Learning lvad dressing

Well considering that I did not have a caregiver, yes, I had to do my own dressing, my least favorite task when I had my LVAD. But, I guess if someone else would have done it for me, I would have happily let them. So, I guess it might be "tough love" time.

Thanks for your input. I am trying. Sometimes at night when I get home from work it more work just to try to have him do it. Currently working on teaching him the sterile glove concept. He is not putting much effort into this and jokes when he contaminates. We know this is no joking matter. I see this is going to a long process.

I just recently starting doing my own dressing changes due to my wife being pregnant and it would make her feel a little queasy. I have to say I really enjoy doing it. I find it easier to know when the dressing being pulled off because I'm the one doing it. I knew my wife wouldn't be able to do it so I wanted to do it so I can take some of he burden off of her. I would ask if your husband could learn to do it to help you out.

Thanks Brooksh36, I see you had your lvad the same month, and you sound younger with a baby on the way. He is at least changing his anchor, which, for him is an accomplishment. He knows I am not doing this much longer, and told the nurses at his last appt he would learn it, 2 weeks ago......Still working on sterile gloves.

Good Luck to you and your wife. I am happy for you. Something wonderful to look forward to!

I use a full length mirror and a hospital bed side table like in hospitals that can roll around and rise up and down. Another reason to let him do his dressing is if you're every sick he'll need to know how to do it so it's safer for him and will reduce the risk of infections.

Dear Brooksh36, I wanted to get your imput on the way you did your own dressing. I already told my husband exactly what you pointed out. He needs to take charge of his own care just for that reason. I will start gettting the mirror and somesort of tray/table that is accomadating, to make it easier. I appreciate your response, and next step is shopping for his supplies needed to start his independence. {and mine!!}

I know there are many who have no one to rely on, and have to learn their own care. I admire how you took charge. Your wife is very lucky. Thanks, Hope

Hey hope! I have to give you a great amount appreciation for the help you give him. I know with me it was a hard time getting use to my lvad. When I wanted to start doing my own dressing change I discussed with my lvad coordinator about how to do it and the first couple times I had my wife oversee me as I did them to make sure I was doing things correctly. Once I felt comfortable doing it I got more confident and it's now given me a more independent feeling that i hadn't had in a while. Also it feels like it's faster now doing it myself and I don't quite know why. If it's helpful next time I do my dressing change I'll have my wife take pictures of me doing it to show how I do. Thank you again and good luck.

Dear Brooksh36 and wife, If you could do just basic starter hints with your dressing change, that would be great. Coming from one who has actually learned his own care to another who needs to might be the most helpful, as long as it is not a problem. I so thank you for your assistance in something that has been like a chain around our marraige. If that makes any sense. No rush, I still need to get items together. And we are so lucky to be getting another lake effect snow fall! Take care, looking forward to your pointers for my husband. Thanks again, Hope..