Five Years Forward: Kenny’s Life With LVAD

When Kenny first sat down with the St. Elizabeth Heart Failure team in 2020, he was worn down – physically, mentally and emotionally. His heart problems stretched back decades: early symptoms in the late ’90s, bypass surgery in 2000, stents in the early 2000s and a massive heart attack in 2008 that changed the trajectory of his health. By the time he was referred for advanced heart failure management, even walking a short distance required stopping to catch his breath.

When his care team explained his options – including joining the transplant list – Kenny was clear about one thing – “I want to keep my own heart.” And choosing the left ventricular assist device (LVAD) was his best chance to do that.

Today – more than five years later – he moves through life with a steadiness he once thought he would never feel again. “I breathe good. I feel good. And I’m still here,” he says, not dramatically, but with the quiet confidence of someone who has lived every bit of the journey.

Rediscovering Everyday Life

Before the LVAD, the simplest tasks felt overwhelming. Now, Kenny is back to being the hands‑on, project‑minded person he’s always been. He cuts the grass, lays flooring, replaces light fixtures and tends to a thriving vegetable garden. One of his favorite things is teaching his grandkids how to fish and filet their catch – something he never imagined having the energy to do again.

Family gatherings feel different too. Rather than conserving energy on the sidelines, he’s fully present: playing with grandchildren, walking the family’s new “grand‑dog,” staying up later and enjoying holidays without needing to retreat and rest. All the things he couldn’t do before.

Learning a New Normal

Life with an LVAD requires strict routines and Kenny has learned them with determination. The batteries were heavier than he expected – figuring out comfortable ways to wear the equipment took trial and error. His wife, Brenda, stepped in by sewing custom LVAD shirts to help distribute the weight more comfortably, helping him move more easily.

Monitoring the blood-thinning levels his device requires became a steady part of his regular routine.When the numbers stay in range, his appointments spread out – something he considers a quiet victory each time.

There are some limitations he wishes he could change, like not being able to swim with his grandkids, but even that doesn’t overshadow the stability, energy and independence he’s regained.

Brenda puts it simply, “The last five years were better than the five before – he can do so much more now.”

The Impact of Heartfelt Guidance

Early in his journey, Kenny had a pivotal conversation with Dr. Deepthi Mosali, a Heart Failure Specialist at St. Elizabeth. She explained the severity of his symptoms with clarity and compassion – no sugarcoating, no minimizing, just honest information about how close he was to running out of safe options.

“That honesty meant everything,” he says. “She told me it was time to stop trying to fight through the symptoms alone and to move forward.”

Instead of frightening him, Dr. Mosali’s candor grounded him. It validated how sick he felt without making him feel defeated. It also helped him fully commit to the LVAD process; learning the equipment, staying consistent with follow‑ups and most importantly – understanding that success required effort from him, too.

Kenny often says that straightforward honesty helped him feel safe rather than scared. It built trust with his St. Elizabeth care team – and that trust remains strong today.

The Team That Became Family

Throughout his care, the support of his St. Elizabeth Heart Failure LVAD team become an anchor – not just for him, but for Brenda as well. The coordinators, nurses and physicians don’t just monitor readings, they help navigate the emotional and practical challenges of adapting to life with a device that keeps you alive.

“We’ve gained new family members,” he says – a sentiment that echoes the connection they felt back in 2020 and has only deepened with time.

Looking Ahead with Confidence

Reaching the five‑year mark wasn’t something he dared imagine in the beginning. Now, he treats it not as a finish line, but as a starting point for what’s still ahead. “I didn’t think I’d ever reach this point,” he says. “Now I’m aiming for ten.”

He already has plans:

A long‑awaited trip back to the beach so he can feel sand under his feet again.

A trip to Niagara Falls for his son’s wedding.

More outdoor time, more family time and more chances to say “yes” without hesitation.

Advice for Others Facing an LVAD Decision

For those standing where he once stood, Kenny offers straightforward guidance:

“Do it! You’ll have a better quality of life. But you have to choose it for yourself. And you have to be committed to it.”

He acknowledges the emotional rollercoaster, but he believes wholeheartedly in the power of a strong support system and the steady presence of the St. Elizabeth LVAD care team that guides patients through every step – making even the hard parts more manageable.

A Journey Still Unfolding

When we first shared Kenny’s story, he was just beginning to heal after surgery – adjusting to new routines and learning to trust his body again. Five years later, his story has evolved. Not because the device changed, but because he did.

He has grown into a new chapter of life, one where he can move, laugh, work, fish, help, rest and plan again.

This is no longer just a story of a man overcoming heart failure – it’s the story of someone embracing life and looking forward to everything yet to come.

Kenny’s progress shows what’s possible with the right care and the right support. Whether you’re looking for answers – or a second opinion – our Advanced Heart Failure team is ready to help.

To learn more, visit our website or call (859) 301-0124 to schedule an appointment.

Medically Reviewed by Deepthi Mosali, MD, on 1/28/2026.