Where are the recent posts, I am scared!!
Mon, 03/19/2018 - 5:38PMHi, hello, good afternoon! My husband is jumping through the hoops to get qualified for the Heartmate II. We're just about done and meeting with the LVAD surgeon in just a week. I don't see many recent posts and it concerns me dearly. My husband is not a bridge to transplant due to his age (73) and it seems that many of the older posts that I have read talks about all the complications and in some instances (death) rather than the situations where the LVAD has given the recipient a quality of life and it's been beneficial. Is there anyone that can share with me something good that has resulted in the LVAD surgery? I am scared!
Some good stuff
Thu, 01/10/2019 - 10:14AMI recieved my HM II about eight and a half years ago at age 70 as a destination therapy patient. Since then I have had no hospitalizations or serious illnesses relating to my heart of LVAD. I have traveled all over the place, including two weeks in Italy, for family and military reunions and to visit kids and grandkids. I have driven across country from Florida to Arizona and back two and a half years ago. Yes, there can be complications, but in my case none that weren't manageable. I have had some issues with arythimas resulting in two cardioversions and an anticipated ablation, but this has been more of a nusiance than a serious problem. I have been shocked one time by my ICD about three years ago after going up a flight of steps a bit too fast. No infections so far. I shower about once a week and my wife changes the dressing after I get out of the shower. My wife is my caregiver and she could teach a class on how to change the dressing. When she was seriously ill five years ago I was well enough to take cafe of her, cook all the meals, clean the house, shop, take her to doctors' appointments, etc. Having an LVAD is not easy but if it's keeping you alive you deal with it. No self-pity allowed. Appreciate the time you have been given.
LVAD Implant
Wed, 05/15/2019 - 11:50AMI am 77 and my LVAD is a destination implant due to my age. I had other problems and spent the better part of 6 months in hospitals. I have been dealing with severe back pain and thanks to Cardiac Rehab and PT I am improving considerably.
LVAD Implant
Wed, 05/15/2019 - 11:50AMI am 77 and my LVAD is a destination implant due to my age. I had other problems and spent the better part of 6 months in hospitals. I have been dealing with severe back pain and thanks to Cardiac Rehab and PT I am improving considerably.
LVAD Implant
Wed, 05/15/2019 - 11:50AMI am 77 and my LVAD is a destination implant due to my age. I had other problems and spent the better part of 6 months in hospitals. I have been dealing with severe back pain and thanks to Cardiac Rehab and PT I am improving considerably.
LVAD Implant
Wed, 05/15/2019 - 11:50AMI am 77 and my LVAD is a destination implant due to my age. I had other problems and spent the better part of 6 months in hospitals. I have been dealing with severe back pain and thanks to Cardiac Rehab and PT I am improving considerably.
LVAD Implant
Wed, 05/15/2019 - 11:50AMI am 77 and my LVAD is a destination implant due to my age. I had other problems and spent the better part of 6 months in hospitals. I have been dealing with severe back pain and thanks to Cardiac Rehab and PT I am improving considerably.
LVAD Implant
Wed, 05/15/2019 - 11:50AMI am 77 and my LVAD is a destination implant due to my age. I had other problems and spent the better part of 6 months in hospitals. I have been dealing with severe back pain and thanks to Cardiac Rehab and PT I am improving considerably.
LVAD Implant
Wed, 05/15/2019 - 11:50AMI am 77 and my LVAD is a destination implant due to my age. I had other problems and spent the better part of 6 months in hospitals. I have been dealing with severe back pain and thanks to Cardiac Rehab and PT I am improving considerably.
LVAD Implant
Wed, 05/15/2019 - 11:50AMI am 77 and my LVAD is a destination implant due to my age. I had other problems and spent the better part of 6 months in hospitals. I have been dealing with severe back pain and thanks to Cardiac Rehab and PT I am improving considerably.
LVAD Implant
Wed, 05/15/2019 - 11:51AMI am 77 and my LVAD is a destination implant due to my age. I had other problems and spent the better part of 6 months in hospitals. I have been dealing with severe back pain and thanks to Cardiac Rehab and PT I am improving considerably.
the scared one.
