I just received an amazing patient success story from Ron Wells.

Even after three heart surgeries (with suture issues, seizures and some memory loss), Ron maintains an incredibly positive attitude. That said, I thought you might want to hear about Ron’s experience. Here is what he writes:

Hi Adam,

I ran across your web site today and found it interesting.  I too am a survivor.  I had my first aortic valve transplant in 1975.  At the time, I elected for the mechanical valve instead of the tissue valve.

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Scheline just sent me an interesting email about the Ross Procedure for aortic valve replacement.

She writes, “Adam – I had open heart surgery in 1981 to repair my aortic valve and now am facing another surgery to repair an aortic aneurysm and valve replacement.  I am 45, very active and love wine.  I do not want the mechanical valve as I would have to be on blood thinners for the rest of my life and I’ve heard there is a clicking noise with the valve.  I am going to talk with my surgeon about the Ross Procedure. What meds are you on? What is the risk of reoperation? Will you have to face another surgery down the road or are you good to go and not on blood thinners? Did they use a cadaver valve? How long were you in surgery and on the heart-lung machine? Your book brought back a lot of memories from when I had the first surgery but also made me realize how far things of progressed in the last 28 years. Good luck to you and thanks again for your heart valve book. Scheline”

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Over the past few months, several patients have written-in about pregnancy, child birth, heart valve disease and the complex issue of… surgery timing.

In fact, this morning I received an exciting email about Melinda, her new husband, her bicuspid aortic valve and her pregnancy. I thought you might enjoy reading about Melinda’s approach to having a baby before before heart valve replacement surgery.  Here is what she writes:

Adam,

I was diagnosed with a bicuspid aortic valve about 21 years ago. I’m now 39 years old and I’m 6 weeks pregnant!!!

I have been having semi-annual check ups with my cardiologist for about 4 or 5 years now. The cardiologist has been monitoring me closely so that the timing of my replacement surgery is as best as it can be.

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One of my critical heart valve surgery recovery tips for patients is… to attend a cardiac rehabilitation program following heart surgery.

From my own personal experience and patient research, I have learned that cardiac rehab programs provide significant benefit to the physical and emotional well-being of patients during heart surgery recovery. Unfortunately, I have also learned that 49% of patients do not attend cardiac rehab.

On Tuesday, a report published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology further supported the data and opinion referenced above. The highlights of this study which surveyed 72,187 patients discharged from hospitals after a heart attack, angioplasty of bypass surgery between 2000 – 2007, include the following:

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Aaron just emailed me an interesting question about physical limitations following open heart surgery.

He writes, “Adam – I was just given the news that my aortic valve is at the end of its rope. I knew it would happen someday as I was diagnosed years ago with stenosis. However, I wish that someday wasn’t now. I’m a very active father and husband that enjoys playing football, soccer, tennis and golf with my boys. I want to know the truth about the recovery. Will I be physically limited after this is all over? If so, how? Thanks, Aaron”

Aaron’s email just brought back several, distinct memories following my own diagnosis. Mostly, I remember the fear, uncertainty and doubt that rattled through my brain in overwhelming, unanswered questions like, “Will I ever be the same again?”

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