The Patient's Guide to Heart Valve Surgery

Adam's Heart Valve Surgery Blog

Former Patient And Author, Adam Pick, Blogs About
Heart Valve Replacement And Heart Valve Repair

Read Adam's story


Introducing… Ethan Bradley Pick

April 8th, 2009

You may have noticed that my blog postings about heart valve surgery have stopped over the past five days.

Well… There is a good, 7.6 pound reason for that!

My son, Ethan Bradley Pick, was born Saturday at 5:29am. Ethan is the first child for Robyn, my wife, and me. Needless to say, we are rapidly adjusting to the parenting role – an outpouring of love and appreciation for every little thing he does including burps, wiggles, hiccups, stretches, coos, yawns, poops, toots… I could go on and on and on. So far, the lack of sleep is an easy trade-off for the love we have for our little boy. :)

Ethan Bradley Pick
Ethan Bradley Pick – Born April 4, 2009

Thanks so much for all of your thoughtful support during our pregnancy. As we consider all of you an extended part of our family, I have attached a few pictures which capture Ethan’s entry into this world.

Robyn (my wife) and Ethan just a few moment after his birth:

Ethan and his proud Daddy (me) – 24 hours after his birth:

Ethan peacefully resting after his first feeding.

So you know, Robyn is doing great after her incredibly quick delivery. Again, thanks for all of your support over the past nine months. We are so thrilled to have Ethan in our lives.

Keep on tickin!

P.S. To leave a comment for Ethan, Robyn or me, please click here.

About The Author: Adam Pick is a double, heart valve surgery patient and author of The Patient's Guide To Heart Valve Surgery. This unique book integrates clinical research with the personal experiences of 135 former patients to help future patients and their caregivers better understand the problems, the opportunities and the realities of heart valve surgery. To learn more about Adam and his heart valve surgery book, click here.

58 Comments... Click here to add one.

 


Mary-Lynn says on April 8th, 2009 at 8:37 am

How wonderful for you and your wife. Enjoy him… they grow up toooo fast.
I’m really enjoying your site. My father had a prolapsed mitral valve and underwent 2 valve replacements (St Judes) before he passed away. I also have been “blessed!!!!” with this problem and my cardiologist has just told me it is time to take care of things and hopefully do a repair job. I will know more in a couple of weeks after I have me Echo Tee done.
Thanks for doing what you do… you have really helped to calm me down. I don’t know if it’s better to have been through it with my Dad so I know exactly what is going to happen or if it is better not to know, but I do know that it is inspiring to hear from some of the people on your site
Thanks again and happy sleeping!!!

 


jerry says on April 8th, 2009 at 9:04 am

Congratulations and best wishes to all. Enjoy!

 


Doug Atkins says on April 8th, 2009 at 1:05 pm

Congrats Adam!!! What a wonderful experience! Just gear up for about another 3-6 months of insomnia/lack of sleep. :-) I wish you guys the best and congrats again.

Doug

 


Doug Atkins says on April 8th, 2009 at 1:06 pm

Oh, and I thought for sure that his middle name would be ‘Ross’. LOL!

 


Andrea says on April 8th, 2009 at 1:06 pm

Congratulations!!

 


Rosie says on April 8th, 2009 at 1:13 pm

What a beautiful boy !! So happy for you, and glad that Robyn is doing well also. You have truly been blessed !

 


Bob H. says on April 8th, 2009 at 1:13 pm

Adam,
Congrats!
I am looking at either aortic valve replacement/ repair in the near future. Immensely enjoy your website, read your book in one sitting and am getting a real education on valve surgery, valves, procedures available, potential surgeons, etc. Very much appreciate your help.
Enjoy your new treasure!

 


Mary says on April 8th, 2009 at 1:17 pm

BRAVO BRAVO!!!!! HE’S GORGEOUS!
All the best, Mary

 


Bill says on April 8th, 2009 at 1:23 pm

Congratulations to you Adam and Your Family. What a joy and wonderful event to have a child! I am sure I join everyone in wishing you much happiness and many ..many years of laughter and good times…what a beautiful baby!!
Bill in Atlanta

 


Ted Shearer says on April 8th, 2009 at 1:26 pm

Wow what a beautiful baby! There is no better thrill than the experience of parenthood, cherish the moments…all of them.

Congratulations,

God Bless,
Ted

 


Valarie Campbell says on April 8th, 2009 at 1:32 pm

Awww!!!! He is so beautiful and looks so healthy. You both look so happy. Enjoy! They grow so fast.

 


Philip Reso says on April 8th, 2009 at 1:36 pm

Congratulations!

