Patients and Caregivers Forums

I am preparing for my LVAD surgery next month. Other than clothing, what types of supplies will I likely need to purchase for myself (not covered by insurance)? Are there additional products that people have made your life with a VAD easier that were not mentioned by your medical team?

Has anybody gone into a "Bridge to transplant " surgery, then after 3 years been told you've always been "Destination "?

Join us TONIGHT at 7pm EST for an interactive video support group designed for LVAD recipients and caregivers. Connect with others who are affected by LVADs, make some new friends, and discuss issues that are unique to the LVAD world. There are multiple ways that you can join the meeting. Choose one...

I am 49 and got my lvad in September 2017, I have been playing guitar since I was 10 . Now the problem is my electric guitar picks up the pump and transmits it through the amp to the point of not being able to play. I don't think there is going to be any solution to this but I thought I would throw...

Any tips on playing golf with HeartMate II and equipment ideas. I just put batteries in cargo shorts pockets with controller around my waist. Any other ideas?

Hi Everyone, Not sure if this is of help to anyone... I have been concerned about my HeartMate plug being accidentally pulled out of the wall socket. Not usually something to worry about. However, I have had another plug separated enough from the scocket to turn off a light when my cat jumped over...

I have an ICD as well as my LVAD. Can the two affect each other. I had three alarms on my control unit but I felt like I do before getting a shock. I am interested in knowing if anyone else is having this outcome ?

My journey began in December 2015. I had to have a pacemaker implanted. I thought that had solved my heart problem. Not until I arrived in GA did I eventually learn that I had chronic heart failure. I was sent to a Heart Failure Clinic in Atlanta. My cardiologist suggested that I get on the heart...

I am writing this in hope of finding someone with some advice. Perhaps someone out there has experienced the following sympoms and has found healing. My father, is currently in the hospital and his team doesn't know for sure what is causing his constant dizziness and low PI. He has also experienced...

My husband got a HeartMate3 on Sept 13, 2018 - his 76th birthday. He went from final stages of heart failure - basically send him home on a drip to die - to a remarkable recovery. Other than his heart, he has always been physically fit. After surgery and adjustment, he went home after 2 weeks, weak...

My brother passed away in November he had a spare lvad I am trying to sell it to pay for his final expenses does anyone need a spare?

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 😊

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...

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...