Wed, 05/15/2019 - 5:57PMdear scared one: go back to basics and not in your emotions. big mistake, thank god you did it it, its the only way to get in. i have done the same thing. talk to the doctors and do not let them buffalo you into there bizzy schedual! bull shit, this is your life and go figure , you are payiong for this!!! keep hangin and bannging on this one till you get your answer. there is nothing to fear except death, and you aint there yet. that time is comming BUT NOT NOW! this device in my chest has saved my life 4 now. no drive line infections & the wife changes my dressing 2. you are not alone in this ocean of technoligy, got your trans script of your records from your primary dr. this trick saves money becouse thay get it 4 free. keep talking to the big guy up stares and you might be ok. sincerly mike d. not the alvad man!
so many questions and no answers
Sun, 05/26/2019 - 4:21PMJim is in the midst of getting qualified for a LVAD. I'm driving myself crazy trying to figure out if I should quit my job to caregive for him. We can't afford to hire someone, friends and family are older than us or working so none of them can' be here daily when I'm at work. And I can't afford to quit. I work at a small firm (under 50 employees so FLA is not in play here) And how the heck am I supposed to get the caregiving in place when I don't even know if he will qualify for it?
Any help or ideas from any of you who have had to go through this would be so greatly appreciated.
In reply to so many questions and no answers by Sue M.
Ralph F.Care giver for Jim
Sun, 05/26/2019 - 5:13PMI have had my hm 3 for 6 years now. My wife is my care giver and has been there every step of the way. We can see no reason that quiting your job will restrict your being the care giver for Jim. Mostly the care giver does the dressing changes but that can be worked around. Yes there are other things but most are minor and can be planned for. Having said the above, as a caregiver, you need a break for alone time or end up driving each other crazy. Grin. And if needed, you are but a phone call away.
Ralph Fullenwider
In reply to Care giver for Jim by Ralph F.
ron l.Nice trout!
Sat, 11/26/2022 - 5:06PMWhere did you snag it from? All the best….rl
so many questions and no answers
Sun, 05/26/2019 - 4:21PMJim is in the midst of getting qualified for a LVAD. I'm driving myself crazy trying to figure out if I should quit my job to caregive for him. We can't afford to hire someone, friends and family are older than us or working so none of them can' be here daily when I'm at work. And I can't afford to quit. I work at a small firm (under 50 employees so FLA is not in play here) And how the heck am I supposed to get the caregiving in place when I don't even know if he will qualify for it?
Any help or ideas from any of you who have had to go through this would be so greatly appreciated.
In reply to so many questions and no answers by Sue M.
AnonymousTake FMLA
Mon, 05/27/2019 - 2:40PMMy husband had LVAD implanted 8/24/18. I had planned to take six weeks FMLA when he was discharged from hospital. Unfortunately on 9/4/18.He had a stroke. He did not come home until 1/9/19. I work full-time as a Social Worker. I am his caregiver too. My day starts at 4:30 and end at 7:30.
LVAD Experience
Sun, 05/26/2019 - 5:25PMWhile I am a little late to this discussion and I recently had a heart transplant to replace my LVAD, I wouldn't swap the three years with my LVAD for anything. It was not without complications (difficulty in maintaining proper fluid levels, a small staff infection), the difference between being able to resume almost all of my daily activities versus hardly being able to walk to the mailbox was a blessing. As noted before, I was lucky that it was a bridge to a transplant (although, after three years, I was starting to wonder), but I see a lot of success here in what I call "long range" users. It wasn't easy for even three years - constant bandage changes, watching fluid intake - especially during warm weather, remember simple activities like remembering to charge and carry extra batteries, getting use to "carry" ten extra pounds of equipment on my body and another ten pounds of back-up in a wheeled bag wherever I went, giving up time in the pool and showers (I never got used to the hassle with prepping for showers, so I lived with "sponge baths" with my wife assistance), and some minor intimacy (it takes some effort even to have a nice hug without making accomodations for it) issues. But, if you are the caretaker and willing to help (as my wife was and, as a result, we became that much for closer), the extra years that you get with a better quality of life are worth it!!
Caregiverburnout
Mon, 05/27/2019 - 2:43PMMy husband had his lvad heart mate surgery in June 8th of 2017. His is destination. I am his caregiver and I am in so much caregiver burnout. I am in constant fear that something is going to happen. I am scared to death. Even after this much time I need help coping. What can I do,I need help.