And thanks for your book and blog. I will have aortic vave replacement on April 29.

Philip

 


jeri says on April 8th, 2009 at 1:39 pm

Congratulations! Your son is absolutely beautiful!!!

 


SpikeSpriesterbach says on April 8th, 2009 at 1:39 pm

Congratulations Adam!

 


Sarah in McKinney, Texas says on April 8th, 2009 at 1:42 pm

Adam and Robyn,
Congratulations! Enjoy every moment, even the hard ones! They really grow up quickly. I look at my 11 year old daughter and 15 year old son, and wonder where those lazy days walking in the park and digging in the sandpile went! Seems just like yesterday….Again Congrats!
Sarah

 


Charles Gibson says on April 8th, 2009 at 1:46 pm

Congratulations, what a wonderful gift for someone who gives others so many gifts of knowledge, empathy and hope to others.

 


Gail says on April 8th, 2009 at 1:51 pm

Congratulations and welcome to the world Ethan Bradley! Wishing all of you much happiness and good health. Gail

 


Johnnie in Cape Town says on April 8th, 2009 at 2:07 pm

Congratulations! Now we know there REALLY is life after heart valve surgery! May God bless you, Robyn and little Ethan.

 


Terry Kriedman says on April 8th, 2009 at 2:13 pm

beautiful baby.
much happiness.
long life.

 


Vicki says on April 8th, 2009 at 2:35 pm

Congratulations to the new parents! He’s adorable :-)

Welcome to the world, Ethan!

 


Meg says on April 8th, 2009 at 2:43 pm

He is sooooo adorable! Congratulations to all three of you! Nice work!

 


June Flynn says on April 8th, 2009 at 2:46 pm

What a beautiful family — best wishes to you all. Enjoy him because this is what it’s “really” about. Congratulations!!!

 


Mike says on April 8th, 2009 at 2:47 pm

Congratulations Adam and Robyn !!!! Ethan is beautiful !!!

 


Sumi says on April 8th, 2009 at 3:12 pm

Congratulations!! Ethan looks so beautiful :)

 


Joanne Harris says on April 8th, 2009 at 3:14 pm

Mazel Tov and no matzah for Ethan til next year!

 


Linda Dixon says on April 8th, 2009 at 3:15 pm

Yeah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Congratulations, Ethan is beautiful!
Mom and Dad did a great job!
I still think we will call him “Little Pick”, what do you think?
May God bless your family with much happiness and great health!

 


Cindy says on April 8th, 2009 at 3:41 pm

Hi Adam … congratulations on Ethan’s birth!! He’s a doll! I LOVE the picture of you holding him, the look of a father’s pure love just radiates from your soul in that black & white shot.
Best wishes to all 3 of you, thanks for including us in your life. You’ve done so much to help myself & others.

 


Elizabeth Bell says on April 8th, 2009 at 3:42 pm

I’m so happy for you and Robyn! Happy Baby Day! If I could give you one bit of advice it would be: Rocking Chair.

I have been following your blog since my own ohs last May, but have not ventured to write until now. The info I gathered, the solace I acquired from following your blog and reading your book was so comforting. I was 23 and found the data at your site palateable and soothing. It was my best source of info; having been contributed by real people who had been through the real procedures.

I wish you and your family all the health and happiness in the world, and the some.

Thank you so much!

Elizabeth Bell

 


Bev says on April 8th, 2009 at 4:09 pm

Congratualations. Our grandson is also named Ethan, and he is now 8.
Your blog has been a godsend–I had an Aortic Heart Valve replacement (mechanical valve) almost 8 months ago, and I am doing great and feeling great. Going to celebrate my 65th Birthday on Monday.

 


Susan Lilley says on April 8th, 2009 at 4:17 pm

Ethan is adorable! Thank you so much for the photos. The proud daddy photo choked me up. You are all so lucky to have each other.

 


Mike Tripp says on April 8th, 2009 at 4:37 pm

Yaaay! Congrats Adam and Robyn. Now the real fun begins! Between your OHS scar and this little guy it will be impossible to go through a day without feeling blessed and lucky to be alive! Enjoy him, try and get some sleep and hang in there for the next six months they are the most ‘challenging”!

Mike

 


Sandy Brooks says on April 8th, 2009 at 4:43 pm

Adam and Robyn….

Many many congrats to you on the much awaited arrival of Ethan. You have been great to include us on the arrival and pregnancy, and to include us as part of your extended family. We, too, consider you a part of ours!

Enjoy and capture all the moments you can, and as you have heard, they grow up so fast and change even faster. It will be fun to hear about his growing up and his personality.

