Profile picture for user Tom
Thomas M. Recipient

Tactile holster T shirt for carrying LVAD items

Tue, 02/16/2016 - 10:13PM
I am a new LVAD patient, and I have the HeartWare pump and controller. I just modified a 5.11 tactical shirt. I sewed in an 1 1/2 elastic strap to the shirt across my lower chest to act as a belt for holding the controller. With batteries in the holster pockets and my controller just above my stomach, all the weight is amazingly well distributed. I made the belt in two pieces, one attached to each side, and they are connected with sewn in hook stays. This way I can thread the strap through my mini LVAD pouch. I just ordered another shirt, and for my next go around I will make a new pouch and sew it to the elastic. This way the elastic can be just be one piece with no hook stays. I highly recommend this arrangement for LVAD patients.
43976 reads
Profile picture for user Russell
Scott M.

Mon, 06/15/2020 - 6:29PM

I have been using for the past year and half a football girdle inside out. The hip pad area used for the controller and thigh pad area for batteries.  Under armour carries them on line.works great.

 

Profile picture for user Karyn01
Karyn N.

Mon, 08/31/2020 - 10:14AM

I just received my LVAD 5/27/20 and I am looking for clothing (women’s tops) that would go over LVAD equipment. Any suggestions? I’m excited I found this group.

karyn

Profile picture for user Russell
Scott M.

Tue, 09/01/2020 - 10:22AM

I have used the girdle almost two years now and use nothing else. I order 1size smaller. With that you need to get Dickes shorts which are a bit longer to cover. It holds the controller in the hip pocket and the 2 batteries on the thighs. I have a Heartmate 2 and it works great. Please let me know how it works for you. Matthewsscott025@gmail.com.