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MandiMarie M. Recipient

22, heart attack, new baby

My name is Mandi and I have never had heart problems before the birth of my daughter. The pregnancy with my daughter was an amazing experience, I had no problems and me and my fiance we're both very happy. On Feb. 25th while giving birth to my beautiful baby girl I had a heart attack. I told the nurses and doctors that I was having pains in my chest that were worse than the contraction, they did two EKGs on me. They told me that the EKGs came back fine and that I should continue pushing. After having my daughter they did an ultra sound on my heart and came back to tell my family that I had a massive heart attack. They attempted to put splints in my heart and a balloon. I died once at that hospital and they brought me back. They then told my family they did not have the things needed at that hospital to save me so they flew me out by helicopter to another. That hospital ended up having to put me on what is called Ecmo Life Support after dying once there also and being brought back. Ecmo is a machine that literally does EVERYTHING for your body and I was on that for about 3 days. They then decided that I would need an Lvad and it saved my life. I don't remember much of anything. I was out of it for the entire month of March and I am now trying to get my strength back to enjoy a life with my daughter.

It's a whole different life to be on an Lvad but it's a life. I am living differently but I am still living and I am very thankful for that. I hope everyone who has to get an Lvad sees it as a second chance no matter how difficult it may be to get use to, a chance is a chance and when you have one.. embrace it.

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Lekeya F.

I am glad you are doing well. The LVAD saved my life almost a year ago. April 27 was the day. It has been a long journey. But I am living. There is a huge community on facebsck for LVAD recipients and families. LVAD Families and Fighting for Our Hearts: Young Adults with LVAD. Feel Free to join us. I am Lekeya. Take care. GOD Bless.

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DaKeia W.

Hi Mandi-

I had the same issue...except mine occurred a week after child birth. It was in 1999 and I was fine on meds until heart failure in 2010- I've had my VAD since 5/19/2010.

As Lekeya stated there are many groups for LVAD'ers on FB- just type it in the search menu. LVAD Warriors is one also.