LVAD Warriors: Real Stories, Real Strength, Real Life

Hey Warriors,

Living with a Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) isn’t something most people expect to do, and yet, here we are. For many, an LVAD means one thing above all: hope. It’s a second chance, a way to keep going, and sometimes, the thing that literally keeps your heart beating.

But let’s be honest, this journey comes with a learning curve, a few scars (emotional and physical), and a whole lot of adjusting. That’s why this post isn’t just about the technical side. It’s about us, the LVAD warriors. The ones still here, still pushing, and still finding joy in the everyday.

An LVAD is a mechanical pump that helps your heart do its job when it’s too weak to keep up on its own. Some folks use it while waiting for a heart transplant, while others use it as a long-term solution when transplant isn’t an option. Either way, life with an LVAD means learning new routines, adjusting your lifestyle, and discovering strength you didn’t know you had.

Sarah: Rebuilding Her Life, One Step at a Time: Sarah was 45 when heart failure flipped her world upside down. As a mom of two, the idea of having a machine attached to her heart felt like something out of a sci-fi movie. But she faced it head-on. Post-surgery, Sarah made small daily goals: walking across the room, brushing her hair, breathing without panic. Now she’s sharing her journey online, spreading the message:“You are not alone in this fight.”

John: The Heart of a Fighter, the Soul of a Community: At 60, John, a retired veteran, had his world narrowed by heart failure. After receiving his LVAD, he didn’t retreat. Instead, he found his people. Through his local LVAD support group, he discovered strength in community and purpose in advocacy. Today, John is the one cheering others on at meet-ups, handing out flyers, and reminding people:“Life is worth living, no matter the challenges.”

Finding your people makes a difference. Here’s how to connect:

• Local support groups through hospitals or heart centers

• Online forums on Facebook, Reddit, or heart health websites

• Patient advocacy organizations like the AHA or Mended Hearts

Living with an LVAD means putting health first:

• Stay consistent with appointments, your medical team is your safety net

• Track your meds, alarms, organizers, whatever works

• Move your body, even gentle walks help

• Eat heart-healthy, bonus points if your family joins in

And protecting your peace matters just as much:

• Set small goals, and celebrate them like you just won an award

• Try mindfulness, breathing exercises, journaling, or just sitting in silence

• Talk it out, whether with a friend, a support group, or a therapist

Your story matters. Every time someone shares their LVAD experience, it chips away at the fear and isolation. Here are ways to share:

• Social media, a photo, a reel, a caption with your truth

• Blogging, your own or guest writing on platforms like this

• Speaking up, at support groups, community events, or even just around the dinner table

This isn’t a solo ride. Here’s how to bring loved ones into the journey:

• Teach them what an LVAD is and how to support you

• Ask them to join you for appointments or events

• Keep talking, your emotions are valid and deserve space

• Let them help, not out of pity, but out of partnership

And make home your safe zone:

• Create a supply station for dressings, batteries, chargers, etc.

• Keep comfort close, candles, photos, fuzzy blankets, whatever brings peace

• Establish rituals, a daily walk, tea time, music before bed, anything that grounds you

LVAD technology continues to improve. Smaller pumps, fewer complications, and more flexibility mean the future is bright. Staying informed can give you hope for what’s ahead.

Living with an LVAD doesn’t mean pressing pause on your life. It just means learning a new rhythm, one that includes cables and batteries, yes, but also connection, hope, and purpose.

Every walk, every laugh, every quiet victory matters. You’re still here. You’re still living. And your story is still being written.

With Heart,

💙 Phoenix

"Living with an LVAD doesn’t mean pressing pause on your life. It just means learning a new rhythm."