Two years ago, I was told I needed one , but blew the metabolic stress test out of the water. I go back to my cardiologist at Columbia Presbyterian on Narch 24. I was asked to bring a potential caregiver. (I live alone.) My EF is between 10-15 and my BP is awful. But, I am asymptomatic for the most part. I’m incredibly frightened of the LVAD and hope to put it off as long as possible. I just finished a oy round of cardio rehab with great results., working up to walking on a treadmill at 3 mph at a 6 incline. Total time on treadmill was 25 minutes. Prayer has worked for the past 6 years for me, but miracles don’t last forever. I hope I can prove again I don’t need the LVAD,….yet.

Update: I went and saw both the pulmonologist and cardiologist at Columbia Presbyterian a few weeks ago. The pulmonologist said that there are always risks, but he would OK surgery for either the LVAD or a transplant if needed.

My cardiologist said he could not recommended me for either procedure at this point….the decision making panel would laugh him out of the room if he did. I am too healthy to be considered for any advanced therapy procedure at this time. He once considered me late stage 3 to stage 4. Now he evaluates me as Stage 2.

I am thrilled beyond belief. Although my EF still stinks (10-15,) 80% of my heart is dead, and my BP is still very low, my symptoms have improved. The occurrences of extremely low blood pressure and dizziness are less frequent. Exercise and push yourself to slowly improve over time. I’m now reaching 3 mph at a 7 incline for the last 5-10 minutes of a 25 minute treadmill session. Be sure to sufficiently hydrate. And, pray. I have a great prayer support group and strongly believe in the power of prayer.

My miracle continues. Six years ago I was told my chances of surviving for a year were 10%. There have been some scares and I realize that this won’t continue forever. We’re all mortal. But, I’m grateful for however long my good fortune continues. . I pray each of you finds and appreciates the miracles in your life, also.

10/25/22 - I went to the cardiologist at Columbia Presbyterian again. He looked at me and shook his head and smiled. He said,"You're amazing! This is the best I've ever seen you look except for the weight loss." (I have always had trouble keeping weight on and am now 5'8",(though I've proably have shrunk) and 125 lbs). I feel good and that's all that matters. I go back to see him again in mid-April. I could not have asked for a better check up.

Keep the faith kids and try to keep smiling. I know it's hard sometimes, but look at all you've gone through and survived. We are all survivors until we're not and then it doesn't matter any more. Keep praying. Hopefully you won't hear from for another 6 months. Merry Christmas, Happy Hannukah ,Happy New Year. Happy Eid al Fitr, and happy whatever else you celebrate. Blessings to you all.

It’s a LEFT VENTRICLE ASSIST DEVICE. My ejection fraction is only 15% so this device will be put in my heart. A line will come out of my abdomen and go into a battery pack and this will constantly pump blood from my heart. I have appointment on March 15th. Google the LVAD it’s really amazing. Thanks for inquiring.

My EF is not expected to change from its current 10-15%. My BP is usually 80’s/60’s and I feel fine. I do have occasional orthostatic issues. I have been down as low as 60/40, but was severely dizzy.
I had a widow maker 6 1/2 years ago with 100% blockage of the LAD or so I’m told. 80% of my heart is scar tissue and no longer works. My doctors are amazed at how well I am. I guess God has something in mind for me. I just wish He’d call or send me an email to let me know what it is.
Thanks for your note. God’s blessings for you, also.

I currently have an LVAD. For me it is a bridge to transplant. It is a major improvement to my health. I probably would not be alive with out it. For some a LVAD is destination therapy. It should improve and extend your quality of life. Any questions ask. I have had mine over 9 months now.