The response to our new Heart Surgeon Database has been overwhelmingly favorable.

As a result of your actions, my inbox has received countless “Thank You” notes from patients and caregivers all over the world.

Today, we have over 380 surgeon profiles provided by patients that have already had heart valve repair or replacement surgery.

Quick question… Have you uploaded your surgeon profile yet? If the answer is “no”, please consider doing so. It only takes 5 minutes to complete the online form. Plus, your effort will help future patients and caregivers for years to come.

>>>>> To upload your surgeon profile, please click here.

In advance, thanks so much!!!

Keep on tickin!

Throughout the highs and lows of my heart valve surgery experience, my support group never wavered. Their commitment to me and my recovery was extraordinary considering the challenges (cardiac depression, pain management, Vicodin addiction) I faced.

Me (Adam) With My Family

That said, I am always thankful when I receive a patient note that echos this point. So, without further ado, I felt you might like to read Charles’ (also known as Chaz) thoughts about support groups, heart valve surgery, and the use of iPhones to stay connected with his family and friends – before, during and after surgery.

Chaz In The Intensive Care Unit

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Together, as patients and caregivers, we’ve learned that the human heart can do some odd things after valve repair and valve replacement surgery. In particular, the heart can pound a little louder, the heart can beat a little faster and, if you received a mechanical valve replacement, the heart might make a clicking noise.

That said, I just received an interesting question from Rita specific to very fast heart rates after heart valve surgery.

She writes, “Hi Adam – I have a question. Has anyone had ventricular tachycardia after mitral valve replacement. For ten months, I’ve been telling the doctors about the episodes I’m having. Finally, an episode was caught on EKG while I was on treadmill. They are now going to do an EP study and possible ablation. The doctors are looking for scarring among other things. Plus, the doctors may also look to see if anything is genetic. The VTAC episodes are really scary to say the least. Have any patients on your awesome blog experienced this? I would love to hear the outcome. I had atrial fibrillation after surgery. Now, I am wondering if it was VTAC the whole time? Thanks, Rita”

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First, there was Teppo Numminen’s epic return to the NHL just nine months after heart valve surgery. Now, Aaron Boone is set to return to Major League Baseball just five months after his aortic valve repair and root replacement surgery.

In case you missed it, here is the latest update from MLB.com:

Astros third baseman, Aaron Boone, who underwent open heart, aortic valve surgery in March is set to rejoin the team Friday in Arizona and is likely to be activated September 1 when rosters can be expanded.

Aaron Boone – Heart Valve Surgery Patient

Boone, 36, has been on a Minor League rehab assignment since August 10 and had 15 at-bats for Double-A Corpus Christi before moving to Triple-A Round Rock, where he was 0-for-4 in two games.

The Astros open a three-game series Friday against the Diamondbacks in Phoenix, where Boone lives.It’s not known how much playing time Boone will get, but the fact he will return to the field is a major accomplishment.

No stranger to overcoming adversity, Aaron Boone has relied on his tremendous work ethic to persevere through his lengthy rehabilitation. He draws strength from exceptional family support, as well as an Astros organization refusing to shut the door on him.

Boone’s refusal to throw in the towel represents a positive influence for all patients who understand the challenges and frustrations associated with overcoming adversity.

Keep on tickin Aaron!

There really is nothing better than waking up in the morning, turning on the computer, clicking my email inbox and receiving a patient success story from one of my readers.

The story below comes from Mark Hurst in Michigan. As you can read, Mark did not let heart valve surgery inhibit his altruistic bike ride for a Make-A-Wish Foundation charity event. If you’re looking for some inspiration, please continue reading:

Hi, Adam -

I am 41 years old, and (quite suddenly) had aortic valve and aortic root replacement on March 30, 2009.

When I was initially diagnosed with severe congenital aortic dilation and scheduled for near immediate surgery (3 days later), one of the first resources I found was your website.  The information on the site really helped me get oriented to and educated about what was happening to me. It also gave me hope that full recovery is very possible.

Mark Hurst – Heart Valve Replacement Patient

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