Patients and Caregivers Forums

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...

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...

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?

I am 65 and my Heartmate III was implanted on March 11, 2019. I was discharged from the hospital 8 days after surgery and came home. I am extremely fortunate to have an excellent caregiver, my wife Carol. We are making the 3 hour one way drive each week to KU Medical Center for follow up visits and...

Does anyone have problems with batt. Clips I put them in my pocket to do things every once in a while batt. Beeps

My heart was damaged by a chemo drug and that's why I have heartmatelll. Did anyone else have that experience?

I am 54 years old and really had no noticeable symptoms until recently. I thought I had bronchitis went to hospital and got zpack. It didn't help and went back and they after MRIs , Cathetors etc told me I had major heart failure and would need a lvad and eventually heart transplant. It has really...

My wife and I first got initiated to our lvad and heart transplant program at Oregon Health Sciences University by meeting the various teams who eventually would be treating me for the end stage of my 17 year battle with heart failure. We live about 100 miles from Portland, where the hospital is, so...

Now at age 70, living in the USA, I have to let my ten-year level term insurance expire because the rates were set to climb rapidly anyway. I have to search for a new company, maybe with much less coverage to keep my monthly or quarterly fees affordable, but I don't know if any company would take me...

Hello, My dad just got his HeartMate 3 six days ago. He obviously has a long road ahead of him, but I am trying to gather as much info and get things as ready as I can before he comes to live with me. My dad is a jack of all trades - he was a cop, a machinist, pilot, can build anything etc. My...