I am going on 3 years since…
Mon, 11/18/2019 - 11:02AMI am going on 3 years since my re birth day. Have had no lvad issues since, just one bout of pneumonia. I am 71 and a destination patient. We take 5 or six driving trips each year. Don't fly, too much trouble to carry the gear. If you want to converse, I'm at norrismm@msn.com
LVAD patient
Mon, 07/13/2020 - 1:01PMI am 78 and have a HeartMate 3 . It was placed on March 9th, 2018. I have not experienced any problems of a serious nature. My wife changes my dressing every three days and no infections thus far. My LVAD is also a destination implant. I feel I am doing well. Had to change some hobbies but life is good.
LVAD patient
Mon, 07/13/2020 - 1:01PMI am 78 and have a HeartMate 3 . It was placed on March 9th, 2018. I have not experienced any problems of a serious nature. My wife changes my dressing every three days and no infections thus far. My LVAD is also a destination implant. I feel I am doing well. Had to change some hobbies but life is good.
In reply to LVAD patient by Jerome M.
ron l.Good to hear you're good
Wed, 07/29/2020 - 12:56PMGreetings Mr. M. If I may I'd like to get your feedback please. How long before you were faced with the decision to have the implant? Was it due to a heart attack? Is your energy level back yet to where you'd consider it progressing? Thank you and I wish you the best. Cheers.
LVAD patient
Mon, 07/13/2020 - 1:01PMI am 78 and have a HeartMate 3 . It was placed on March 9th, 2018. I have not experienced any problems of a serious nature. My wife changes my dressing every three days and no infections thus far. My LVAD is also a destination implant. I feel I am doing well. Had to change some hobbies but life is good.
Scared of the un known❤️
Mon, 07/20/2020 - 2:32PMHi I’m yolanda my son who was 30 at the time he received LVAD
the heartmate 3 excellant chose. Don’t be scared for the surgery it is about 8 hours and he heart team staff know what their doing. Your husband will be out about 3or4 days that is normal. My advise is to take care of yourself go and take in a lot of nature. It will be fine.
anymore ? Please contact me
ymiller63@yahoo.com
my son had his vad put in at the university hospital in Iowa city
yes I’m his caregiver and that LVAD is working great yes he is on the road to transplant just have to loose a few pounds
may god bless
A good long term outcome
Wed, 07/29/2020 - 10:18AMI received my Heartmate II in 2010 at age 70. Since then I have let a generally normal and enjoyable life. This has included flying and driving trips across country, a two week trip to Italy, and an opportunity to write my memoirs including my time in combat as a Marine captain in Vietnam. In September, barring anything untoward, I will reach my 10 year anniversary. The best part has been time with my grandkids, now ages 11, 10 and 7. Any health complications I have experienced since my implant have not been heart or LVAD related. I have no data on how many recipients make to ten years, but I know the numbers continue to improve with advances in technology and protocols. My advice to anyone considering an LVAD would be to, after initial recovery, stay active and have a sense of purpose. For me, being a person of faith has made a big difference. Family, friends and a place of worship make a huge difference. Yes, there are risks, but considering the alternative apprehension took a back seat to appreciation. Every day is a gift.
In reply to A good long term outcome by Reiss T.
ron l.Thank you sir!
Wed, 07/29/2020 - 12:14PMMr. T,
I've followed your posts over the years with anticipation if you will. Having served during the Vietnam era in the Army Reserves, I sincerely thank you for your service. Are you still active, as most any 80 yr. old might be? Of course I get the grandkids. Again, thank you for replying. All the best...rl
In reply to A good long term outcome by Reiss T.
ron l.Thank you sir!
Wed, 07/29/2020 - 12:14PMMr. T,
I've followed your posts over the years with anticipation if you will. Having served during the Vietnam era in the Army Reserves, I sincerely thank you for your service. Are you still active, as most any 80 yr. old might be? Of course I get the grandkids. Again, thank you for replying. All the best...rl
In reply to Thank you sir! by ron l.
ron l.Sorry, forgot to ask?
Wed, 07/29/2020 - 12:21PMHope this is not too personal. Did you have a heart attack and did you ever consider a transplant? Cheers!
In reply to Sorry, forgot to ask? by ron l.
