Patients and Caregivers Forums

Hi everyone, I first want to thank you for the stories you share about your lives and loved ones on here. I was so lucky to find this website when my father was admitted to the hospital in February needing an emergency surgery for the LVAD (his heart was at 18%). I used it as research for the months...

After nearly 4 and a half years I finally got hit with the infection. Until this point nothing. Traveled worked taught. To date been in the hospital twice 4 sets of different IVs while in the hospital. Now at home taking Cipro 500mg twice per day. Feeling ok, however I have yet to find anything...

Any news of development of smaller batteries and if so when are they likely to be implemented - Thanks

Hi folks, On March 13th (a Friday), I had a heart attack at 12:10am. I'm 37 male and newly diagnosed diabetes patient (the day of the attack). I weigh 180, don't smoke, do drugs or engage in risky behaviour, and eat decently healthy...so as you can imagine, this whole avalanche has been a little...

Hello all. I recently joined this forum because my husband has end stage congestive heart failure. I feel like this has happened so fast. He had a massive heart attack in May 2019 and his EF is 20%. He has been in and out of the hospital multiple times, many times for fluid retention. He has an ICD...

Hi my name is Vikki, I received my LVAD Dec, 16, 2019 with COVID -19 it’s nit possible to get to cardiac rehab what suggestions do you have for exercising

My husband has had his Heartmate 3 for almost a year now. He has days where he gets a stinging pain at the drive line site. We have not been able to get an explanation for this. Has anyone else experienced this, know what causes this, or how to eliminate it?

My husband got his Lvad in September, 2019. Everything was going great without any problems until June, 2019. He came down with a slight fever and was not feeling well. He was still doing his exercises and everyday activities, but sleeping more and a sluggish. His driveline looked good so we knew it...

I have a heartmate 3. implanted in January, I can finally shower, I am able to cover the driveline site, but the waterproof bag is a pain. For those of you who shower often how do you manage to protect and keep your batteries and controller dry?

I am the proud owner of a Heartmate 3 LVAD. I have had it for 15 months now and have has an interesting ride, but that is for a later post. My issues have been with driveline management and skin rashes. My skin is very sensitive to tape and adhesives and it has been a challenge to find the most...

Hello everyone! As a cardiac rehab nurse supervisor I want you to know nurses understand your journey from heart failure - meds- hospitalizations and decreased quality of life leading to decision of LVAD. Cardiac rehabs can help you in your recovery we monitor you and we help you regain your muscle...

Hello Everyone, Per my capstone project on making better solution catered towards women who have LVADs, I would love to know more specifically how you hold your LVAD in different articles of clothing! Girdles, vests, shirts, etc. I would love to know how you uniquely wear your LVAD for different...

Hello. I honestly just wanted some advice and knowledge on what to expect if my Mom ends up getting one. They are discussing it during this hospital admission. I have been looking after both of my parents for the past three months as my Mom has been in and out of the hospital and my Dad has...

Hello We are students at University of Toronto learning about LVAD and blood pressure. We are working with cardiologists and engineers to try and see how we can improve the blood pressure measuring experience for patients and caregivers. If you have a few minutes to answer a quick 10-question survey...

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...

Hello everyone, I am familiar with VADs because I am a cardiovascular perfusionist - the person who operates the heart lung machine. At the hospital I work at were are very involved in VAD implant surgery, but also are responsible for taking care of VAD patients when they come to the operating room...

My mother had an lvad implant in June 2019. The waist binders she has to keep her driveline secure are rough and scratchy. Does anyone have suggestions for alternate binders. She’s fairly petite. I appreciate any suggestions!

Our local LVAD hospital is, like all others, running short of gloves and other supplies. If you are a Heartmate 3 user I know you have extra gloves and hand sanitizers in your kits. If you do have extras why don't you save them and take them with you on your next visit or get them to the ER. It's...

Hi, I'm a 35 y/o caregiver to my dad with heart failure. The hospital LVAD educator suggested I speak with the people on here for more information from people who have actually been there. Up until recently, my father has an EF around 10%, does not use oxygen, can walk short distances, and can...

LVAD Battery dock, batteries(8), power module deck w/25 ft. Cord for sleeping, LVAD bag, battery tops, kits, gauze, betadine packs, lots of extra gear, and record of maintenance. Well taken care of and has been plugged in and maintained since removal. Was all brand new equipment when removed. Lots...