Community Forums

My wife has had an LVAD for three years. She was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. She had surgery to remove the cancer and is now facing chemotherpy. We are wondering if any other women with an LVAD have faced this challenge.

My brother received his LVAD on 8/30/18 and fortunately was also approved for disability; however, we just learned that when SSDI kicks Jan 2019, he will lose Medicaid....leaving him without any insurance to continue care for LVAD and he won't be eligible for heart transplant. This week he learned...

Hello, my name is Chris and I have had my HeartWare LVAD for a little over a year now. Life with the device had gone mostly as well as could be expected although I have experienced one problem that is quite a nuisance and was wondering if anyone had some feedback or advice on how to tackle this...

My brother received his LVAD on 02/02/2015. We went through the same search. The vest he received in hospital was uncomfortable for him. At one of his therapy sessions we found the answer. I replicated an idea a fellow patient's wife devised for him. We use mans tank tops which I modify. Turn shirt...

Hi, Has anyone already had problems with the Battery charger? I had to unplug it from the outlet for a few hours and, when I plugged it back, it did not turn on. There was no electricity problem that could explain that. I do not know what is the half-life of this type of machine, but mine has only 3...

Hi, I'm reviewing my health care and prescription insurance. I'm currently using Medicare and a supplement for my prescriptions. My insurance agent has recommended the Aetna Advantage plan. My understanding is that once I moved to it it's extremely difficult to go back to what I currently have. I...

my dad had a lvad (Heart Mate 2). He passed away October 8th 2018. We have all of his batteries and Wall module as well as accessories like a brand new shower bag, battery clips, etc. If someone will pay shipping I will donate these items to you. The hospital nor thoratec will take these back and...

My 72 yr old husband had surgery on Sept 3rd 2018, he has the heartmate 3, he was in the hospital 11 days and did well, he's still improving everyday except for his balance and he gets light headed, the Dr had changed his blood pressure meds and it hasn't helped so now they want him to go to a ENT...

I am a 78 year old male LVAD recipient, eight + years out. Generally have been doing quite well but am increasingly bothered by a very painful hip which is inhibiting my activity level and quality of life. I am interested in communicating with any LVADers out there who has had hip or joint...

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...

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.

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

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)....