Jim Kauric Jim Kauric's LVAD Journey

Jim was diagnosed with Congestive Heart Failure and Cardio Myopathy when he was 42.  Fast tracking forward 16 years his heart has weakened, many doctor visits. medications, hospital stays, and a defibrillator ... his heart has had enough. On October 3 his heart stopped twice for 45 seconds and again 25 seconds, sending him in the hospital for a 3 day stay.  His team of doctors said it was time to get the LVAD, the mechanical heart pump ...the bridge before a heart transplant.  He was told then someone needed to stay with him for 24/7 which meant Linda and I would take turns staying  with him. On October 10  his heart stopped again...this time for a minute. Back to the hospital he went, transferred to Allegheny General Hospital and on October 13, had the LVAD open heart surgery.  Here is where Jim begins his LVAD journey.