🌊 What It’s Like Living with an LVAD — A View from Virginia Beach
Hey friends,
I’m excited to share the latest episode of LVAD Talk, and this one is extra special — filmed right on the oceanfront in Virginia Beach, VA, just steps away from the famous King Neptune statue. In this episode, I take you with me to the sundeck of the Oceanaire Resort, where I open up about what it’s really like to live with a Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD).
Whether you’re newly implanted, supporting a loved one, or simply curious about life after heart failure, this episode offers a personal, real-world look at what day-to-day life with an LVAD can be like — from managing the equipment to staying mentally and spiritually strong.
🔗 Watch the Episode Here:
📺 What It’s Like Living with an LVAD | LVAD Talk – Virginia Beach Edition
In the video, I share:
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How my journey with the LVAD began on the same day as my daughter’s 4th birthday
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What the recovery process was really like
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How my faith and this device helped me raise my two kids as a single dad after losing my wife
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How I found a new purpose through photography and creativity
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The small, beautiful moments that make this journey worth it — like standing on that sundeck with the wind in my face, grateful to be alive
🙏 Join the Conversation
This channel — and this blog — are more than just about medical devices. They’re about life. About resilience. About community.
And we want you to be a part of it.
👉 Please take a moment to:
👍 Like the video if it helped you
💬 Leave a comment with your thoughts or experiences
📌 Subscribe to the channel so you never miss an episode
🔔 Turn on notifications so you get updates when new videos go live
🗣️ And most importantly — use the comment section to ask questions you want answered in future videos!
Your stories, your concerns, and your wins matter — and I want to hear them.
🌐 Stay Connected
For more resources, blog posts, and LVAD community stories, visit LVADTALK.com.
Thanks for being here with me. Whether you’re walking the boardwalk in Virginia Beach or resting at home, remember — you’re not alone on this journey.
Talk soon,
—Shawn Connors
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.
