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Linda H.
Caregiver Support

CAREGIVER ADVICE FOR SOMEONE WHO'S "GIVEN UP"

Last activity 4 years 6 months
My significant other had LVAD implantation last year in May. Before he had the surgery his heart function was at 15% and he had prepared himself that he was going to die. His children and I talked to him about pursuing LVAD surgery and he seemed receptive. We went to Mayo and they said he would be a...
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Lino M.
Financing and Insurance

Medicare Advantage vs Medigap/Supplemental

Last activity 4 years 6 months
Hello everyone, my father received his LVAD approx 2 years ago. He qualified for SSI Disability and will finally be covered by Medicare next month. He is still under 65, so the prices for Supplemental and Medigap coverage are unregulated and ridiculously expensive. We don't qualify for a plan under...
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Mark C.
Equipment

Heartware Batteries

Last activity 4 years 6 months
We have Heartware battery charging station & 6 batteries, like new, only had 6 months. If interested, contact me.
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Stan C.
Driveline Management

UV Light Sterilization

Last activity 4 years 6 months
Does anybody have any experience or knowledge about using UV lights for driveline sterilization/disinfection? Saw an old post which referenced using a UV light from Amazon to disinfect the area around the driveline where it enters the body before applying sterile bandage. Tried to do some research...
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Katie P.
Clothing Options

LVAD Accessories

Last activity 4 years 6 months
Hello All! My husband and I are moving and came across some extra accessories free to anyone who can use them, I know not everyone's insurance covers. All compatible with Heart Mate 3 Shower bag w/ straps Belt case with optional straps Cross body battery support. He has since been transplanted. Feel...
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Virginia S.
Living with an LVAD

How do you cope with living with an LVAD?

Last activity 4 years 6 months
Hello all, I'm not exactly new to living with an LVAD since I've had mine for two years now, but I'm still adjusting and trying to cope with it. It's a huge change in my life that happened at a very young age. I was only twenty-one years old when I got my LVAD and I've spent two of my birthdays in...
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Dhara K.
Questions about LVAD surgery

What should we know before my father gets an LVAD in India?

Last activity 4 years 7 months
My father, who is now 65, has been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation (AF), and has been recommended a heart transplant or an LVAD. We are still in the process of checking if he's a good candidate for either of those, but I would like to know someone's personal experience with either transplant or...
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Barry and Susan (caregiver) S.
Living with an LVAD

Right ventricular dysfunction

Last activity 4 years 7 months
My husband is 74 and also destination LVAD. His breathing has really gone down hill, because of dysfunction of the right ventricular , which creates regurgitation of the Tricuspid, thus fluid retention , thus increase Pulmonary disease. He was just at the hospital , Mayo, to see his Team. So for now...
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Lauren S.
Questions about LVAD surgery

COVID-19 Concerns pre-VAD or post-VAD?

Last activity 4 years 7 months
Hi everyone! My name is Lauren, and I work at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, TX. My colleagues are the creators of Deciding Together, an LVAD Decision Aid which is intended to educate patients and caregivers and help them generate questions and concerns to discuss with a healthcare team...
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Cathie W.
Driveline Management

Sterile Dressing Supplies

Last activity 4 years 7 months
My husband received his new heart on June 4th. We have a large amount of supplies to share for the cost of shipping. Please let me know if you have need of any of the following: 2" and 4" gauze 2" and 4" driveline sponge rolls of 2" and 4" medipore tape hibiclens sterile water hair bonnets foley...
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Maryellen F.
Equipment

LVAD Equipment to give away

Last activity 4 years 7 months
Hi. I have some LVAD equipment I would love to give away to anyone who needs it. Thoratec Heart Mate Go Gear Battery Holster, 2 Shower Bags, one consolidated bag, right, Battery Holster, power module cable, 2 stabilization belts, white. Please let me know and I will ship to you. thanks Maryellen
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Ian P.
Inspiration and Encouragement

!0 years with a Ventrasist Lvad!

Last activity 4 years 8 months
I have recently 'celebrated' 10 years of living with an 'antiquated' Ventrassist LVAD in the UK. Life has not been easy with the heavy batteries and so on, but the 'behaviour' of the pump itself has been exemplary! We are getting to the stage where getting batteries for it can be quite difficult....
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Gova R.
Equipment

Heart mate 3 equipment

Last activity 4 years 8 months
Hi, I have Lvad Heartmate 3 equipment, 4 batteries, battery charger, Wall charger, go gear (small) , some dressing supplies, folly anchors, chloroprep etc. I have used less than a year. It’s in good condition. I can also ship the items if needed. Pls let me know if any one Is interested. you can...
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Cathie W.
Driveline Management

Sterile Dressing Supplies

Last activity 4 years 8 months
My husband got his LVAD June 2018. We JUST received the first invoice for dressing supplies and it was $3,443!! Our cost after insurance for Chloraprep is $202. A box of sterile gloves $75, Foley anchors (which are terrible and always come off but that's another story) are $62.00 The company is...
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Vikki R.
New to LVADs

Low Flow

Last activity 4 years 8 months
Hello, I’m 58 years old wife, mother. My CHF started in my early 40s secondary to Rocky Mountain spotted fever destroyed my ventricles. Now as of Dec 16, 2019 just out of the hospital 2months Feb 16. It’s been a roller coaster with my heartmate 3. Many low flow incidents, and high PIs. I’m either to...
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Debra W.
Patient and Caregiver Forums

Eliquis VS Coumadin

Last activity 2 years 7 months
My husband had a Heartmate 3 Inserted last March and did very well at first but soon was experiencing GI bleeds, source unknown after tests and scopes. Has rec'd numerous units of blood to get his Hemoglobin up to a whopping 8 or 9. MD wants to try Eliquis instead of Coumadin but not much study has...
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Ibrahim S.
Recipient Support

LVAD Flow

Last activity 4 years 8 months
Last week my LVAD flow reduce from 4. 5 L to 2.5L i dont know why thia happen now i complete one week with 2. 5L And my INR increase last week to 6 Is there any relation between INR and flow?
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Kathleen B.
Tips and Tricks

Fitbit for LVAD patient

Last activity 4 years 8 months
I am looking to buy my husband a gift. I want any in put on a fit bit that would be good for a Heartware LVAD patient. TIA