Reiss T.Reply to Ron
Wed, 07/29/2020 - 7:36PMYes, I did have an MI in 1995 but my underlying cardiomyopathy was probably due to exposure to Agent Orange. I was not a candidate for transplant due to my age and because of a growth noted in my kidney during screening that was thought to be malignent. The growth was removed four years ao by an embolization and no determination was made as to its being malignant. I am happy with the LVAD although it is a bit cumbersome and may be better off not having to take the immuno suppresants. . Thanks for asking and than you for your service.
In reply to A good long term outcome by Reiss T.
Mariza M.Hi, What a wonderful…
Wed, 07/29/2020 - 2:25PMHi,
What a wonderful message of hope for all of us LVAD users! I have mine since 2025. My 5 years LVADday will be August 7th. After a very hard time, with frequent GI bleding, I´ve been having an almost normal life. I live in Brazil and my son in New York, but I am still affraid of international travellings. I hope that one day I will have the courage to travel again. Besides, I resumed my professional activity as scientific researcher, which occupies larger part of my mind and my time. It´s marvelous to see my grandchildren growing up (9 and 3 yo), more difficult now with the pandemia. God bless you! God bless us all and give us emotional and physical support to continue living in health.
Cheers
Mariza Morgado
In reply to A good long term outcome by Reiss T.
Mariza M.Hi, What a wonderful…
Wed, 07/29/2020 - 2:25PMHi,
What a wonderful message of hope for all of us LVAD users! I have mine since 2025. My 5 years LVADday will be August 7th. After a very hard time, with frequent GI bleding, I´ve been having an almost normal life. I live in Brazil and my son in New York, but I am still affraid of international travellings. I hope that one day I will have the courage to travel again. Besides, I resumed my professional activity as scientific researcher, which occupies larger part of my mind and my time. It´s marvelous to see my grandchildren growing up (9 and 3 yo), more difficult now with the pandemia. God bless you! God bless us all and give us emotional and physical support to continue living in health.
Cheers
Mariza Morgado
In reply to Hi, What a wonderful… by Mariza M.
ron l.Stay well.
Wed, 07/29/2020 - 2:51PMHi. I am happy for you that you feel well, sounds like physically and emotionally. And 5 yrs. is a notable milestone, and with the grandkids at that! I miss being able to travel internationally and only hope that is resolved soon. But I will not be hasty about jumping on a plane until it's ultra safe. I read as much on this subject as I can find. There was a elderly gentleman who lived 14 yrs. with LVAD support. I'm aware of a younger lady who is at 13 years and is opting for the LVAD instead of a transplant because of the advancements in the newest technology and devices. Near normal is a good state of affairs . Cheers! ron
In reply to Hi, What a wonderful… by Mariza M.
Myriam T.2025?
Sat, 02/27/2021 - 10:06AM2025?
In reply to 2025? by Myriam T.
ron l.Must mean 2015 I’d presume.
Sat, 02/27/2021 - 10:36AMMust mean 2015 I’d presume.
LVAD
Fri, 07/31/2020 - 12:45PMI am in my third year with my Heartmaate 3 and doing much better then I first did. The road is not easy but manageable in time. Mine is an destination implant as I turn 79 in August. I thank God and modern technology for giving me this extra time. Stay positive and have faith and all will go well. Take care and God bless.
LVAD
Fri, 07/31/2020 - 12:46PMI am in my third year with my Heartmaate 3 and doing much better then I first did. The road is not easy but manageable in time. Mine is an destination implant as I turn 79 in August. I thank God and modern technology for giving me this extra time. Stay positive and have faith and all will go well. Take care and God bless.
LVAD
Fri, 07/31/2020 - 12:46PMI am in my third year with my Heartmaate 3 and doing much better then I first did. The road is not easy but manageable in time. Mine is an destination implant as I turn 79 in August. I thank God and modern technology for giving me this extra time. Stay positive and have faith and all will go well. Take care and God bless.
LVAD
Fri, 07/31/2020 - 12:46PMI am in my third year with my Heartmaate 3 and doing much better then I first did. The road is not easy but manageable in time. Mine is an destination implant as I turn 79 in August. I thank God and modern technology for giving me this extra time. Stay positive and have faith and all will go well. Take care and God bless.
