Intro!

Last Post

Michael V. Recipient

Thu, 06/21/2018 - 6:26PM

Hi all, I got my LVAD(Heart mate lll) August or 2017. I’ve been in out of the hospital since 2014 after I turned 23. I’ve known about this site since my surgery, my doctors strongly urged me to join but I never did. I guess I’ve just always been afraid to join a support group. My mind would tell me that only the weak need a support group, this all isn’t real why would I need a support group, I’m fine. Those are all the things I’d say frequently. Sleepless nights and mind always drawing a blank I guess I figured it was time I take my docs advice! I’ve learned various tips and tricks to help make things a littler easier on myself and new people. I hope to meet a lot of like minded people to help me through this process.

Anonymous

Welcome

Mon, 06/25/2018 - 11:38AM

Welcome to our group. I received my LVAD on February 2-3 of 2016. Mine is chemo induced heart failure. I was told that I had a choice: get the LVAD or I would die. I have been told more than once that because my name is not Dick Cheney, I am too old for a heart transplant so I'm a lifer. I'm back to traveling internationally as well as in the USA. I garden. I've sold my kayak, but still have my fishing boat (a Keuka Craft 12') but haven't gone fishing since my LVAD. Life is good waking up on the green side of the grass. I have one case between me and closing down my law practice. Life is good.

Beth H.

Age

Mon, 06/25/2018 - 5:41PM

Dick, if I may ask, what is your age? My husband was implanted with and LVAD in 2011 at age 68 and was transplanted in 2012 at age 69. I do know that the first transplant program he was listed with had a cutoff age of 68 and 2 weeks after his birthday he received a certified letter removing him. We just kept searching until we found a program with no cutoff at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, FL (we live in Arkansas). If it is at all possible for you, and you want transplanted, contact them. The transplant team, from Drs., coordinators, social workers, financial aid, nurses...everyone is fantastic. We did have to relocate for 15 months and 11 days, because they want you no further than 4 hours from the hospital, but there are also several places to rent. We rented a fully furnished condo 15 minutes from the hospital for a flat rate and it just became home. I'm glad you are doing well with the LVAD. Bill was going to be destination with his to begin with, but he felt so much better after getting it, he changed his mind and decided he wanted the transplant. The very day he was listed at 1A, we were called, but that heart turned out to not be usable. He was listed 1A in March and he was transplanted in May. Good luck with your LVAD and enjoy your retirement!

Susan P.

LVAD journey

Tue, 06/26/2018 - 3:52PM

My Husband had his heartmate lll fitted three weeks ago, I’ve never joined a group like this before but felt there’s very little chance we will bump into people in the street with an LVAD so reading peoples stories and getting advice on here would be useful.

Michael V.

Offer!

Tue, 06/26/2018 - 8:05PM

Hi, I wish you as his loved one and your husband the best of luck moving forward with his HeartMate lll. As you read I got mine August of 2017 and have learned quite a bit. I will be happy to offer any advice I’ve obtained along my journey so please don’t hesitate to ask me!