When I was younger, my father served as an officer in the U.S. Navy and was stationed at Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico. It was during those years that I discovered my love for the water—especially snorkeling. There’s nothing quite like floating above a coral reef, hearing only the sound of your own breath, and watching the ocean come alive beneath you.
Fast forward to life with my LVAD, and one of the things I miss most is the freedom to swim. Water and electricity just don’t mix, and as much as I love the ocean, safety has to come first.
But here’s the thing—this is also one of the first joys I’m looking forward to after my heart transplant. I already have an Airbnb in Ponce, Puerto Rico bookmarked with my name on it. That first dive back into the Caribbean is going to be legendary.
For anyone out there living with an LVAD, or waiting for a transplant, it’s okay to dream about the things we’ll get back. For me, it’s the water.
💬 What’s one thing you miss the most since getting your LVAD? Share it with me—I’d love to hear your story.
Don’t forget to visit the LVAD Talk YouTube channel for more stories like this and our podcast for real conversations about life with an LVAD:
Shawn Connors
Executive Producer/Host - Connors Studios
Meet Shawn Connors, a man who’s faced some tough health challenges. Born with a heart murmur, he had his first heart surgery at just three. But life threw him another curveball when he was 37, diagnosed with DIFIB.
Things got even worse when Shawn’s wife, diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, fell ill at 40. Shawn, determined to take care of her, was also battling his own health issues. It was clear that he needed an LVAD. Six months after the implant, Shawn’s wife sadly passed away, leaving him as the sole caregiver for their two elementary-aged children.
Despite the immense grief, Shawn found a way to channel his emotions into something positive. He started a podcast called LVAD Talk, where he interviews other LVADers, including heart transplant recipients. His videos and podcasts are available on YouTube and LVADTalk.com.
In addition to his podcast, Shawn is also the owner of Connors Studio, where he creates and specializes in portraiture and lifestyle photography.
One Thing About Me and My LVAD… We Will Be Outside! 🎤
