Thank you!

Heart issues, along with trying to decide which way to go and what treatment to take is a lot and can be depressing some times. I hope for strength to you and your husband.

Paula, I haven't had to have an LVAD yet, but in 2019 I had an artery dissection that resulted in surgery and a low EF of just 15 percent, I was prescribed beta blocker, a low statin, and Entresto of 24/25 mg, could not take a higher dose because it dropped my BP to low. With time my EF went from 15 to now 45 percent, still not normal, but better EF. I don't know how long this EF will last at 45 percent for it could go up or down, but I Pray for more increase or the same. Have your cardiologist recommend Entresto. I think a LVAD assist with pumping your heart. I hope you get the answers you need and hope things work out for you.

So, so sorry; May he rest now in Peace. Blessings to you and family.

Hi MsB, not related to heart directly. He had a neuromuscular disease similar to ALS. Speech and swallowing are one of the symptoms he was starting to show signs but more right before death causing chest infection to aspiration pneumonia. If we had done the LVAD, which would be traumatic on his body and questionable whether the procedure would not kill him, the afterwards of monitoring would be hard on him and me watching and waiting and the stress and emotions of it all. His chest cavity /rib cage would have to be opened and battery and tubes coming out of his abdomen connected to his heart. They would have to put him on 12 or meds minimum of heavy meds and monitoring for months in hospital, due to high risk of infection or body rejection which he didn't want and was tired already. Then there's the physical deterioration from being in the bed for so long. He was basically bedridden and always a two or more transfers. We (son and I) were doing basically everything and he was getting less aware and control over elimination. Muscles there as well.
Even if he was successful with all the LVAD situation and later shown the swallowing/speech like he showed already, they would have had to do another procedure for a feeding tube and airway procedure as well. Two separate procedures. Feeding tube is usually placed in abdomen. If he were having bowel issues as time progresses, there might be the need for a colostomy bag, often going in the abdomen. He would be a high risk for infections and complications to say the least and that's if his body didn't shut down along the way. It would not have been quality of life. His body would have been useless even with a battery heart and cognitive in tact. He was still of mind up till the fish out of water he was showing me that fateful morning I will never forget. Once someone shows blue tongue and lips, not much time. Usually before the EMTs get there. He was gone spiritually and mentally out of his body well before they did. But I had to tell them to keep fighting for him as he wanted me to tell them. I knew he was gone as I told them as much. He still went into respiratory arrest couple times and confirmed heart attack and coded blue even at the hospital, all while seizures and twitching heavy constantly knocking out IV'S. I wish I would have made him comfortable and said our goodbyes then called for time of death. Less traumatic for us.