im wondering about somthing

My husband had both the defibrillator and LVAD at the same time.

I was on my second defibrillator when I needed a Lvad.  They will keep it in because your heart still needs it. My shocked me a few times.  Had the lvad for 7 1/2 years.  They removed all when I had a transplant in 2020.

They left my pacemaker and defibrillator in when they placed my LVAD. Your right ventricle is still working and necessary, so you still need a heartbeat.  If they gave you a pacemaker, it's still needed.

About your larger question of whether to get an LVAD, it's either that or death. They don't offer LVADS except to prolong your life. The installation is a big deal--open heart surgery, so they don't offer it lightly. Before offering mine, they gave me a battery of tests to be sure I didn't harbor some other problem that would kill me even if I had an LVAD.  They don't want to waste it. 

It's definitely been worth it for me. I've had six years of life I wouldn't have had without it. Wearing the gear and changing the driveline dressing is a bother,  but you get used to it and just go on. It's not a big deal once you get used to it. 

Go for it, Thomas.

You will keep both. Had my HM3 for over 4 yrs now and getting ready to get my fourth biV device in Apr. I was zapped by it twice while still recuperating n 5he hospital with my lvad. Was told that 5he biV and 5he lvad don’t play well together. Been shocked 9 more times since I got home... several times due to a v ach storm that resulted in another 10 days in 5he hospital where 5hey eventually did a cardiac ablation. The good news is haven’t had any problems with it over the last 3 years. It can fire if they don’t keep your potassium and pasig balnced, which was m case. Haven’t had to take either for the last 3 yrs.

I Have Both

Ironically, I had the ICD implanted ll/4/16.  I was informed by the Medical profession, times 4 second opinions that my EF would improve with the ICD...Sorry to say it didn't, it got worse.   I actually pretty much died 2 1/2 months later, 2/16/17 while celebrating my youngest birthday party.  I had the out of body experience, and was blessed enough to get a sneak peak of Heaven.   That I know is real.  It was funny that some Dr's said the ICD would do the trick for the EF,  and the other half said pacer only.  LOL...Wow I was really confused...It appeared that none of them were consistent.  4 years later with both devices, I've really had enough...I've also been told by VARIOUS medical professionals of all walks informing that don't need both ICD and the pump.  Actually, was informed it was a health risk with both for infection and health for my heart.  One of my questions for the TOP Doctors when I go for regular appt.  Why do we need both? and to certainly be very clarifying.   I personally want it out, the ICD and pump...and will do my research on the necessity of this device and all of the outcomes, quantitative, qualitative.  With this being said, it seems that not one want to take responsibility of removing their "MISTAKES" if you will.  There are benefit factors and there are those that are totally unnecessary as well.  I have a few LVAD friends, that had the third lead on their ICD unhooked because the pump is doing all the work and heart has improved.  This is very QUESTIONABLE on a lot of accounts.   One way to get them unhooked is to sign a form releasing the doctors and hospitals responsibility.  I have an attorney, and believe I will go that route.  I have to be honest and have to be real.  Thankful though, however, the ICD has never shocked me even when near death.  Did I need this device? Unknown!!  Please check with your doctors, hold them accountable and to clarify all that is necessary for you to make a decision, etc.  This is not trial and error, this is our life, with numerous mechanical devices that will ultimately go bad.  Just like everything else.  Enough said, have a beautiful day everyone!

I’ve had my pacemaker/defibrillator since 2016. When it was put in they told me that they couldn’t get the 3rd lead to stay in. When I got my LVAD in December of 2019 they told me that if the 3rd lead was hooked up they would undo it. So I have both. I’ve never been shocked by the defibrillator. 
I agree with what was said earlier. Living with an LVAD can be a pain in the ass but living without it is not a choice.  You do get used to it and figure out the best way to manage your hardware that works for your lifestyle. 

