Patients and Caregivers Forums

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.

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...

I have posted before about a new LVAD shirt for those who want to stay active…..gardening, golf, biking. Check it out on sewnforyoumn.com. There is a new summer option that is shorter with mesh battery and controller pockets. Enjoy life with less aggravation. Ross Stephenson 8/16/2018

I am looking for a grief support group specifically for us caregivers that have lost our LVAD loved one. I’m in the Phoenix area so I’m person groups or online groups would work for me. thanks

Hello Everyone! I am a product design student at the University of Cincinnati with a friend who has an LVAD. Since witnessing her experience as a young 20 year old living with an LVAD, I have been inspired to do my thesis project on trying to address some of the frustrations and pain points...

Hello! im just curious , I’m sure my dad would love to meet other people that also share this experience. I think sometimes it can feel isolating. thanks!

I got my LVAD 6 months ago. I have had to overcome many obstacles but now I am happy emotionally and physically. My only concern at the moment is my driveline exit. It's worse than it was 6 months ago, particularly the red shading next to the exit point. My caregiver does an excellent dressing...

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...

My father received a Hearmate 3 in November, and we have been slowing adjusting to his new life. The battery charging situation causes him anxiety, and he would like to add a second charger. Please let me know if you have one available. Has anyone purchased a charger from EBAY? Thank you, Meghan R.

This comment is great for first timers going through or about to go through surgery. It's great for getting answers to some quick questions and for getting support in times of fear of the unknown. But, this community really needs support from medical professionals. It needs to have moderators and...

I’ve been shocked several times. I’ve had two ablations. One last May and one in November. I was wondering if anyone ever gets the feeling that their heart is racing, palpitations, heart feeling strange when urinating at times. Every time I feel anything I go into a panic. My doctors say I’ve got...

I have two brand new shower bags love to offer them to anyone in need of them.

Can an LVAD patient have laughing gas as a way to remove teeth prior to dentures?

Does anyone now what the maximum distances you can be away ( vacation) from a LVAD certified hospital?? My team is very cautious. And as mentioned in yesterday’s meeting they also will not let me drive. I’ve had to many blackouts due to GI bleeds. They actually took me off of warfarin and aspirin...

Hello, I have 9 LVAD tshirts that I would like to donate. 7 are white 2 are black all size Mens XL. Please let me know if you or someone you know could really use them. I know they are pricey!

My husband is going to have LVAD surgery. We began this journey at UTSW in Dallas hoping for a heart transplant. The transplant was not approved due to age and other health conditions. UTSW did approve him for LVAD surgery. He has also been approved for an LVAD at Baylor Scott & White in Fort Worth...

Hello all, first off thank you for being here ! My girlfriend and I are the primary caregivers of her 50yr old father who just recently received his LVAD. We understand thats a big undertaking and we are totally down for the job. We / he has had a few bumps along the way but i think we are finally...