Dry suit and swimming
Mon, 05/31/2021 - 12:32PMTo Fellow LVAD users who must swim, snorkel, or dive some questions:
1. Do you participate in all the water sport activities mentioned above? 2. If so, how did you size yourself to best fit in a dry suit and what brand did you buy? I am 5'10" and 210# My device is a Heart Mate III. 3. Did you get a Neoprene or Membrane dry suit? 4. Is it a dry suit called or connotated as a "shell" or "laminate"? 5. Do you utilize socks or boots? 6. How many "seals" would you recommend, a) 3- neck & wrists or b) 4- neck, wrists and ankles? 85% of my water activities would be in a a pool or the gulf swimming. I prefer not to wear a hood but will if circumstances dictate. The website I have looked at for water proof dry suits is https//waterproof-usa.com and items are Water proof D9X Breathable Men's Dry suit or the Bare X-Mission Evolution dry suit. I am thinking I should use a front zip dry suit.
Thank you in advance for your help. J.
Swimming “suits”
Sat, 06/05/2021 - 10:54PMJeff, What information have you gotten about swimming? I have had my LVAD for 3 years and each summer is more depressing than the last not being able to swim. Hoping for any positive news. Thanks, Noma
Swimming
Sun, 06/06/2021 - 5:56PMNoma, My Doctor strongly discouraged trusting a Dry suit even after I provided him with a list of Pros. He reminded me of his introduction to LVAD and the 100% No Swimming, No submerging of any kind.
Hope you find something that will work for you to swim.
I would not trust the dry…
Mon, 06/07/2021 - 5:34AMI would not trust the dry suit considering the negative implications if it fails.
As a VAD coordinator I…
Mon, 06/07/2021 - 11:55AMAs a VAD coordinator I strongly discourage submerging in water even with a wet suit or dry suit. You should really discuss this with your center before buying anything and trying it out. I can tell you first hand what happens when the equipment gets wet.
LVAD Frogman
Mon, 06/07/2021 - 3:43PMU-h-h-h .... I dunno Jeffie.
Have you practiced the controller switch out sequence ?
What if a Trigger fish nips the suit, or, you get too close to a ‘gater Snapper turtle ?
My LVAD has no water drain-off and power reset button. Maybe the LVAD IV will have one ?
Until then, the LVAD support Lead might agree that your swimming aspirations are Russian roulette.
As a former VAD Coordinator . . .
Mon, 06/07/2021 - 9:47PMI always encouraged LVAD patients to avoid water sports/experiences due to the possible dire consequences.
Can't imagine what would happen if water gets into the suit - frightening to me!
LVAD users who must swim, snorkel, or dive some questi
Tue, 06/08/2021 - 9:21AMBefore you get in the water in a dry suit or anything else, be sure your affairs are in order.
Water vs Lvad
Tue, 06/08/2021 - 1:03PMThank you all. Loved the humor.
I was intrigued by Jeff’s questions and wondered if there was something I had missed. My LVad team’s original response to swimming is still strong in my brain. When I said I didn’t want LVad if I couldn’t swim, I was politely told “then you’ll die”.
And I definitely like being alive!! Be safe and smart everyone.
Swimming
Tue, 06/08/2021 - 2:10PMTo LVAD ettes,
My responses, both from medically (MD) , LVAD patients, families and staff have helped. I will NOT think about doing anything ever underwater or a compromising water event. I pray you don't either. I will consider my blessing of LVAD and go forward. To you all the best, Jeff