LVAD
Fri, 07/31/2020 - 12:46PMI am in my third year with my Heartmaate 3 and doing much better then I first did. The road is not easy but manageable in time. Mine is an destination implant as I turn 79 in August. I thank God and modern technology for giving me this extra time. Stay positive and have faith and all will go well. Take care and God bless.
LVAD
Fri, 07/31/2020 - 12:46PMI am in my third year with my Heartmaate 3 and doing much better then I first did. The road is not easy but manageable in time. Mine is an destination implant as I turn 79 in August. I thank God and modern technology for giving me this extra time. Stay positive and have faith and all will go well. Take care and God bless.
LVAD
Fri, 07/31/2020 - 12:46PMI am in my third year with my Heartmaate 3 and doing much better then I first did. The road is not easy but manageable in time. Mine is an destination implant as I turn 79 in August. I thank God and modern technology for giving me this extra time. Stay positive and have faith and all will go well. Take care and God bless.
In reply to LVAD by Jerome M.
ron l.Thanks for your reply
Fri, 07/31/2020 - 7:56PMWhile doing research and connecting the dots, I think one gentleman had the lvad for 14 yrs. until the age of 88. By all accounts, the HM 3 is quite advanced. All the best.
LVAD
Fri, 07/31/2020 - 12:53PMIt is an extension on life and worth the inconvenience. I have had heart problems since 2002 with Ventricular Tachycardia and my ejection fraction dropped from 32 to 10 to 12 range. I would not be here without the LVAD. I thank God daily. Good luck to you and your husband.
In reply to LVAD by Jerome M.
ron l.Ejection fraction
Sat, 11/26/2022 - 5:19PMGreetings Jerome. I hope and trust you’re doing well. Do you mind telling me your ejection fraction after the LVAD? Someone posted that their’s is 25 after the LVAD. Does the EF number matter as much since the vad does the pumping? Wishing you the best….rl
LVAD news
Sun, 08/02/2020 - 10:23AMThere's a very informative as well as positive video on youtube. Go to Youtube, type in New Hope For Congestive Heart Failure. It's the 28:01 video. Cheers!
My husband is 71 and has had…
Mon, 08/17/2020 - 6:13PMMy husband is 71 and has had his LVAD now since May of 2019. He is doing great and is very pleased that we made the decision to have this surgery.
In reply to My husband is 71 and has had… by Patti K.
ron l.Wonderful
Mon, 08/17/2020 - 10:48PMJust wonderful!
Lost again!
Thu, 08/20/2020 - 9:21AMMatthew B.
Which topic are your posts on? Rhetorical question. Is navigating this site as much a problem as it is for me? Cheers!
Hello, I had my LVAD…
Mon, 10/19/2020 - 2:04PMHello,
I had my LVAD installed 1-13-20. I was truly on my death bed before the operation. Everything went well and I came home the first week in February. I am 74.
Covid lock down has been MUCH WORSE than the operation! There is a bit of lifestyle adjustment, but my wife and I are looking forward to several good years. I strongly encourage you to have the operation performed! Life has been VERY good since mid Jan: I’m just anxious to burn the masks and get back to shaking hands and giving hugs!
Jim Hunt
Kearney, NE
My wife received her LVAD on…
Sat, 02/27/2021 - 10:00AMMy wife received her LVAD on June of 2012. She promptly recovered and in a couple of months was driving and shopping. She is in amazing health. We have traveled nationally and internationally. She is able to do everything she used to do when she was healthy prior to congestive heart failure EXCEPT go swimming and dipping into the water. She has had several internal bleeding issues BUT with a quick blood transfusion that has been taken care of. We are extremely grateful that she has lived to see our grandkids graduations, the birth of another granddaughter an amazing great grandson, we have family reunions every month and family vacations once a year.
The LVAD is a miraculous machine that was God inspired to give life and more abundantly. People are amazed that my wife carries her heart (mate) in her purse, backpack or specially made vest. She is a fashionista and looks 20 years younger than she actually is. We will be celebrating her 71st Birthday in a couple of weeks.
A large TV network produced a documentary about her surviving after she had been given 3 months of life and put on hospice. The documentary was titled WHAT FAMILY, FAITH AND SCIENCE CAN ACHIEVE two years later they did a follow up titled THE WOMAN WITH A HER HEART IN A PURSE. We have always believed that this was God's answer to many prayers for her when she was dying.
Life with a vest is better than no life at all.