God bless you all and so thankful for a safe arrival.

Your friend with a tickin’ heart
Pappy and Sandy Brooks

 


Ken Delkescamp says on April 8th, 2009 at 5:32 pm

Congratulations on the birth of your son!

 


Mary Ferraro says on April 8th, 2009 at 5:46 pm

CONGRATULATIONS, Robyn, Adam, & Ethan! Ethan is lucky to have been sent to two such wonderful and loving people as his parents!!!!
And a quick (hopefully!) response to Mary-Lynn: I do not know how long ago you went thru it all with your Dad but please beleive me when I say that even in the last 2 or 3 years the medical profession has made great strides in this operation. About 35 years ago I went thru this with my uncle and he eventually died of it but that was in the early days and he was very sick before they even tried.
Then my Dad had his replaced (bovine) in the summer of 1998 and he was very sick for over 2 months. It was a nightmare. Then I had mine repaired by Dr. Adams at Mount Sinai in NYC and it was sooo much better than my Dad’s experience! This blog and Adam’s book helped me a lot. I was very afraid based on all I’d seen first hand. There was no comparison between how easy I had it and what my Dad went thru.
Yes, it did feel like I had been hit by a truck but it was all very managable. Each day you really do feel better. And then after a few weeks I started to notice that each week I was getting stronger. At cardiac rehab (at Princeton Medical center by my home) which I highly recommend as does Adam, I could bike and treadmill and do weights and feel safe for the 1st time in my life. Now its been five-and-a-half-months and it is all good.
Surgery for 7 hours, hospital for 8 days and then at my sister’s home for 2 weeks and I was back to work in 10 weeks altogether. Now I’m off the coumadin. You can do this. Best of Luck.

 


jeff stoveken says on April 8th, 2009 at 6:08 pm

congratulations ! i bet just a few years back when you were faced with your own heart valve surgery, you wouldve never even guessed anything so great would be happening in your future! like someone mentioned in a response before me, there is life after heart valve surgery. and thats exactly what anyone thats facing it in the future needs to believe. its actually the beginning of the rest of their “heart healthy” life. and i think your blog helps to accomplish that. thanks for all your insight,information and your support.your new son will be very proud of you ! sincerely, jeff stoveken

 


Sherri Hendry says on April 8th, 2009 at 6:43 pm

CONGRATULATIONS!!!! Ethan is very blessed to have two very special parents, such as yourselves. Enjoy!

 


Sandy Ritter says on April 8th, 2009 at 6:52 pm

What a beautiful baby boy! Congratulations to both you and Ron. Enjoy every moment of this little guy’s life … they grow up way too quickly.

 


Maribel says on April 8th, 2009 at 7:24 pm

Adam and Robin:

We send you a big hug and our wishes for a long life of happiness and health for you two and little Ethan!!! This is the beginnig of a new life for you two, everything changes, it all make sense…….

Sergio and Maribel

 


Sylvia Woolworth says on April 8th, 2009 at 7:50 pm

Adam,
Best wishes to you, Robyn, and Ethan. You have a beautiful baby boy.
Thank you for preparing me for my aortic valve replacement surgery April 17th. Thanks for the blogs.
I feel very positive because I know what to expect, and have confidence in my surgeon.
Sylvia

 


Cheryl Boney says on April 8th, 2009 at 8:35 pm

Congratulations Adam and Robyn. Your new baby is absolutely beautiful!You are starting on a marvelous journey. Enjoy the trip!

 


Nancy says on April 8th, 2009 at 8:59 pm

Congrats to you both…He is adorable! I wish you all the best..
I appreciate all the effort you are doing on behalf of heart valve replacement. I am now 5mos after my surgery and doing well and thanks to your book and website, they have really helped me through it…

 


winona blake says on April 8th, 2009 at 9:50 pm

HI Adam,
Congratulations to you and Robin. Life will NEVER be the same – it will be full and challenging. As a grandmother I used to say that watching my grandbabies sleep was more entertaining than ANY tv show! Keep ephotos coming.
Winona Blake

 


Eleanor Ballenger says on April 8th, 2009 at 10:32 pm

Congrats to all of you. That is a wonderful role ilife. Ours is now53 so enjoy every second with him. So greatful you are well and able to care for Robyn and Ethan. Sorry I just got to the exciting part. God richest blessings on your child and God hand that played a big part in all.

 


Josh Millman says on April 9th, 2009 at 12:32 am

Adam-

Best wishes to you, Robyn and Ethan. He’s a real chip off the old block! And thanks to the marvels of modern medicine, he’ll have a loving dad that can teach him how to surf.

