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Irene S. Family Member

LVAD candidate

Thu, 08/16/2012 - 6:55AM

Hello everyone. We are meeting with doctors this morning to see if my mother is a candidate for the LVAD. She is 76 years old and is suffering with the later stages of cong. heart failure. Are any of you women of about her age? Has the LVAD been a good choice for you? Are you actually feeling better? We have so many questions.

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Thomas M.

Thu, 08/16/2012 - 6:31PM

Hi - I'm not female nor 76, but I can tell you that she will feel 1000 percent better after the implant. No one can understand just how badly you can feel when you have heart failure except someone with the disease. The LVAD makes you feel normal. It is awkward to have the device, but nothing more - unless you decide to make it a bigger problem than it is. I went from praying to die to praying for answers to healing my heart. This forum is to answer questions - don't hesitate to ask!

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Nancy S.

Mon, 08/27/2012 - 6:46PM

Hello. My name is Nancy, and yes, I am a 76yr old female with an LVAD. I had my surgery on Aug 13 so I am still in recovery.My surgery went without any complications and my recovery has been going much faster and better than anyone expected.I think keeping a positive attitude is very important. My biggest fear through all of this was that I am also legally blind and felt I could not care for myself concerning the equipment. My team has been working with me so that we can figure out ways for me to be independant.I am trying to build my strenth to be able to carry the equipment,which didn't seem so heavy at first, but the more I am up and about the more I feel the weight. Other than that I am feeling much better, breathing without oxygen, no more swelling,no more lasix. It has only been a few weeks and the improvement is remarkable. Please keep in touch. I would like to know how everything goes. You will be in my prayers. Good luck.