Patients and Caregivers Forums

The doctors staff check my equipment every six months. I always hook up to AC at night and I am going on my third year with my Heart Mate 3. During hurricanes I slept with my batteries as I did not want to tethered to a plug during an emergency. I charge the back up controller monthly by plugging it...

I was on the Heart-Mate 2 for about 2 years. During that time I experienced no problems with my unit and the Hospital (Delray) regularly inspected it. I have all of my equipment in excellent condition with a need for a new home. I want this to go to somebody that has a real financial need for it and...

Good day to you all. I am going to be getting a Heart mate 3 here in the next couple of weeks. I admit to being very apprehensive about this and initially rejected the idea. I Just wanted to say That this site has been very helpful in making my decision to go ahead with the surgery. Time is short if...

Hello VAD family, Just wanted to jump on really quick and make my first ever Vad post. My Husband is just 4 weeks post LVAD implant surgery. We have been living with CHF for about 5 years now, if he wanted to continue life the only option was LVAD surgery. I was prepared for a very difficult...

Hi Everyone! I am looking to hear your experience regarding wearing athletic materials like spandex over or near the driveline exit site. Is it bad to cover part of the cord and exit site with tighter fabrics like spandex? Do you prefer more flowy fabrics near the exit site? Thanks! -Sophie

Does anyone knows if the LVAD manufacturer supply longer cables or there are any kind of extention cables to add to the extisting ones? I need like another 25 ft. Thanks.

Can a person age 75 getting a LVAD live alone or do they need a 24/7 caretaker?

LVAD Battery dock, batteries(8), power module deck w/25 ft. Cord for sleeping, LVAD bag, battery tops, kits, gauze, betadine packs, lots of extra gear, and record of maintenance. Well taken care of and has been plugged in and maintained since removal. Was all brand new equipment when removed. Lots...

Hi everyone, I first want to thank you for the stories you share about your lives and loved ones on here. I was so lucky to find this website when my father was admitted to the hospital in February needing an emergency surgery for the LVAD (his heart was at 18%). I used it as research for the months...

After nearly 4 and a half years I finally got hit with the infection. Until this point nothing. Traveled worked taught. To date been in the hospital twice 4 sets of different IVs while in the hospital. Now at home taking Cipro 500mg twice per day. Feeling ok, however I have yet to find anything...

Hi folks, On March 13th (a Friday), I had a heart attack at 12:10am. I'm 37 male and newly diagnosed diabetes patient (the day of the attack). I weigh 180, don't smoke, do drugs or engage in risky behaviour, and eat decently healthy...so as you can imagine, this whole avalanche has been a little...

Hello all. I recently joined this forum because my husband has end stage congestive heart failure. I feel like this has happened so fast. He had a massive heart attack in May 2019 and his EF is 20%. He has been in and out of the hospital multiple times, many times for fluid retention. He has an ICD...

Hi my name is Vikki, I received my LVAD Dec, 16, 2019 with COVID -19 it’s nit possible to get to cardiac rehab what suggestions do you have for exercising

My husband got his Lvad in September, 2019. Everything was going great without any problems until June, 2019. He came down with a slight fever and was not feeling well. He was still doing his exercises and everyday activities, but sleeping more and a sluggish. His driveline looked good so we knew it...

I have a heartmate 3. implanted in January, I can finally shower, I am able to cover the driveline site, but the waterproof bag is a pain. For those of you who shower often how do you manage to protect and keep your batteries and controller dry?

I am the proud owner of a Heartmate 3 LVAD. I have had it for 15 months now and have has an interesting ride, but that is for a later post. My issues have been with driveline management and skin rashes. My skin is very sensitive to tape and adhesives and it has been a challenge to find the most...

Hello Everyone, Per my capstone project on making better solution catered towards women who have LVADs, I would love to know more specifically how you hold your LVAD in different articles of clothing! Girdles, vests, shirts, etc. I would love to know how you uniquely wear your LVAD for different...

Hello. I honestly just wanted some advice and knowledge on what to expect if my Mom ends up getting one. They are discussing it during this hospital admission. I have been looking after both of my parents for the past three months as my Mom has been in and out of the hospital and my Dad has...

Hello We are students at University of Toronto learning about LVAD and blood pressure. We are working with cardiologists and engineers to try and see how we can improve the blood pressure measuring experience for patients and caregivers. If you have a few minutes to answer a quick 10-question survey...

Hello everyone, I am familiar with VADs because I am a cardiovascular perfusionist - the person who operates the heart lung machine. At the hospital I work at were are very involved in VAD implant surgery, but also are responsible for taking care of VAD patients when they come to the operating room...