Patients and Caregivers Forums

Hi- I am a new recipient for the Heartmate 3. My surgery was on May 3 of this year. My recovery has been a little rocky- but my medical team has really helped and I am now stable.. That said- I have really been having quite a bit of trouble with worrying about contracting Covid. I had my usual labs...

It’s been two years since my implant. I’ve got a 9 year old nephew that wants me to trick or treating! Depending on how quickly it gets dark here in Michigan tonight, I might be able to get on lvad zoom group. Don’t count it though! Candy Time!! Wahoo😝😝

Hi all! I am new to the LVAD caregiver community. My Father-in-law has his LVAD surgery this Wednesday. He is a BIG lover of the outdoors so I want to get him a fishing style vest to haul around his equipment in (his backup equipment will be in a bag). Can anyone with a HeartMate 3 tell me the...

The Electric Cranks are a group of LVAD recipients from across the North of England, all patients at Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester. A number of us are awaiting a heart transplant. We had all been physically fit and active prior to developing severe heart conditions which required life-saving...

Hello, My husband and I are considering spending a month or so in the Ft. Myers/Naples, FL area. I'd be more comfortable if I knew of a hospital/cardiology group located in the area that I could contact in case there would be any type of emergency that could come up with my husband's Medtronic LVAD...

Something that I've been considering doing is getting a embroidered patch made so that my go bag is clearly marked as medical equipment. I feel that this is important since I actually use a LowePro Camera bag with padded compartments and dual shoulder straps for carrying my spare batteries...

Lets get to it. The worst thing that can happen to an LVAD user is a drive line infection. It can put you in the hospital many times over and cures with the various antibiotics may or may not work for you. It can lead to extra surgeries for debridement and in some cases make it worse. In my case I...

I want to thank everyone for looking and responding to my posts. It makes me feel better to know that I am not alone in this. Good news my husband is coming home today from the hospital, he was denied a rehab facility because he walked 160 ft. He is still very weak and I'm not gonna lie but I am...

I am planning on attending a college football game in a few weeks. Is it safe for me to allow security to use the wand in order to pass through the entrance gate? Is it safe for me to walk through the security detection portals? Certainly appreciate hearing from anyone familiar with this situation.

Hi everybody, I got this email this morning and I read there's a new device that is implanted including the batteries. I don't think I want to go through the surgery again,but I would like to find out if the batteries will be replaced with the ones that I have and are lighter than the ones I have...

I am 26, in fair condition, well enough to exercise and want to add jumping to my exercise program but the controller and two batteries aren't held stable well enough with anything I have. Does anyone have suggestions? Thanks

I have an Evaheart 2. I received my LVAD at Methodist Heart Hospital in San Antonio, TX, on Dec. 15, 2020. I would like to know if anyone else is using Amioderone for A Fib. I got my implant for CHF due to cardiomyopathy. My ejection fraction was <15. I would like to hear from anyone else with an...

We are participating in the 2022 Metro Chicago Heart Walk, with FOUR LVAD patients. Our team captain, Little Doug, is the youngest patient living at home with an LVAD in the United States. Diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy and acute heart failure, Little Doug received his LVAD on September 8...

Hello... I have 9 Centurion Driveline Management System Kits. Part number DT17415. If you can use these please let me know; no charge, of course. I also have a few extra foley anchors. Just cleaning out supplies we no longer need.

I am a 78 year old male LVAD recipient, eight + years out. Generally have been doing quite well but am increasingly bothered by a very painful hip which is inhibiting my activity level and quality of life. I am interested in communicating with any LVADers out there who has had hip or joint...

I have two LVAD Gear tank tops that we no longer need. One 3X in black and one 4X in black. They were used for the Heartmate III system. Used, but still in reasonable condition. No charge... just clearing items we no longer need. Please let me know if you can use them. Also have the shower bags...

I haven’t written anything on this forum since my mom got her LVAD that back in 2019. The circumstances Nat my mom received her LVAD that in were not ideal. I took her for an appointment, as I have been doing many times since her heart failure diagnosis, and we were told that if she left she would...

Does anyone have extra driveline connectors? The line that goes from the driveline to the controller? My dad is always out tinkering and this part of the cord likes to fall out of the bottom of his shirt (he tries to tuck, tape, and cover it) last week he almost cut it in half with a car hood? The...

My husband had Lvad surgery 6/2/22. He has the Heartmate 3. Today finally he got up and walked a little. But he is having excruciating pain at the drive line site when he stands and sits. He says it hurts all the time but not as bad as when he stands and sits. He says it feels like someone is...

Actually I am a caregiver. My husband is the VAD recipient. We are on a 2 week trip at the Grand Canyon then on to Denver to visit our son and daughter in law. Having a great time. The altitude has reduced his breathing comfort. We are staying on paved pathways and do not plan to hike! At 78 Ned is...