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Jim P. Family Member

Question about my father

Wed, 10/17/2012 - 6:10AM

Please help us evaluate if my father is eligible for an LVAD. He is 88 years old and his heart has an EF of 20%. Medications are not working for the last two weeks and his blood pressure is dangerously low (80/55 or worse). He also has diabetes and multiple blocked arteries. He had a heart attack last year and survived. - Jim

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Keith T.

Mon, 10/22/2012 - 11:53AM

Hi Jim, I'm really sorry to hear about your father's situation. Have you spoken with a member of the nearest LVAD Hospital? I'm not sure how the logistics would work but if it were my dad I would think its worth a try. If your at a hospital that doesn't do LVAD's they may not even have much knowledge on the subject.

It looks like there's 3 in your area - check out the LVAD Hospital Map here: http://www.mylvad.com/living-lvad/hospital-support-center

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Sandra M.

Mon, 12/03/2012 - 2:37PM

my dad is 81 and was just approved for an lvad, surgery will be Dec 13. We asked his cardiologist for a referral and he got the ball rolling. They admitted him to the hospital for about 4 days foe an extensive workup to see if he'd be a good candidate. Then they sent him home with a milrinone infusion to improve his cardiac output and let him build some strength before the surgery. Sometimes they can just leave patients on the milrinone infusion and the drug does work pretty well. Good luck and God bless

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Anonymous

Wed, 12/05/2012 - 2:13PM

Jim,The advice from Keith is good.Do check with a LVAD hospital to get their opinion.It seems your Dad has been thru a lot.I am 82 yrs old & had my implant in Feb 2012.I spent 46 days in the hospital.It was a trying time. Good luck to both of you.

Walt