I think that getting an LVAD  and what it does is a MIRACLE. My heart is now functioning like a normal heart. I could not be happier with the results.

Anyone receive Covid vaccination and suffer sudden prolonged loss of strength?

My husband received LVAD in July, discharged from inpatient rehab on 10/14, and did 8 weeks of in-home PT, OT & ST, then started outpatient rehab on Jan 7.

When he entered rehab on Jan 7 he was able to toddle (with supervision) without the use of his walker. He did very well as outpatient for a week, but then started "de-abiltizing" (therapists' language). It coincides with having received COVID vaccine #1 (which I mentioned to his doctors).

He's became so weak he can no longer support his own weight (or break his magnesium pills in half) and he began using a wheelchair in the house- which he never relied on -since discharge on 10/14.

Last Thursday he fell in the home while attempting an unsupervised transition and hit his head. He is fine, but doctors say it is unsafe for him to return home so he will be admitted to rehab as inpatient again. He was officially diagnosed with neuropathy aka weakness and numbness.

There's no medical reason for his loss of strength. He is doing very well with the heart pump, though he's had a couple of tachycardia episodes in the past 2 months. As you all know, the pump will never mitigate those. He needs a heart transplant but needs to be strong to be put on the list. So, we are stuck for the moment.

So anyone have a similar story of neuropathy, with or without vaccine?

Thanks.

Got my LVAD last August. Doctors spent lots of time adjusting my pacemaker to work with the LVAD. Got zapped a couple of times while still in hospital when adjusting meds, it was more surprise than anything else. Like someone else said it’s really not a decision if you want to be around awhile. It’s either the LVAD or funeral arrangements. 

I think there is some confusion about the purpose of all 3 devices. They are all there for different reasons but all related to Heart Failure and possible arrythmias which may not be an issue for all HF patients who receive an LVAD.   The defibrillator or ICD is there to save your life if you go into ventricular tachycardia and are not near a hospital or first responder who can "zap" you to get your heart back into rhythm. The pacemaker is what tells the heart muscle to beat. If you have had an AV node ablation that is successful for Atrial Fibrillation your "starter" in the heart (AV node) no longer works and pacemaker does it for you. You may have been Biventricular pacing (leads in both ventricles) to try to decrease the work on your heart and slow the progress of your HF. In that case MD may say you do not need pacemaker after LVAD.  Your doctor should be able to explain this to you. The LVAD is either a bridge to transplant or a destination therapy. In either case you would not generally be a candidate unless your heart failure was so significant that your quality of life and/or life itself was at risk.  My husband had both a pacemaker and defibrillator when he had had his emergency LVAD last summer. He still has both with LVAD but because of reoccurring VTach that seemed to be centered around scar tissue of L ventricular lead site from bipacing they turned off the L lead because LVAD was more effective for the heart failure. He still has periods of Vtach but has not been zapped since surgery.   I am not sure where the notion of an existing pacemaker/ICD causing possible infection comes from. It makes no sense to me to have them removed when LVAD done because that could be source of infection to have two wounds. If you are still uncomfortable and have time before decision being made, I would suggest you write down all of your questions and concerns and ask to speak to the VAD team to get your questions answered for your comfort of mind.  There is absolutely no question to the fact that this a monumental decision which will have a profound effect on you and your family whatever you decide. God bless.

I’ve had my LVAD for 8 months today and seem to be adapting ok. Outside of wishing batteries weren’t so heavy, my batteries seem to get rather hot during the day. Anyone else experiencing the heat 

Some of you may have seen this but for those who haven’t, Google subject above. Cheers.

My ICD/defib was put in first and then 2 1/2 months later the LVAD.... as I almost died.... Please, please get 2nd, 3rd., opinion with TOP Notch hospital and doctors.  Not necessarily need both!!!

Some ppl do get well, a higher EF and eventually have device explanted...question::::: how many of u take several meds and how many take one baby dose?  It will Be interesting to hear..