Let me start this update with something I’ve had to learn (and relearn) over the years—LVAD life will humble you fast. It’s not for the faint of heart. Literally or figuratively.
So here’s the update I didn’t expect to write so soon:
I got another call.
But this one wasn’t about being boosted to Level 3 on the transplant list—it was to correct something I shared in the last post. Turns out, the “boost” that patients can receive doesn’t happen once a year like I thought… it happens once per pump.
Just once.
That news hit me harder than I was ready for. I found out I’d been bumped again, but this time the decision was made not to use my one and only boost just yet. The logic? Holding off could give me a better chance—less competition—at another time when hearts may be more available.
So what does that mean?
It means I’m back to life as I know it. Back to waiting. Back to the in-between. Back to the balancing act of gratitude and anticipation. Back to the beep of the controller, the battery swaps, the daily mental battle of living on borrowed power.
And still… I suit up.
Like in this photo—me and my armor. One side human, one side machine. But both sides ready. This journey has tested every part of me—my patience, my faith, my strength, and my heart (in more ways than one). But I’m still here. Still standing.
LVAD life isn’t easy.
But I was never built for easy.
—Shawn
🦾🖤
#LVADLife #HeartWarrior #StillStanding #TransplantJourney #LVADStrong #SuitUp #FaithInTheWaiting #IronManVibes #ConnorsStudios #LVADTalk
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 of the Things I Miss Before My LVAD: Swimming
