NYP physicians arranged for Margaret to do her cardiac rehab at a hospital closer to her residence. Today, she walks three-quarters of a mile to the facility twice a week then spends fifteen minutes on the treadmill, another fifteen on recumbent bike.
Other activities she has been able to resume: shopping with her husband-"the first time I went to Costco, it was a big event"—dining out, movies and the theatre.
The Fiori's have also mastered the logistics of traveling with an LVAD. "We head for the beach at Fire Island on weekends or take the occasional trip upstate.
Other LVAD patients are amazed to hear this. But we just pack the gear and go," Margaret reports, adding that they flew to Florida recently to see their son
While Margaret waits for a donor heart, she speaks to LVAD support groups, telling patients and their families how to live with this device.
"An LVAD requires you to adapt both physically and psychologically," Margaret says. "On difficult days, what gets you through is a sense of humor and a dose of gratitude."
"This device allows you to continue being with your spouse, your children, your grandchildren," she adds. "Don't be afraid of the technology-learn to live with it. The gift of life is unbelievable."