Patients and Caregivers Forums

Hi all! I am new to the LVAD caregiver community. My Father-in-law has his LVAD surgery this Wednesday. He is a BIG lover of the outdoors so I want to get him a fishing style vest to haul around his equipment in (his backup equipment will be in a bag). Can anyone with a HeartMate 3 tell me the...

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Can anyone tell me what the risk is of being connected with external electric power in a thunderstorm? Is it advisabel to connect the batteries instead, when there is lightning around?

Hi! My fiance had his LVAD placed January 31st and he has been doing really well. However, over the past week he has become more short of breath than usual. He has reached out to the LVAD clinic and they say it's normal, as this is the last thing that will come around. Well, a few days ago he...

I have three vests made by Cindy Bosco and they have served me well. If you are interested you can contact her on 989-274-8862 or www.boscolvadvest.com. They have given me more freedom and mobility. She is excellent to work with and very flexible.

Hello, I am JW Rucker Jr. Founder of Walking On Water Outreach Ministries. I am an LVAD recipient. I have had it since September of 2018. I am very grateful for my wife, family, and neighbors who have been understanding and compassionate during this life-changing event. When I was in the Hospital I...

Hi my husband has just had his lvad 4wks today we have been having hard time as he has had a few hick ups . Just felt needed to chat to some one in simular situation many thank . Margaret x

Just thought I would let y'all know carew medical wear is having a 4th of July sale. I just received a e-mail from them. My coordinators love this lvad shirt, I'm very happy with it too. www.carewmedicalwear.com

Something that I've been considering doing is getting a embroidered patch made so that my go bag is clearly marked as medical equipment. I feel that this is important since I actually use a LowePro Camera bag with padded compartments and dual shoulder straps for carrying my spare batteries...

Hello, I'm new at this forum and have question about generator. I'm planning to use generator when electricity goes down at home and when I going for camping overnight. There are two type of generators : battery and gasoline. Portable Battery Generator will be used at home and gasoline outside the...

my husband is 72 end stage chf he had LVAD surgery fri morn it’s now tues and is still Intubated . Whenever the drs try to wake him up he gets very agitated and stressed. So the have to re intubate him. I am very scared for him. Is the confusion he is experiencing normal. ?

Hi, am I able to ride a bike?, where live now I can ride one around and not worry getting hurt or hit by a car. Thank you for your time and Peace be with you all.

I have recently 'celebrated' 10 years of living with a Ventrassist LVAD here in the UK The machine's performance has been exemplary' I have heart failure again now so life is not at all easy Only difficulties haves been with obtaining batteries, medication and the weight of the machine itself...

Hello everyone. I am just now beginning to discuss the option on an LVAD with my cardiologist. I have had Dilated Cardiomyopathy for 15 years. Life was a breeze, cruising along at 35% EF, up from 20% at dx. However, the last year has been tough. My EF is now back to 20% and I've been hospitalized...

Bivad anyone have them? Them?

Hi. I am new here. I received my Lvad on December 29, 2017 after 20 years with congestive heart failure. In early 2016 my heart started getting extremely worse. in 7 months I was hospitalised 8 times. After 5 days the drs said i was ready to go home. I have had no problems so far. My question is...

This is my first post. My husband has had his LVAD for five weeks now, and I want to share this web site with you all for making your life easier with a LVAD. My husband is so grateful to discover how this shirt gave him freedom to do daily life activities. Take a peek and see if it is something you...

The most favorite Lvad t-shirt now available on black friday https://www.facebook.com/LVADshirt/posts/1973147372701194

Hi, my name is phil lay and I've been the care giver for a grouchy old man since he received his first lvad (he's on his third one now). I've been fired several times, mind you I've never been hired or paid. I do it outta love for the old fart. So here's my question: he's in Sutter again, and this...

My husband was diagnosed with CHF in 2014. In 2017 he had a stroke and his heart enlarged and as time went on, his heart health declined a lot. Last week, while I was pumping gas, my husband, son (5 yrs) and daughter (2yrs) were in the car and my husbands ICD fired. HIs ICD fired a total of 54 in 40...