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lisa f. Family Member

Need assistance with a family support group Westchester ,NY

Mon, 07/30/2012 - 12:10PM

Hello all,

I recently lost my brother (1 wk ago ) he had his LVAD placed on Dec 13, 2012 . Unfortunatley something went wrong and he did not make it . He leaves behind a wife and 2 children (16, & 24 yrs of age) along with his father and me his sister. We are trying to cope with his death and are looking for a family support group for families of patients who aren't lucky enough to survive. We are located in westchester NY - does anyone know of such a support bereavement group ?

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Jennifer S.

Sun, 08/05/2012 - 3:38PM

Hello. I am very sorry about your loss. I too am from Westchester, but unfortunately I am not writing you with knowlege of any support groups. I am writing to you because my mother is going to recieve a lvad, possibly this coming week. I have so many concerns and would love to be able to converse with someone who has been through it themselves(meaning living with or caring for a lvad recipient), especially someone who lives in my area. I am frightened and don't really know what to expect, especially if things don't go as well as all the success videos I have seen. If you have any advice or warnings that you can share with me I would appreciate it. Thank you.

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lisa m.

Fri, 09/07/2012 - 9:29AM

My father just received LVAD last week. He is still in the hospital. We live in Westchester County, NY. Jennifer - Did your mother receive her LVAD? If so, how is she doing? If not, where will she be getting it done? My father is at NY Presp Cornell. He is on the heart transplant list. If and hopefully when he gets a new heart he will be transplanted at Columbia. LF- I am so sorry about the loss of your brother.

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Jennifer S.

Thu, 09/13/2012 - 6:59PM

Hi Lisa. Yes, my mother recieved her lvad on aug.13. She did incredibly well. She just came home today. It is amazing to see the differance in her. Before surgery she couln't walk 10 steps without loosing her breath. She now is riding the exercise bike for 15 minutes without getting winded. She is feeling much stronger and you can see the differance. So far she hasn't had any major complications,Thank God. She got hers done at NYU, and she recieved the Heartmate. If you have any questions or just need to talk feel free to email @ un4gtblpets@gmail.com. Good luck with everything and we will keep your dad and your family in our prayers. Where in westchester are you located? Jennifer

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lisa m.

Fri, 09/14/2012 - 1:51PM

I live in White Plains. My parents live in Mamaroneck. That is great news about your mother! Hopefully, it all works out for my father as well. He has recently had a set back. He got a block in his small intestine so he is currently back in ICU and on bed rest. He cannot eat or drink anything until the complication is resolved.