When talking with patients and caregivers about heart surgery recovery, I can never say enough about cardiac rehabilitation programs. I hear from patients over-and-over-and-over-and-over again about how valuable cardiac rehabilitation programs are for their physical, social and mental well-being after heart surgery.

Here’s a quick note I just received from Charles Harrall, an active 65-year old businessman from Nevada, about cardiac rehab, goal setting and medication management. Charles writes:

Hi Adam,

I am one year past my aortic valve replacement, mitral valve repair and a triple bypass.

Patient At Cardiac Rehabilitation – On Treadmill

I took your advice to heart (pun intended) and I went to cardiac rehab… 57 times!!! I think I am doing great now because I had my goals and achieved them.

When I came home from the hospital I was taking 9 medications. Plus, I was on oxygen. Now, I am down to 3 medications with dosages that are 50% less than they were. I am 65 and very fortunate that I had a great doctors and excellent care. I also realized doctors can only help people who are willing to help themselves.

Your heart valve surgery book helped me take charge of my health and have successful results.

God Bless!

Charles Harrall

Even though I grew up in a suburb outside of Los Angeles, California, I spent six years of my life in Ann Arbor, Michigan – as a student at the University of Michigan.

So, imagine what happens when you have a baby boy as a two-time Michigan alumni?

Yep, you guessed it! You get alot… I mean ALOT of Michigan baby stuff!!!

I couldn’t resist doing the following. I know I took it too far. But, it appears Ethan already has “Go Blue!” in his veins.

P.S. To leave a comment, please click here.

Janice has a question about mitral valve prolapse and panic attacks.

She writes to me, “Hi Adam – I’m curious to know if you’ve come across patients that have panic attacks and mitral valve prolapse? I’ve looked up the symptoms of mitral valve prolapse and I don’t see “panic attack” listed there, just anxiety. The reason I ask is my 59-year old husband was diagnosed with moderate-to-severe mitral regurgitation and I’ve noticed a very unusual, very anxious side to him lately. Is there any connection between this valve disease and panic attacks? Thanks, Janice”

So you know, Janice isn’t alone. I receive this question every once-and-a-while from patients and caregivers. Initially, my research did not suggest a direct connection between mitral valve prolapse and panic attacks. However, during the past few years more research about this co-occurrence has forced some members of the  medical community to take a position on this condition.

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Ellen has a question about stenosis and bicuspid aortic heart valves.

She writes, “Adam – I am 39 years old. I was just told that I have bicuspid aortic stenosis. The doctor said it’s not serious yet. Still, I’m freaking out that I have some form of disease that is going to kill me. Obviously, I’m not a big fan of my cardiologist right now. He didn’t explain it at all. Can you help? Thanks, Ellen”

There’s no easy way to respond to Ellen’s question…

Yes, bicuspid aortic stenosis is considered one form of heart valve disease.

Bicuspid Aortic Valve With Stenosis

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Here is a fantastic patient success story from 73-year old, Sylvia Woolworth, of New Jersey. As you can read below, Sylvia’s preparation for heart valve surgery was… extra-ordinary!

Hi Adam,

Five weeks ago, I had aortic valve replacement surgery. I was diagnosed with severe aortic stenosis although I had no symptoms except a heart murmur.

Sylvia Woolworth – Aortic Valve Surgery Patient

Thankfully, before my procedure, I read your book which greatly helped me prepare for surgery. My doctor, John M. Brown III, Chief Thoracic Surgeon at Morristown Memorial Hospital in Morristown, New Jersey, also prepared me during our face-to-face appointments.

I wanted to be in the best physical and mental condition for the operation. So, during the past twelve months, I lost 35 pounds. I went to the YMCA four-to-five days a week and I joined Weight Watchers to learn better eating habits.

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