Cheers,

Josh

 


ganesh kudva says on April 9th, 2009 at 1:42 am

congrates! to You and your wife. and love to Dear Ethan.

 


fazilat says on April 9th, 2009 at 7:11 am

hi
many congrats wishing you all the best enjoy every moment as they go so quickly.
fazilat

 


Mike Ault says on April 9th, 2009 at 8:37 am

Adam & Robin -

Congratulations! A blessed event for a man who has blessed us all!

Mike

 


Al says on April 9th, 2009 at 11:10 am

Congratulations to Adam and Robin and God Bless all of you for a healthy happy long life together.

 


Jon and Julie says on April 9th, 2009 at 11:35 am

Congratulations! What a beautiful gift. Ethan is a beautiful baby…what a lovely family. We have 3 boys all in their twenties now….enjoy every moment it goes fast….

Jon and Julie

Valve Repair Oct. 31, 2008

 


Paul Kaminski says on April 9th, 2009 at 3:07 pm

Congratulations!

And welcome to parenthood. You are going to love it.

Thank you for sharing your experience.

He is one very lucky fellow to have such caring, loving parents.

Wishing you the very best.

Paul Kaminski

 


Alex says on April 9th, 2009 at 3:54 pm

Congratulations to both of you!!! The baby is so cute.

 


Jim Hayden says on April 9th, 2009 at 4:31 pm

Adam & Robyn: May God bless the three of you. This miracle out shines heart surgery. May you all have a long and beautiful life together.

Jim Hayden

 


Nancy Shaheen says on April 9th, 2009 at 8:55 pm

CONGRATULATIONS on your precious, beautiful baby boy, Ethan! God is great! Your blessings are only just beginning!
I can’t tell you how much your book and your blog have meant to me this last few months. I confidently and calmly went into surgery for an aortic valve replacement (bovine) and repair of the ascending aortic aneurysm. Everything went smoothly. I also read a wonderful book called “Prepare for Surgery, Heal Faster; A guide of Mind-Body Techniques” by Peggy Huddleston which helped me so immensely. It comes with 2 CD’s, one of which is a great relaxation and visualization healing tape. I used it everyday and even downloaded it onto my Iphone and used it right after surgery in ICU! I highly recommend it!! It kept me calm, peaceful, and relaxed. I have a wonderful husband who has taken superb care of me. What a blessing! Thank you for all of your help through the book and blog. You helped me tremendously! My surgery was Jan. 19th and my recovery has been fast. I am 66 years old and have lots of children and grandchildren around to cheer me on! Nancy Shaheen

 


David Heavel says on April 10th, 2009 at 10:27 pm

Adam & Robyn,

Congratulations on the birth of your beautiful son, Ethan. May God richly bless you and your family for all of your days. My baby boy, Nathan, will be 28 on May 8th. Time goes so very quickly. Enjoy and relish every moment.

Thank you, Adam, for your book and for all of your hard work in developing this web site, etc. I was expecting (due to a diagnosis of aortic stenosis) to undergo heart valve replacement surgery this summer. However, God is sooo good! After undergoing cardiac catherization two weeks ago, I was told that my heart is great and the valve could last me for a long time. Hopefully, I won’t have to apply all that I learned in your book after all.

Again, best wishes to you all.

Blessings,
David Heavel

 


Arlene says on April 11th, 2009 at 1:42 pm

Last September I had the aortic valved replaced in my heart do to a heart murmur I was born with and the doctors told my mother I would out grow. April 22,2009 I have to have a cardioversion to shock my heart back into rhythum. Your baby boy is beautiful. Arlene

 


Christine says on April 11th, 2009 at 9:54 pm

beautiful photo of your son…congratulations and best wishes

Christine from CT

 


mercyturan says on April 12th, 2009 at 5:03 am

WOW! What a beautiful baby! Congratulations to you and Robyn and your families!

Welcome to this world, little Ethan, you are blessed to come into the lives of such caring and sharing people. GOD BLESS YOU!

 


Cindy McGinn says on April 13th, 2009 at 7:25 pm

Congratulations Adam and Robyn. Ethan is sure a cutie! Nothing makes life more perfect then a baby’s smile. Best wishes for many many perfect days ahead of you.

 

Leave a Reply

(required)
To prove you're a person (not a spam script), type the answer to the math equation shown in the picture. Click on the picture to hear an audio file of the equation.
Click to hear an audio file of the anti-spam equation

 

Helping Over 10,000

Patients & Caregivers

In 65 Countries!