The Art of Living with an LVAD: A Journey of Creativity and Hope

Hey Warriors,

Living with a Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) changes everything. It’s not just a medical device, it’s a lifeline. For many of us, it becomes both a second chance and a daily challenge. It can feel like walking the line between survival and thriving, all while plugged in.

But through it all, through the surgeries, scars, beeping alarms, and sleepless nights, creativity and hope become unexpected companions. In this Little LVADventures post, we’re shining a light on the beautiful ways people are transforming their LVAD journeys into something meaningful.

An LVAD is a mechanical heart pump, usually placed in patients with advanced heart failure. For some, it’s a bridge to transplant. For others, it’s a long-term destination. But no matter the path, living with an LVAD means adapting, physically, emotionally, and mentally. There’s a learning curve. Dressing changes. Battery swaps. Mental exhaustion. But somewhere in the middle of that routine, many of us discover something unexpected: a creative spark.

Creativity becomes more than a hobby; it becomes medicine for the soul. For some, it looks like painting or writing. For others, it’s music, photography, crafting, or even gardening. Creativity gives us a place to breathe, cry, celebrate, and process what words sometimes can’t hold.

Art can speak the feelings we can’t always voice. Creativity gives our minds space to rest and recover. Sharing our creative work helps us feel seen and less alone. Finishing a project can reignite our belief in what’s possible.

At 45, Sarah received her LVAD after a heart failure diagnosis shook her world. Feeling lost, she turned to painting, something she hadn’t done in years. Her bold, abstract pieces now speak the language of survival, pain, and rebirth. “Painting helps me process my emotions,” Sarah shares. “It allows me to express what I cannot say.” Through her art, Sarah built a community and a sense of peace, one brushstroke at a time.

Mark, a 60-year-old writer, started a blog after his LVAD placement. What began as an outlet soon became a mission, to tell the truth about life with a mechanical heart. “Writing has been my therapy,” he says. “It helps me make sense of my journey.” Today, Mark’s blog touches readers across the world, offering comfort and validation to those walking a similar path.

There’s something powerful about knowing you’re not alone. Whether it’s an online support group or an in-person meetup, community brings relief, laughter, and solidarity. Tips, tricks, and real talk from those who’ve been there become lifelines. Friends who understand your fears without needing explanation become anchors. Seeing others live well with an LVAD inspires us to keep going.

Living with an LVAD means treating yourself like someone worth fighting for. It’s not always glamorous, but it’s always necessary. Gentle movement, foods that fuel, mindfulness practices, and staying connected to people who lift you up all matter.

An LVAD can feel like the end of life as you knew it, but also the beginning of something new. It can open doors to rediscovered passions, advocacy, or even a fresh purpose. Maybe it looks like picking up a paintbrush, volunteering, or becoming a voice for others still trying to find theirs.

Hope isn’t just a feeling. It’s an action. A habit. A quiet, steady force that pushes us to keep going. Set small goals. Celebrate little victories. Surround yourself with uplifting stories and people. And remember how far you’ve already come.

Your story isn’t just about survival. It’s about living. It’s about creating something beautiful even when the odds feel stacked against you. Whether you’re painting like Sarah, writing like Mark, or simply finding moments of joy in a world filled with beeping machines and tangled cords, you’re part of something bigger.

Little LVADventures is here to honor that. To remind you: your journey is art, your story is hope, your life is still full of possibility. Let’s keep creating. Let’s keep sharing. Let’s keep living.

With Heart,

💙 Phoenix

"Your journey is art. Your story is hope. Your life is still full of possibility."