Ongoing scabs driveline

Yes I would like to know about ointment. We have had the lvad since 2012 and never been told about any type of ointment

I'm my husband's caregiver. He has had his Heartware LVAD since August 2015 and has never had a driveline infection. I use the overkill approach for the shower. I tape up the area in three ways: using the small ShowerGuard plastic sheet provided in the Post Op driveline kit, I cover the anchor completely and part of the bottom of the bandage, without getting tape on the anchor (makes it easier to take off); use  a large (6"x8") Tegaderm film sheet to cover from above the bandage at top, down to overlap the Post Op ShowerGuard plastic sheet on the bottom; use 2" 3M Transpore plastic tape around the outside of the Tegaderm and ShowerGuard sheets. The bandage and anchor - the whole area - is taped so there is no possibility that water can seep in from anywhere, including sliding down the driveline cable. My husband does not have to be careful about getting water near the driveline bandage because I tape the heck out of it. We use a Post Op dressing by preference.

I’m going on 3 years without a driveline infection. I would make sure I was changing my dressing just like they did at the hospital.  Some people take shortcuts by not using the masks that come with the kits.  Some people don’t use the sterile gloves, instead use the ones that are not packaged.

As far as the shower goes.  I always use a shower shield.  I use a detachable shower head that has about a 4’ hose attached.  I never just let water spray on the shower shield.  I stand with my back towards the front of the shower and underneath the shower head.  I like using a scrunchy to apply soap. It doesn’t hold water.  I can let go of the shower head and let it dangle down while I lather up.  Then rinse off.  Ok I don’t endorse this or recommend it without proper precautions taken.  I’ve never had my LVAD in the shower with me.  I have a bar outside the shower that is secured with screws in the stud.  You can hang from it.  It’s extra sturdy.  I hang my bag with the shoulder strap on the bar.  So my bag hangs right beside me outside the shower just as if I had my wife holding the bag while I showered.  The key is to always take your shower when you have someone available.  I also have a shower seat available in the shower should I need it.

The big key is never to let water get on the driveline next to your stomach.  Clean the driveline cable every time you change dressing.

Hope this was helpful.

Richard b. The nurses never told you what type of dressing to use when you shower I've had my L-vad for about 4 months and they sent me home with supplies and everytime I see my doctor they ask me if i need any dressing kits 

Yes i get that for sure.  I don't think they want to mess with it due to infection risk etc....My medical facility advised that they would change it within a day, but would be a hospital stay in ICU just to make sure no problems.  I double questioned do you need to do surgery or cut where entrance of driveline?????? They advised "NO." 

Willie"s INR was in range. I have a INR  home monitor kit, I test at home once a week or when needed. His LVAD team give directions after each test. I keep daily records of vitals,  weight, Acc. check and reading on his LVAD controller along with the INR.  I look at the readings on his controller quite often, always have. April of 2017 implanted.  On this day I noticed his Watts have started to elevate and  his urine was darker. I called the LVAD team to let them know what was going on and we were on our way to the hospital. I have read about and was told what to look out for as for a possible clot.  My reaction was what made all  the difference. I did not wait around to see if things would get better. We were at the hospital within the hour or 2 and was diagnosed and treated for this clot in a timely manner, that is the key. This treatment will work at early stage.  He had an extended hospital stay almost 2 months. He needed to be monitored  closely.  His range was between 2.5-3.0. Clots just happen sometime. 

Willie"s INR was in range. I have a INR  home monitor kit, I test at home once a week or when needed. His LVAD team give directions after each test. I keep daily records of vitals,  weight, Acc. check and reading on his LVAD controller along with the INR.  I look at the readings on his controller quite often, always have. April of 2017 implanted.  On this day I noticed his Watts have started to elevate and  his urine was darker. I called the LVAD team to let them know what was going on and we were on our way to the hospital. I have read about and was told what to look out for as for a possible clot.  My reaction was what made all  the difference. I did not wait around to see if things would get better. We were at the hospital within the hour or 2 and was diagnosed and treated for this clot in a timely manner, that is the key. This treatment will work at early stage.  He had an extended hospital stay almost 2 months. He needed to be monitored  closely.  His range was between 2.5-3.0. Clots just happen sometime. 

Willie"s INR was in range. I have a INR  home monitor kit, I test at home once a week or when needed. His LVAD team give directions after each test. I keep daily records of vitals,  weight, Acc. check and reading on his LVAD controller along with the INR.  I look at the readings on his controller quite often, always have. April of 2017 implanted.  On this day I noticed his Watts have started to elevate and  his urine was darker. I called the LVAD team to let them know what was going on and we were on our way to the hospital. I have read about and was told what to look out for as for a possible clot.  My reaction was what made all  the difference. I did not wait around to see if things would get better. We were at the hospital within the hour or 2 and was diagnosed and treated for this clot in a timely manner, that is the key. This treatment will work at early stage.  He had an extended hospital stay almost 2 months. He needed to be monitored  closely.  His range was between 2.5-3.0. Clots just happen sometime. 

Willie"s INR was in range. I have a INR  home monitor kit, I test at home once a week or when needed. His LVAD team give directions after each test. I keep daily records of vitals,  weight, Acc. check and reading on his LVAD controller along with the INR.  I look at the readings on his controller quite often, always have. April of 2017 implanted.  On this day I noticed his Watts have started to elevate and  his urine was darker. I called the LVAD team to let them know what was going on and we were on our way to the hospital. I have read about and was told what to look out for as for a possible clot.  My reaction was what made all  the difference. I did not wait around to see if things would get better. We were at the hospital within the hour or 2 and was diagnosed and treated for this clot in a timely manner, that is the key. This treatment will work at early stage.  He had an extended hospital stay almost 2 months. He needed to be monitored  closely.  His range was between 2.5-3.0. Clots just happen sometime. 

I am so happy to hear they were able to change it and he is doing "WELL."  My goodness, yes your Dr. is amazing and God is good.  Thank you for sharing...