so I could sleep with him at night and she would make the recliner all up with blankets like a bed for me. The surgeon who offered to pay the hospital bills was another Angel. We have been truly blessed. Since Mark cant work our only household income is from worker’s compensation from where I was injured at my job and i await hip surgery. Mark does now receive disability but its the minimum, Its only enough to barely pay the bills so Marks surgeon was God sent. I just want people to be aware of what the Lvad is so they don’t make the Lavd recipients feel like a criminal. Mark was speaking to a police officer one evening and the police was amazed by the Lvad and he said to him it looked like a bomb. He told us that the police department really needs to be trained because they are the ones first on the scene and they need to know what it looks like and they need to be informed that he cant have cpr. This is why I am writing this to educate people around us and tell our story, so that you maybe able to get the word out about the Lvad. My husband is on the Heart transplant now, but it could be from a week to years of waiting. Please register at donatelifeohio.org and talk to your family about your wishes. So many people don’t realize that even though they are organ donors if something happens to them that their family are the ones with the final say. Thank you for taking the time to read our story.
Tracey Sandy
Mark will be a regular contributor to articles here at LVAD LIVING
See Mark's website:
http://www.heartofmark.com
Questions and Answers from Stoney Brook
Cont. from p.7
Q: What activities can I not do?
A: Physical activity involving heavy contact that might cause bruising around the device is inadvisable. Also, you may not submerge in water (as in swimming).
Q: How long does the LVAD last?
A: The longest device has been in a patient for about 7 years. Testing by the manufacturers suggests that the LVAD should provide support for at least 10 years.
Q: How long do the batteries last?
A: Currently, the batteries last for 14 hours.
Q: Can I still get a heart transplant after I receive an LVAD?
A: If you are evaluated and deemed appropriate for a heart transplant, then you may receive an LVAD as a "bridge to transplant." Once a heart is available (waiting times may be as long as 1 to 2 years), you may then receive your transplant. Some patients are initially deemed ineligible for a transplant and receive an LVAD as an alternative, for what is called "destination therapy." This LVAD use may improve your overall condition, where you may now be reassessed and found to be a candidate for heart transplant.
Q: What are the complications of living with an LVAD?
A: Complications include wound infection of the driveline and bleeding. These may be minimized by working closely with your healthcare team.
Q: What happens if the device malfunctions?
A: There are multiple alarms on the device to indicate that a problem is brewing. Notify your LVAD coordinator immediately if there is such a problem.
Q: Can I travel with an LVAD?
A: Yes. Many patients travel by land, air, and sea with their LVAD. You must take all your equipment with you (not packed away in cargo). Your route and destination should include areas with a LVAD program in the event of an emergency.
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