Community Forums

I am 48yo male and have completed all the evaluation processes for LVAD and transplant. I am scheduled to have the LVAD surgery in January as a bridge to transplant and I am trying to get me head around the whole process and what will be coming next. I have been reading posts on the site and have...

Hi my husband had an LVAD fitted in July 2018. We travel to India (Goa), every year. However we are having trouble locating a hospital and insurance can anyone help?. After a horrendous year it would be great to get away 😊

This may not be the forum for this question, but who better to answer my questions than those living with an LVAD and the people who care for them. My fathers LVAD (Heart Mate II) was implanted August 2015. When he had his heart attack we were literally told to take him home so he could die, as the...

hey guys! I am 32 years old Female, received my Heartmate 3 2 months ago. Back home for a week now. One question: I recognized that my speed range on the system controller is jumping. Speed range jumps every second from 5200 to 5250 and back to 5200 and sometimes to 5300. I spoke to my surgeon and...

Was in Hospital 4 months, after LVAD, doing OK but walking is very hard yet, how long dose it take to walk again ?

Does anyone with an LVAD have any experience with a plug-in hybrid vehicle? Any issue with electromagnetic waves?

I had my LVAD implanted on March 9,2018 and after six months in and out of hospitals I am finally getting back some energy. I had at least six alarms on my controller and no explanation on the screen. My battery was changed in the controller and the very next day an alarm. I labeled all 8 batteries...

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.