Meet Rob Johnson

Rob’s story as told by his daughters, Alex and Amy:

Rob, dad, grandpa, brother, friend, pool shark…these are just a few names you may know him by. Rob enjoys spending his time playing pool, tinkering with small engines, and spending time with those he loves.

Rob was diagnosed with heart failure at the age of 35. He has been seeing the advanced heart failure specialty team in Des Moines this past year due to the progression of the disease and limited options. The doctors have decided the LVAD (Left Ventricular Assistive Device) is the best option to improve his quality of life. The LVAD is an external heart pump that will pump the blood from the left side of the heart continuously. Included with the pump are batteries and a controller to be worn at all times. The hope is that this will decrease the symptoms that come along with heart failure, such as shortness of breath and anxiety. Surgery is scheduled for mid-December, given all prior testing goes well. This also comes with a lengthy recovery time. Post surgery, Rob hopes to be able to enjoy the things he loves doing again.