Patients and Caregivers Forums

Medi-Materials now offers the original WHITE Freedom Undervest in larger sizes: 2XL-3XL and the new 4XL-5XL. There is no price mark up for the larger sizes, at all. The 4XL-5XL BLACK Freedom 2 Undervest will be available sometime this Fall.

Hello, I am a very recent LVAD recipient, one month ago today. I just got the ok to go home two days ago. Just starting to get the new lifestyle together. Just thought I would;d introduce myself. I will definitely check out the "bag alternatives', that thing hurts my shoulder, and will be happy to...

I was advised not to shower. But I can use a hand held shower. I was wondering if someone knows if it's better to use teg ad er m or if the press and se al is the same or worse? Thanks.

My husband had his LVAD placed on February 11, 2019. Right now we should be experiencing a lot of then things you all are posting about. What to wear, what can he do, what has it been like etc. We had plans. Unfortunately for me, God had other plans. My beloved died on February 13, 2019. See he...

Hello everyone, To have a great website like this can give hope and happiness for alot of people. My husband had his lvad 2 months back. And he have a C-rtd too. Still trying to adjust with his new life style. I have one question, i tried to google it but i couldnt find an answer for it, hopefully...

Hello, I am Pastor Rucker founder of Walking on Water Outreach Ministries and currently an LVAD patient. I had problems with the standard shoulder bag that I received from the hospital. I later purchased a bag from another vendor it was ok however I am 6'2'' and I did not want my driveline to show....

What experience has anyone had Fitbit and what model do you recommend?

LVADgear.com has some pretty nice options for men and women on their website and I've heard their clothing is comfortable. I checked their facebook page and see some positive reviews from their customers as well. They also offer accessories like shoulder bags, backpacks and sleeping belts too.

the best clothing option I've found at lvadvests.com...I got my lvad 11/7/19...the batteries hang on the side, under arms and has two pockets in front for left or right line...I actually put my controller in my left front pants pocket and I have a right line...the other shirt I've found is at...

My wife of 37 years is the entire reason for my survival. I had a heart mate 2 put in in January 2019. She has been by my side the entire 2 months in hospital. God bless her. Love you Steph!!

We seem to have issues with the anchors staying attached to the skin. Yes we clean with alcohol, let it dry, apply the skin barrier, let that dry and it still comes off. We have also tried with it with out the skin barrier after cleaning the skin with alcohol, and they still come off.

Has anyone figured out a comfortable way to get back behind the wheel? There has to be a better way than wearing the batteries on your hips. And how do I change from prospective patient to recipient?

My name is Bob Schilling and I am the husband and caregiver for my wife A. Sue Schilling and ….. Just wanted to pass this outstanding "Great Adventure" along. This past week....Sue Schilling...Heartmate 3 LVAD recipient at Penn Presbyterian in October 2017 and recently selected to be an Abbott...

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...

I just received my LVAD on 6-24–19. I am now allowed to shower. I was just wondering what you cover driveline dressing with?

Hi Everyone, I am new to this community but was wondering if anyone had tips about how to stay active while having an LVAD. I am currently looking for helpful advice on how to live a healthy and active lifestyle while managing an LVAD. Thanks!

Hi everyone! My name is Sophie and I am an industrial design student at the University of Cincinnati. I have recently been made aware from a close friend how difficult it is to live a healthy active lifestyle with a LVAD, and am passionate about using my education and resources to help alleviate...

My father had LVAD surgery on June 11th since then things have moved more slowly with his recovery than we had hoped. For the last 7-8 days has been suffering from low sodium levels, low oxygen levels, and bouts of what they are calling ICU Psychosis. He either is disoriented and unsure of where he...

Hello everyone! My husband is getting the LVAD this Friday. We knew about his heart failure but getting the VAD this early was a surprise, his condition has declined quickly. I'm nervous about a lot of things but would love advice from younger couples/families (older couples too if you have advice!)...

My dad had an lvad placed a month ago and had internal bleeding that led to a stroke. Has anyone else had issues with surgery? He is 74 and having a rough time, he has a Trach and still dependent on the ventilator. Does anyone have stories where they had issues and it took a long time to recover?