Profile picture for user Steven Hood
Steven H. Recipient

Clothing

Mon, 08/27/2018 - 1:17PM
I just can’t afford $80 to $120 for shirts to carry batteries and George(yes, I named my system controller). I bought package of iron-on Velcro, which cost $6. I took T-shirt’s and cut 3 inch hole. This is plenty wide enough to push controller or even battery through. I then bought fly fishing vest off Amazon ($20). I wear the vest inside out so controller, batteries and all wires aren’t exposed. I might put shirt or light weight jacket over this but most of the time I don’t.
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Frank I.

Mon, 09/03/2018 - 12:48PM

Check out Medi-materials. Their undervest at $49 eachanged my lvad expereince. 
I ended up purchasing a second one and now wear it 24/7 swapping out for the clean one when I shower. every few days.  For me not having to use a Foley Anchor to secure the driveline any more really helped my skin recover there.

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Brian F.

Mon, 09/03/2018 - 2:56PM

So happy to hear someone else names their LVAD.  I had originally named mine Vlad....as in Vlad the impeller, though most didn’t get the joke.  So I referred to him as Bruce after the shark in Little Mermaid as he always wanted to be fed.  

 

I agree clothing is a bit tricky and the shirts/ vests never seemed to fit or were in my opinion too pricey soni opted for many of the same things you mentioned.  I was so grrateful to still be alive that a few minor adjustments were a good choice to continue to have quality of life

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Frank I.

Tue, 09/04/2018 - 7:53PM

Mine too, is named Vladimir the Impeller. I am the impaled and the back up kit is The Count. :) 
 

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Cathie W.

Tue, 09/04/2018 - 6:09PM

We bought three LVAD shirts in preparation of my husband's homecoming, only to find out he really hated them. He's been using cargo shorts instead. Just cut a hole in the back of the pocket to put the wires through, hook the controller to your belt and voila!. No-one even knows he's got an LVAD.