Comments on: Dr. Starnes & I Reconnect At USC Medical Center

By: Adam Pick

Adam Pick — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 18:04:56 +0000

Hey Michelle,

I can relate to the depression you are talking about. I’ll never forget the onset of cardiac depression and the emotional challenges it created in my early recovery.

However, stick in there… I’d highly encourage you to get into a cardiac rehab class and if needed, individual therapy. You can also look into the possibility of attending a Mended Hearts support group.

I hope that helps give you some direction in minimizing the impact of depression in your recovery. So you know, you ARE NOT alone in your experience. Here is some additional information (patient stories, clinical data) about cardiac depression that might help you:

http://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/heart-surgery-blog/2008/11/28/cardiac-depression-recovery-aortic-valve/

http://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/heart-surgery-blog/2007/08/02/heart-surgery-and-depression-cardiac-depression/

http://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/heart-surgery-blog/2008/09/12/emotional-and-behavioral-changes-after-heart-surgery/

Great to to hear you plan to “Keep on tickin!”!!!

Adam

By: michele robinson

michele robinson — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 02:05:06 +0000

My name is Michele Robinson age 36. I have just had my aortic valve replaced on Sept. 23,2008. Went for a echo today and everything looks good. My only problem is I can’t seem to fight this depression. I can’t let it get me all the way down. I do know one thing I will keep on ticking forever now though and I am so grateful for that. Keep ticking Michele

By: Judith

Judith — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 10:20:25 +0000

Dear Adam, Thank you for writing the book. I got a mechanical aortic valve in August. Lately there is a pain like a stitch below the heart. Not really bad but frequent. Did you have that?
Thank you,
Judith

By: Paul

Paul — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 13:56:27 +0000

Rick-
I was able to go 8 years prior to having surgery -
I had looked for every reason NOT to have surgery –
right up to the day of surgery.

Finding the right surgeon helped me –
I had the surgery at the Cleveland Clinic, which was
excellent.
Paul

By: Randy Roberts

Randy Roberts — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 00:09:59 +0000

Adam, I am very interested the answer to Rick Hazlett’s question of Jan 27th regarding the prospect of having or maybe not having surgery for mitral regurg. I am 2 1/2 years post diagnosis with HCM and severe mitral regurg and almost no symptoms.

By: Rick Hazlett

Rick Hazlett — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 21:17:54 +0000

Adam, have you heard of anyone with moderate to severe mitral regurgitation ever going beyond a few years before surgery is required or never requiring surgery? In other words, the heart issues usually related to the condition never materialized. Thanks

By: Joanne Harris

Joanne Harris — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 19:55:51 +0000

Mazel Tov . . . and keep on ticking!