Life With An LVAD: Waiting For A Heart Transplant

[SatchmoSings]

Debbie is a true credit to the Human Spirit.

[anticsrocks]

I was born with Tetralogy of Fallot and my parents were told that I would not live to be 15. I celebrated my 48th birthday this past summer. However, I have also just been placed on the UNOS list for a heart transplant. I don't have an LVAD yet, but that is an option, I am told. Scary stuff, actually. But I have a beautiful 2 1/2 year old daughter that I have to stick around for, so I strive to remain positive. Thanks for posting this, because it helps to see others facing what I am facing.

[sharpwebcenter]

@anticsrocks Happy belated birthday! Thanks for sharing your story with us. Sending all the best to you and your family.

[Lurker011]

it amazes me to watch how this woman would do anything in order to prolong her life..while I,who am half her age,honestly hope that i don't wake up when i go to sleep. 

[sharpwebcenter]

@Lurker011 We're sorry you feel that way. If you feel like you need help, please contact your doctor. Take care.

[nexious69]

@Lurker011

That's depression. Please talk to your doctor.

[sharpwebcenter]

@Lurker011 We've been thinking about you. If you need help, please call 1-800-827-4277. We can help you find the resources you need, wherever you live. Take care.

[MrAblivian]

25 years post Heart Transplant at the age of 6. This is amazing stuff! It wasn't even heard of when I had my transplant in 1986.

Long may the beat go on!!!!

[sharpwebcenter]

@MrAblivian Amazing is the word! Thank you for sharing your story with us.

[kjoe2318]

I am 23 and at 22 (March 4th 2010) I got my Lvad :) I called him George lol. I had George for 3 months waiting on my heart until May 16th 2010. I live in Cumming,Ga and i had my sugery done at St. Joesph's Hospital in Dunwoody, Ga. Fox 5 did an interview on me as well check it out :) I still do not know who my donor is but I would love to meet them!!!!!! They are apart of my life.

I will have my Interview on my page :) soon

[sharpwebcenter]

@kjoe2318 Thanks for your comment! Love that you named your LVAD "George" :) We look forward to watching your interview soon.

[lewys258]

What an amazing woman!! I wish her all the best :D

[sharpwebcenter]

@lewys258 Debbie is truly amazing! Thanks for your comment.

[DiverJim86]

Sharpwebcenter I am an EMS Lt. at a local volunteer firehouse and doing a training on LVAD's and other Unique Disorders/ Exceptional Calls and was wondering if you had any information on how to deal with the mental part of caring for these patients en-route to the hospital or any other information you would be willing to donate to the presentation feel free.

Thank you,

Lt. James Vincent

Middle River Vol. Ambo. and Rescue Co.

[sharpwebcenter]

@DiverJim86 Thanks for your comment. Let me find the right contact for you. Hold tight...

[sharpwebcenter]

@DiverJim86 Thanks for your patience. Please contact Kristi Ortiz at 858-939-3831. She has an educational CD that she can provide you and can also answer any questions you may have.

[coffeecat14]

I am a 15 year old who has had a slightly newer version of the LVAD for about 6 months so far. I know how you feel and I want to thank you for putting your story out there.. it means alot!! You're a strong courageous woman!! :)

[sharpwebcenter]

@coffeecat14 We're glad you enjoyed the story. She definitely is a strong, courageous woman!

[szqsk8]

Interesting devices. Who knew and I work in a hospital! Ironically I have no health coverage though so I hope all of those who need these devices are insured.

[sharpwebcenter]

@szqsk8 Thanks for your comment. We offer other heart and vascular treatment, which you can read about at sharp - dot - com - slash - heart/cardiac-vascular-treatme­nt.cfm.

[krbuysse]

My uncle was just sent to Mayo for congestive heart failure and may get one of these.



[sharpwebcenter]

@krbuysse Best wishes to your uncle. Let us know if you have any questions.

[DragonFly122]

Such a brave woman.

[sharpwebcenter]

@DragonFly122 Couldn't agree with you more.

[booasaurus]

my dad has one of these.

[JoeTownley]

How much does this entire process, pre, operation & post-care cost & does insurance cover it? How long can a person live with one of these devices if they are never able to get a transplant?

[sharpwebcenter]

@JoeTownley Hi Joe. Most insurances do cover the majority of the cost of LVAD. Re: survival - we have one pt. who has lived 9 years so far. Our cardiac team is great and has much experience, having implanted over 100 devices. Any other questions? Please let us know. Thanks!

[andersonshannon38]

I just got my lvad 2 weeks ago, my ICD just fired again 3 days ago, now I'm terrified when will this stop and when will I feel better. is my icd going to continue to fire?

[sharpwebcenter]

@andersonshannon38 Hold tight - we're going to try to get an answer for you. Have you spoken to your doctor?

[sharpwebcenter]

@andersonshannon38 We sent you a private message. Please call your cardiac team to ensure they know that your ICD has fired.

[azoreanblade2]

i've had the heartmate ii lvad for 5 months 4 days until i got a heart transplant back on june 19 of this year, and stayed in hospital for 5 days after and been up and around since without any complications, no rejection of the heart, and an almost perfect match of 98.9%.

[sharpwebcenter]

@azoreanblade2 That's fabulous news! So happy to hear you're doing well.

[gtshawn]

I love this, I have had my LVAD for 2 years and it is really great to see other folks smile and see how it changes lives!!!

[sharpwebcenter]

@gtshawn It is life-changing, isn't it? We love Debbie's story. Glad you enjoyed the video.

[azoreanblade2]

I've had the same LVAD device for 3 months now, feeling better, more energetic since i had it. I find it great assist device since i went into heart failure back in mid-December.

[sharpwebcenter]

@azoreanblade2 So happy to hear you're feeling better! Let us know if you have any questions. You can always find LVAD and cardiac information on our website, sharp [dot] com.

[MCbrybry]

@azoreanblade2 same with me except i had it a little over 4 months..i have the newer version tho i think

[sharpwebcenter]

@BigG847 Thank you for your comment. Debbie actually has a journal that she posts on our website, sharp [dot] com - check it out to learn more about her amazing story. We wish the very best for you and your father.

[tavo1212]

Thanks for the very well done video, I learned a lot from it.

[sharpwebcenter]

Thank you - we really appreciate the comment and we're glad you found it educational. If you would like to follow Debbie on her journey, please visit sharp [dot] com to read her journal.

[reviewcomp]

Wow that looks painful. Does that hurt? How long do people usually wait for heart transplants??

[sharpwebcenter]

Thank you for your comment.

Debbie has been keeping a journal of her heart transplant experience on our Web site sharp [dot] com — visit to get more information on our heart transplant program, too.

[427molly]

my boyfreind had to have one in for 10 and half months....before he got his heart transplant ..... he done great ....dont be scared ... he had it done in rochester n.y. Strong Memorial hospital and they were great have a happy life . we went through alot with it and it was all worth it ...email me anytime :)