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Bernadette K. Caregiver

looking for an outside support group

Sun, 10/28/2012 - 7:21AM

My 25 year old son was diagnosed with cardio myopothy in November 2011. He had a difribulator installed and was put on meds for his enlarged heart. He took this pretty hard because he lead a healthy life. He struggled with this dianosis all year not seeing better results untill early October this year he was rhen dianosed with lete stages of heart failure. He had an LVAD installed on the 9th of October and has been home for a week. He suffers greatly with depression. I know he feels alons. I had taken him to a support group in our area for heart failure this summer but the next youngest person to him was in their late 40's. He is great person and I an doing what I can but I am looking for a group or even willing to host a group so he can talk to people. I have made his doctors aware of his depression and even he has said he needs help. I am asking if there are any local groups or folks who want to start one?

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DaKeia W.

Sun, 10/28/2012 - 12:38PM

Hi Bernadette-

You and your son can get a wealth of information from this site as it is intended to help both patients and caregivers to cope with this life changing event. There are also calls that are held where you can ask questions as well as talk abt your fears or other concerns. One of the younger members on this site Kori Wood also created a Facebook page for LVAD patients in their teens,20's and 30's. I just joined the group and I LOVE IT, I think your son would also. Just tell him to take one day at a time, never feel sorry for hisself and ALWAYS thank God for a second chance at life~ God Bless You Both =)

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Anonymous

Fri, 12/28/2012 - 11:21PM

Hi Bernadettes, my husband just got his LVAD a few weeks ago, and we are not far from you (in Akron) although my husband doesn't fit the age criteria you are looking for at 63....;) I do know what you are talking about with the depression, though...and I'm afraid it's a little contagious...how are you doing? I know how hard it is to see my healthy, active husband have to go through all of this, I can only imagine how difficult it must be for a mom. A happier New Year for all of us!?