HeartMate 3 batteries

Hi, 

My wife found me a couple great vest with inside pockets on right and left sides to hold the batteries. Makes a world of difference! One style is like a fisherman/photographer vest. It has 4 inside pockets, two lower and two uppers that all fit the batteries. She found them on Amazon for $26.99! Listed under FLYGO Men's Summer Outdoor Work Safari Travel Photo Fishing Vest Multi Pockets. Amazon seems to stock them so they ship pretty quickly. Also, for a more dressy (warmer) option, IZOD has a light weight vest and jacket in the “advantage preformace” line that has deep inside pockets that hold the batteries easily. Very comfortable. They were on sale at Kohl’s lately. We’ve found lots of things already to make my life easier. I wish your Father-in-law the best!

My Pal has had his Lvad (Heartmate 3) since August this year. We went fishing with him a few times. It really was that hard. We had his batteries and controller just in the bag that they gave him. However, now he has the best that they gave him and he likes it so much better. I would really recommend asking for it. We've noticed after he got it that he was moving around more. 

Hopefully your father-in-laws surgery went well. Not going to waste your time with exact dimensions since you have probably seen for yourself in his hospital room but they are about 3x6 but will measure larger due to the cable adapter on each.

i have several low costs vest that I bought off of amazon.com You can search for multi pocket travel vest and find many that will work for $25-35. I have this one 5hat is a good winter weight but I won’t wear it in the summer for the same reason https://www.amazon.com/Eidlvais-Multi-Pockets-Outdoors-Travels-Sports/dp/B01ESLJREQ/ref=sr_1_17?ie=UTF8&qid=1545065600&sr=8-17&keywords=multi+pocket+travel+vest+for+men

Just search around. Most all of this style vest will have plenty good sized pockets for him. This vest has two large inside pockets where I put the batteries and two inside smaller pockets of which I put my controller in.

there are many clothing choices out there for the active individual. My go to favorites are the cargo shorts/pants. When I play golf my favorites are the football girdle!

Now, tell him to get up and walk! LOL. The faster he can walk the faster his strength will come back and the easier his recovery will be.

After having my lvad for a year now, what works best for me, is to wear an under vest, or undergarment that is specifically designed for lvad gear.  Over that I wear a  large teeshirt (or not) and then the fishing vest, or outdoor sporting type vest to carry the fishing gear, or camera stuff in my case.  Whatever the occasion calls for. 

The problem with placing lvad gear into the fishing vest pockets, even the inside pockets, which I did for the first half year with my lvad, is you kind of get caught up in seat belts getting in and out of vehicles.  Where as with a specifically designed lvad undergarment: batteries, the controller and cords and such stay secure, snug up against the body.

Also, it took me a good half year to really become stable with my footing, and I did not wade into any water (ankle deep) until that time.  Water, as you have probably been informed, and lvads do not mix.  At least if you want to stay alive.  So if there is any fly fishing in his future, make sure to question his assessment of his own balance on uneven terrain, and thoroughly consider the risk of wading out into too deep, or rapidly moving water.  A mistake there could be fatal, and if not that, very, very expensive and painful to recover from.

Emily

i tried a hunting vest but by going online to the LVAD website, I found a solution I like better.  They have special shirts that have a pocket under each arm for a battery.  The down about the naval is a pocket for the control device.  I wear one of these shirts every day.  They are pricy at $100 a shirt but I would not be without mine.

doug

y husband has had his LVAD since June, 2018.  We found the vests don't solve the problem of the cords being tucked away so you don't get tangled up with door knobs or grandchildren, etc.  My husband loves his T-Shirt vest from Medi Materials vest.  It keeps all the equipment close to your body and out of reach from anything.  He puts on a regular shirt and no one can tell he has an LVAD.  Here is the site for the vest.  https://medi-materials.com/product/lvad-vest/.  We did do a few adjustments as they don't have too many sizes, but it is well worth it and the cost isn't too bad.  They are about $60.00.  

Hi, I wear Scott e vests. I buy them when they're on sale. They have inside pockets for the batteries and the controller. Outside pockets that look a lot like a fisherman's vest. Seems to be pockets all over the place when I'm looking for something.

Steve

Take a look at the Freedom Undervest at 

www.medi-materials.com

It’s usually $49.95

Use the promotional code THANKS and receive a 30% discount through New Year’s Eve. 

I'ts little more expensive but you will use it longer time - www.lvadshirt.com. You will also look like a normal person - not kangaroo ;)

Hello!  I new to this group, and a new caregiver for my father.  He received a Heartmate 3 pump 2 days ago.  I know there is a long road ahead with many milestones to accomplish.  Any tips for me as a caregiver?

One of the questions that comes to mind:  Can extra batteries be purchased.  I looked on-line and can't seem to find anything reliable.  I saw many on EBAY, but that is not a chance we will take.

Any tips that come to mind to get us started on the right foot?