They tell me that I'm at the top of the list. And I have been for quite some time now. I would think since my false alarm in April, maybe before that. Doc also told me that there has been some potential donors for me but they just don't work out. They do several tests and assessments before I even get a call. I think my worst enemy right now is my size.
I also had the pleasure of meeting another VAD patient. She was implanted 6 weeks ago and she looked fabulous! I remember my six week marker. I was not feeling so good and I couldn't straighten my back. I walked like a hunch back for quite a while. It was so wonderful to meet this lady and I wish her the best.
I learned that there are 16 patients with a VAD out of TGH! That's at least double last years volume. TGH will have a clinic day just for VAD patients now. I think it will be a great opportunity to meet with my pump-pals.
TGH is putting in three different types of LVADs now. One being my Heartmate 2, another the Duraheart and lastly HeartWare. Here are a few helpful pics.
Heartmate 2:
Duraheart:
Heartware:
My pump-pal Josh From the Bottom of my LVAD found this interesting picture from this site with the different devices. It illustrates the growth of the LVAD. Notice the difference in weight as the VADs progress. Our next major change will be when the VAD is designed to have no exterior power source. Wouldn't that be great?
Wow. I read your post and have such gratitude for my heart and all it goes through. Much love to you.
ReplyDeleteHa, interesting. It got me thinking about my device. I was the only person that I was aware of on a VAD at USC (University of Southern California), but then I barely left my room in the ICU, so what the hell would I know. Does your VAD make a lot of noise of vibration? The BiVAD was one of many things that kept me from getting sleep in the ICU. Anyway, this is what they had be on
ReplyDeletehttp://www.abiomed.com/products/ab5000.cfm
Stay Strong,
Michael
Wow! That BiVAD is crazy. My LVAD is very quiet. I can feel it when I rest my arm on my abdomen and I can hear when I don't have a shirt over it. But that's only a light hum. ICUs are tough enough to sleep in!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing.
Andrea
Andrea - I'm glad to hear you're at the top of the list. You deserve to get a heart soon. But better to wait awhile for the perfect heart than get an okay heart sooner. I'm sure your doctors will find you a good one soon. You have a great attitude - keep your chin up and have faith that your day will come. Best wishes, Andrea F.
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