Patients and Caregivers Forums

My husband has end stage heart failure and has the option to have an LVAD. As his caregiver, I am trying to find information on how well a person diagnosed with mild Alzheimers/dementia would be able to function with an LVAD, especially as his cognitive skills declined. We have talked about what we...

Hello, I lost my sister last month and I have her case of Driveline Management kits. I am selling the case for $200.00 plus shipping and Thoratec battery pack and wall unit for $200.00 plus shipping. if anyone is interested you can email me @ maxine66@verizon.net.

My husband and I have a motorhome and would like to resume travelling. Since we enjoy state and federal parks which often have no electric hookups we will have problems with charging batteries and using the mobile power unit. There must be others out there who can help us with an answer to this...

Hello, we are new to the VAD community. My husband received his VAD (Heartmate III pump) on August 5th. We live in a small town located 5 miles away from a much larger city, and 24 different home health care agencies refused to provide home health care services (blood draws for lab work) because we...

Link to Article about Data Recorder from Vienna: https://zmpbmt.meduniwien.ac.at/wissenschaft-forschung/cardiovascular-d… Link to Belly Band: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07C24WY1D/?coliid=I1TNYOCUGLDJA2&colid=2E8W6…...

My husband received his LVAD Oct 2016 and although there’s been lots of highs and lows - we are grateful for the time he’s gained and still gaining ! However he has a lot of phlegm (sorry) and respiratory secretions that are getting worse . Has anybody else experienced these symptoms, he’s kind of...

It has now been eight weeks since my LVAD implantation and life has been going reasonably well since my surgery. Two weeks in the hospital, one week in a motel adjacent to the hospital, five weeks at home. My caregiver returned to his family last week so I am now on my own. I will be starting back...

I have had an LVAD for 8 years. The new daily cleaning of my driveline is a pre-packaged kit, which includes an effective infection prevention disk called biopatch. Because of skin issues, I am unable to use them. Every day I have a new disk to add, and have a good-sized bag now. They are packaged...

Hello, I am a very recent LVAD recipient, one month ago today. I just got the ok to go home two days ago. Just starting to get the new lifestyle together. Just thought I would;d introduce myself. I will definitely check out the "bag alternatives', that thing hurts my shoulder, and will be happy to...

I was advised not to shower. But I can use a hand held shower. I was wondering if someone knows if it's better to use teg ad er m or if the press and se al is the same or worse? Thanks.

My husband had his LVAD placed on February 11, 2019. Right now we should be experiencing a lot of then things you all are posting about. What to wear, what can he do, what has it been like etc. We had plans. Unfortunately for me, God had other plans. My beloved died on February 13, 2019. See he...

Hello everyone, To have a great website like this can give hope and happiness for alot of people. My husband had his lvad 2 months back. And he have a C-rtd too. Still trying to adjust with his new life style. I have one question, i tried to google it but i couldnt find an answer for it, hopefully...

Hello, I am Pastor Rucker founder of Walking on Water Outreach Ministries and currently an LVAD patient. I had problems with the standard shoulder bag that I received from the hospital. I later purchased a bag from another vendor it was ok however I am 6'2'' and I did not want my driveline to show...

What experience has anyone had Fitbit and what model do you recommend?

LVADgear.com has some pretty nice options for men and women on their website and I've heard their clothing is comfortable. I checked their facebook page and see some positive reviews from their customers as well. They also offer accessories like shoulder bags, backpacks and sleeping belts too.

the best clothing option I've found at lvadvests.com...I got my lvad 11/7/19...the batteries hang on the side, under arms and has two pockets in front for left or right line...I actually put my controller in my left front pants pocket and I have a right line...the other shirt I've found is at...

My wife of 37 years is the entire reason for my survival. I had a heart mate 2 put in in January 2019. She has been by my side the entire 2 months in hospital. God bless her. Love you Steph!!

We seem to have issues with the anchors staying attached to the skin. Yes we clean with alcohol, let it dry, apply the skin barrier, let that dry and it still comes off. We have also tried with it with out the skin barrier after cleaning the skin with alcohol, and they still come off.

Has anyone figured out a comfortable way to get back behind the wheel? There has to be a better way than wearing the batteries on your hips. And how do I change from prospective patient to recipient?

My name is Bob Schilling and I am the husband and caregiver for my wife A. Sue Schilling and ….. Just wanted to pass this outstanding "Great Adventure" along. This past week....Sue Schilling...Heartmate 3 LVAD recipient at Penn Presbyterian in October 2017 and recently selected to be an Abbott...