Patients and Caregivers Forums

Hi everyone! My name is Sophie and I am an industrial design student at the University of Cincinnati. I have recently been made aware from a close friend how difficult it is to live a healthy active lifestyle with a LVAD, and am passionate about using my education and resources to help alleviate...

My father had LVAD surgery on June 11th since then things have moved more slowly with his recovery than we had hoped. For the last 7-8 days has been suffering from low sodium levels, low oxygen levels, and bouts of what they are calling ICU Psychosis. He either is disoriented and unsure of where he...

My dad had an lvad placed a month ago and had internal bleeding that led to a stroke. Has anyone else had issues with surgery? He is 74 and having a rough time, he has a Trach and still dependent on the ventilator. Does anyone have stories where they had issues and it took a long time to recover?

I am 65 and my Heartmate III was implanted on March 11, 2019. I was discharged from the hospital 8 days after surgery and came home. I am extremely fortunate to have an excellent caregiver, my wife Carol. We are making the 3 hour one way drive each week to KU Medical Center for follow up visits and...

Does anyone have problems with batt. Clips I put them in my pocket to do things every once in a while batt. Beeps

My heart was damaged by a chemo drug and that's why I have heartmatelll. Did anyone else have that experience?

I am 54 years old and really had no noticeable symptoms until recently. I thought I had bronchitis went to hospital and got zpack. It didn't help and went back and they after MRIs , Cathetors etc told me I had major heart failure and would need a lvad and eventually heart transplant. It has really...

My wife and I first got initiated to our lvad and heart transplant program at Oregon Health Sciences University by meeting the various teams who eventually would be treating me for the end stage of my 17 year battle with heart failure. We live about 100 miles from Portland, where the hospital is, so...

Hello, My dad just got his HeartMate 3 six days ago. He obviously has a long road ahead of him, but I am trying to gather as much info and get things as ready as I can before he comes to live with me. My dad is a jack of all trades - he was a cop, a machinist, pilot, can build anything etc. My...

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Can anyone tell me what the risk is of being connected with external electric power in a thunderstorm? Is it advisabel to connect the batteries instead, when there is lightning around?

Hi! My fiance had his LVAD placed January 31st and he has been doing really well. However, over the past week he has become more short of breath than usual. He has reached out to the LVAD clinic and they say it's normal, as this is the last thing that will come around. Well, a few days ago he...

I have three vests made by Cindy Bosco and they have served me well. If you are interested you can contact her on 989-274-8862 or www.boscolvadvest.com. They have given me more freedom and mobility. She is excellent to work with and very flexible.

Hello, I am JW Rucker Jr. Founder of Walking On Water Outreach Ministries. I am an LVAD recipient. I have had it since September of 2018. I am very grateful for my wife, family, and neighbors who have been understanding and compassionate during this life-changing event. When I was in the Hospital I...

Hi my husband has just had his lvad 4wks today we have been having hard time as he has had a few hick ups . Just felt needed to chat to some one in simular situation many thank . Margaret x

Just thought I would let y'all know carew medical wear is having a 4th of July sale. I just received a e-mail from them. My coordinators love this lvad shirt, I'm very happy with it too. www.carewmedicalwear.com

Hello, I'm new at this forum and have question about generator. I'm planning to use generator when electricity goes down at home and when I going for camping overnight. There are two type of generators : battery and gasoline. Portable Battery Generator will be used at home and gasoline outside the...

my husband is 72 end stage chf he had LVAD surgery fri morn it’s now tues and is still Intubated . Whenever the drs try to wake him up he gets very agitated and stressed. So the have to re intubate him. I am very scared for him. Is the confusion he is experiencing normal. ?

I have recently 'celebrated' 10 years of living with a Ventrassist LVAD here in the UK The machine's performance has been exemplary' I have heart failure again now so life is not at all easy Only difficulties haves been with obtaining batteries, medication and the weight of the machine itself...

Hello everyone. I am just now beginning to discuss the option on an LVAD with my cardiologist. I have had Dilated Cardiomyopathy for 15 years. Life was a breeze, cruising along at 35% EF, up from 20% at dx. However, the last year has been tough. My EF is now back to 20% and I've been hospitalized...