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April S. Prospective Patient

Need advice

Thu, 09/08/2016 - 8:42PM
I am 38 years old and I am in stage 3 of HF. Yesterday I was told that I need a transplant but I have to lose 60 pounds first. Meanwhile I need the LVAD. The doctor asked me how bad do I feel? As simple as the question was, it was difficult to answer. I have 3 children ages 16, 14, and 11. I am married to an amazing man. My hesitation is the impact on my children during my recovery and if it does not work. Does anyone have any advice?
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Ken K.

Wed, 03/22/2017 - 11:28PM
You need to address these questions to experienced doctors. If you find it difficult to keep up with your family now, an LVAD will improve your health and abilities. It also might keep you alive longer than your heart. Your children seem old enough to take over a good bit of their own care and even help you with your recovery. Depending on your situation, it might also make sense to skip the VAD and go for transplantation. Realistically, how soon can you lose 60 pounds and how soon can you expect a transplant? I lost 30 pounds during my seven-week hospital journey and kept it off with diet changes and regular exercise. My choice was much starker.
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April S.

Thu, 10/12/2017 - 3:30PM
Thanks Ken. I just recently started seeing a doctor that specializes in helping lvad patients lose weight. I have had some difficulty with the diet because of my blood thinner and eating greens but things are going in the right direction.
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April S.

Thu, 10/12/2017 - 3:30PM
Thanks Ken. I just recently started seeing a doctor that specializes in helping lvad patients lose weight. I have had some difficulty with the diet because of my blood thinner and eating greens but things are going in the right direction.
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April S.

Thu, 10/12/2017 - 3:30PM
Thanks Ken. I just recently started seeing a doctor that specializes in helping lvad patients lose weight. I have had some difficulty with the diet because of my blood thinner and eating greens but things are going in the right direction.
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April S.

Thu, 10/12/2017 - 3:30PM
Thanks Ken. I just recently started seeing a doctor that specializes in helping lvad patients lose weight. I have had some difficulty with the diet because of my blood thinner and eating greens but things are going in the right direction.
Profile picture for user Jamsmom
April S.

Thu, 10/12/2017 - 3:30PM
Thanks Ken. I just recently started seeing a doctor that specializes in helping lvad patients lose weight. I have had some difficulty with the diet because of my blood thinner and eating greens but things are going in the right direction.
Profile picture for user Jamsmom
April S.

Thu, 10/12/2017 - 3:30PM
Thanks Ken. I just recently started seeing a doctor that specializes in helping lvad patients lose weight. I have had some difficulty with the diet because of my blood thinner and eating greens but things are going in the right direction.
Profile picture for user Jamsmom
April S.

Thu, 10/12/2017 - 3:30PM
Thanks Ken. I just recently started seeing a doctor that specializes in helping lvad patients lose weight. I have had some difficulty with the diet because of my blood thinner and eating greens but things are going in the right direction.
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Julia H.

Tue, 10/10/2017 - 3:27AM
Hi. How are you now? I wish everything worked well for you. I know that losing weight is not an easy job and you wanted to lose weight for transplant. I am familiar with many easy methods for weight loss. The detox tea helps in easy weight loss and also helps in detoxification. It is better to adopt simple ways to keep the body healthy and active.
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April S.

Thu, 10/12/2017 - 3:09PM
Hi Julia. Thanks for reaching out to me. I am doing great considering. I ended up having my LVAD surgery 11/03/2016. I became so sick that I could not leave the hospital because of the fear of me not making it back to the hospital in time if I had another event. My husband and children are great! I still have another 30 pounds to lose, its been harder to lose since the surgery. All in all I am feeling a lot better and I have not had any major complications.