My life at 9200 rpms: LVADs are hope, plain and simple.

I read a news story and saw the account of a San Diego area man, a former weightlifting champ, who wouldn't be here without an LVAD.  Like me, he suffered end stage heart failure.  After multiple stents and a major heart attack, he was out of options.

Donated hearts are at a premium.  The wait for a donor is long and there are no promises that a suitable heart will be found.  Enter the HeartMateII and other left ventricular assist devices. Without these medical mechanical circulation support devices, LVADs would succumb to end stage heart disease.

Paul Conway, the LVAD from south of San Diego, got his pump and has been waiting for a heart since 2010.  It has changed his life and outlook.  He and his wife and three daughters have enjoyed three additional years together and he is really pleased with having his life back.

Here is the link to his story:

http://www.kpbs.org/news/2013/jan/29/implantable-heart-pumps-are-keeping-beat/