying around the backup supplies. We were given a blue bag for this purpose. It has 2 handles on it, but they are too short to be shoulder straps, and the bag is too heavy to carry off the shoulder. The bag has no top to it, to protect...

I have a friend who is soon to be receiving an LVAD. I was quite suprised to receive a call from him today ( he is in the hospital )asking if I would consider being his caregiver after the surgery. I have told him I need some time to consider. When he first told me he was a candidate for this a week...

Hello world. My name is Tyler and I’m 31. I live in Ohio and have had a LVAD for almost 3 months. Going into surgery I was on several inotropes for RHF, but was quicklt weened off those post-surgery and otherwise had a speedy recovery in hospital. Since then I have struggled with what we now suspect...

Hello everybody, Just wondering if anyone here has ever had success with Weight Loss Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?. I read that if you can change the way your mind thinks about eating food (then you can lose weight by doing so, by convincing yourself you only need to eat a little instead of alot)....

Has anyone had to be put on dialysis BEFORE LVAD was implanted?

I'm scheduled for my LVAD on 7/17/18. I have done a lot of research but can't seem to find much about bras. I'm a big breasted woman and worry that the weight of my breasts will pull on the incision and either tear it or at least increase the pain. I've seen special post surgical bras that are front...

I am starting the transplant process. It has been recommended to me to avoid an Lvad at all cost. My condition is such that even an Lvad is only delaying the transplant and adding several surgeries. The transplant clinic has floated the idea, but it's too early in the process for anyone to pick a...

I am going to get a LVad 3 in two weeks. The information I have gotten from all your questions and answers has been so helpful. Thank you all

Now at age 70, living in the USA, I have to let my ten-year level term insurance expire because the rates were set to climb rapidly anyway. I have to search for a new company, maybe with much less coverage to keep my monthly or quarterly fees affordable, but I don't know if any company would take me...