Don receives a diagnosis that takes his family by surprise. What will cancer treatment mean for Don’s heart? Find out in this week’s episode when we hear from Dr. David Bowes, a radiation oncologist who will oversee Don’s care.
Technology is always advancing. In the medical world, this means dramatic improvements in the quality of life experienced by patients like Don. If Don’s heart had failed as little as five years ago, his care and daily experience would look a lot different.
Hearts are a scarce resource – so how are patients identified as transplant recipients? Hear from VAD coordinator, Sonya Osmond, and cardiologist Dr. Giacomantonio in this week’s episode on what’s involved in transplants and how recipients can be selected. Don and friends also explore their thoughts on the matter.
What is life actually like with advanced technology inside your body? Navigating everyday life – and even our health care system brings on new challenges. Don and fellow VAD patients have lots of opportunity to educate others.
VAD Boys, VAD Boys, at the QEII, at the QEII is where they met and became pals too… Beyond the care teams who support Don, there’s another special group of people he met during his time in hospital – fellow patients experiencing heart failure. The VAD boys are brought together by the absurdities and anomalies of life without a pulse.
Don takes us to the moment his life changed forever – when faced with his own mortality. We meet his family doctor, Dr. Lorne Marsh, who describes the fateful day when Don arrived with one of the most advanced cases of heart failure he’d ever seen.
For better or worse, in sickness and health – in this episode, get to know Don’s partner, Ethel. She plays a special role in his care. Teammates at every step of the journey, Ethel and Don face every challenge, healthcare and otherwise, together.
What does fitness look like without a pulse? This week, Don hits the gym with a group of patients who are also experiencing heart failure. We hear from the QEII’s Dr. Nicholas Giacomantonio, who explains the role cardiac rehab plays in helping these patients get better.
In this week’s episode, you’ll begin to meet the people behind the technology keeping patients like Don alive. Sonya Osmond is the VAD whisperer – formally, she’s the VAD coordinator at the QEII Health Sciences Centre. Sonya is the glue between VAD patients and their network of healthcare providers. She is a guide for patients – within the QEII, in the community, and at home.
Say goodbye to everyone you love or be outfitted with an automatic heart pump?
Find out how Don Ingram made his choice. In Episode One, Don shares his story at his church in hopes of inspiring others who may be struggling with circumstances beyond their control. Read more
