Patients and Caregivers Forums

Intimacy was challenging at first of course, but besides being loving to each other in all aspects of our relationship, my wife and I are creative in a lot of the things we do together. Intimacy, I can report, still brings joy to everyones' lives around here.

How do I deal with the stress and unknown taking care of spouse with lvad system.

I just can’t afford $80 to $120 for shirts to carry batteries and George(yes, I named my system controller). I bought package of iron-on Velcro, which cost $6. I took T-shirt’s and cut 3 inch hole. This is plenty wide enough to push controller or even battery through. I then bought fly fishing vest...

Has anyone done international travel with their LVAD? We are planning a trip to England and have purchased a travel adaptor for the power supply. We are wondering if anyone has had any experience with this.

I would like this to respond to Cat S who says she is scared. I would like to send a few words of encouragement to her. My husband received an LVAD II nearly 6 months ago. Prior to that, he had had 3 cardiac arrests outside of the hospital with a 1:1,000 chance of survival, so we feel very blessed...

Going to have a right heart cat done, and was told to pack my bags, went to go see the heart Doctor, ; Dr. Andrew Sauer, sounds want to stay for a while and that my kidneys are starting to shut down, has anyone been through something like before? New and a little unsure and just a little bit afraid...

To anyone interested if you have a "Heartmate 2", You can find a very comfortable undershirt to wear to carry you equipment under your clothing @ www.lvadshirt.com. It comes in Black or White with a short sleeve, or sleeveless. They have a fit for Men and Women. Shipping time is quick For those with...

YOUR STORY is important! We want to hear it and we hope others can learn from it too! Upload a video, audio segment, or write your story here. We want to add your journey to our stories page for everyone to see! Select "New Post" above and tell us all about you!

I am about to tell you a story that still to this moment makes me feel as if I am in surreal dream waiting to be awakened. It started with a cough. A nagging cough that drove me to the minute clinic. They told me it was just a cough that would work itself out. I left and went about my routines of...

Hello. I am new to this site. I had a week long work up in June to see if I was a candidate for a LVAD at this time. I was told that I am too healthy at this time and the surgery would be too risky. However, my cardiologist said they'd prefer to wait 2+ years to do the surgery, as my blood time is O...

Hi friends -- My dad will be returning home from the hospital with an LVAD sometime in the next week, and I'm trying to help him out by purchasing some gear/accessories that will make his life a little easier and more comfortable once he gets here and adjusts to his new equipment. Because of...

I just got out of the hospital. Had my VAD placed almost 3 weeks ago. Can you guys share tips and hints on how to wear my VAD? I have a Heartware 2. Thank you

Dear LVAD community, Do you know anybody who has had had their LVAD removed due to improved heart function after the patient had an ischemic heart attack? I am not seeking medical advice, simply information. I am the caregiver to a Heartmate II patient located in Houston, Texas. My husband (the...

Five years today “June 25, 2013” I had my LVAD placed. It is a HeartWare and I have never had any problems at all. Very lucky on that point. Doctors that I have at the University of Washington Regional Heart Center are doing a wonderful job keeping me going. Hasn’t slowed me down much. Grew up on a...

LVAD Gear has designed a shirt and other accessories just for HeartWare LVADs. The shirt features a double locking controller pocket with a window and locking battery pockets. See the full line of LVAD Clothing including HeartWare and HeartMate specific backpacks, sleeping belts and a selection of...

Hi all, I got my LVAD(Heart mate lll) August or 2017. I’ve been in out of the hospital since 2014 after I turned 23. I’ve known about this site since my surgery, my doctors strongly urged me to join but I never did. I guess I’ve just always been afraid to join a support group. My mind would tell me...

Hi all! I am new to the community and have a few questions about international travel. My boyfriend (27yoa) had his LVAD implanted about 6 months ago. We just took our first trip from MSP to DC and had no problem with luggage at all (and we flew Spirit!). We took one wheeled carry-on and everything...

Hi- just figured out how to find & use this site. 2 questions 1-Anyone know what > 12 Means in both Peak & trough??? 2- open you up chest/ sternum Is there a less invasive operation? Thanks

In September, 2015. I had two (no pain) heart attacks, one while in the hospital. My cardiologist (he had put two stents in me some years earlier) told me that my left ventricle was in bad shape and that I might not live to the end of the year. This scared the hell out of me since I was my wife's...