Comments on: What Is Your “Best Piece Of Advice” For Future Patients?

By: Cindy McGinn

Cindy McGinn — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 18:26:15 +0000

My tip: Always, always, remember that each patient is different. An older gentleman had the same surgery as I did, the same day I did. We met up again at our 2 week post-op appointment. I felt I could hardly make the walk into the office. He ‘bounced’ right in and then walked the halls when he got bored waiting. I was devastated thinking I was so far behind. But everyone handles surgery differently and everyone heals at different rates. Just because someone else may do better doesn’t mean you aren’t doing well. Keep a positive attitude, push yourself as much as you can, and remember you will get there as your body is ready.

By: Adam Pick

Adam Pick — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 15:46:13 +0000

Thanks everybody for taking the time to help me out! There are some really great ideas posted above. FYI, if I chose to publish your quote, I will contact you by email.

Again, thanks for helping!

Keep on tickin!

Adam

By: Sherri Hendry

Sherri Hendry — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 00:47:48 +0000

Being 7 months post op from MVR…and feeling and doing quite well. couple of things I would advise:

1. RESEARCH. Research. Research. The internet is a wonderful tool. That is how I found this website and ordered Adam’s book.
2. Order Adam’s book and read it cover to cover.
3. Participate and read blogs from other patients. YOU ARE NOT ALONE!!!
4. Ask questions..do not be shy! When I was told it was time for surgery, I had researched what types of surgery and the kind I wanted if medically feasible. (I wanted robotic, but was a candidate for a minimally invasive procedure resulting in 3 inch incision on my right side – no bones broken.)
5. Practice positive thinking and attitude about your condition and upcoming surgery! It goes such a long, long way. To be laughing and joking on your way into the operating room and laughing and joking on your way out at discharge…amazed people. Having a positive attitude helps.
6.Join Rehab! I still go 4-5 days a week. It will help you not only through the ups and downs experienced after surgery; but the in other areas in your life as well

By: Jeudi Carr

Jeudi Carr — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 14:22:12 +0000

Hi Adam, I had a mitral valve repair in 2002 and and Aortic valve replacement in 2008. I have 2 pieces of advice. First, becareful to follow the advice of not picking up anything over 5 pounds after open heart surgery. I obeyed the first time and didn’t obey the second time and now I have a lovely crunching sound in my chest because the chest just didn’t heal well the second time. Second, exercise as soon as you are able. I waited 9 months before I started. I just sat around. Well, finally when I did start exercising my whole life changed. I feel so much better. I chose to go to Curves, which is only for women. And 3rd(sorry) realize that you may get depressed for a while after surgery and that’s okay. It will go away in time. I am 67. Jeudi

By: Sarah in McKinney, Texas

Sarah in McKinney, Texas — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 11:34:09 +0000

Pack a smile and a pair of jammies!

You will arrive at the hospital armed with tons of information about your heart surgery because you read Adam’s book! And you have lots of confidence in your surgeon because you did your research and had meetings, and you feel happy that he or she will do a great job. Now, it is time to go to the hospital! Don’t forget to pack a smile and your jammies. The smile is for everyone you come in contact with and it will go a LONG way to let them know how much you appreicate their help in a difficult time. You’ll find sharing a smile helps everyone and that helps you heal! And your jammies are for the day they say you can get out of those horried hospital “gowns” that make you feel sick and into your own clothes that let you know you are getting better. There is nothing like being in REAL clothes to improve your attitude! A smile and your jammies…and you are set!

By: Anita Jobbs

Anita Jobbs — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 10:06:08 +0000

ANITA 41
I was told i had severe aorctic stenosis, and it was not clearly explained to me the shock resulted in a panic attack for months but i dealt with that, anyway

I had the tissue valve and am on Aspirin and paracetamol

had my surgery at nottingham city hospital UK, and am just a month post surgery and doing well no problems at all.

I thank Allah and the surgeon Dr. Richens and his team well known in UK ( Nottingham city hospital)

To be candid I used to read my mails from adam blogs but so scare to write , am thrill to give my success story now.

I personally think the problem is at the time of receiving the bad news and having the operations.

GOOD LUCK TO EVERYBODY .

By: nerida

nerida — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 09:30:00 +0000

I too had no symptoms, I am 39 and consider myself fairly fit and a very busy mum of 3. I work 4 days a week in child care. I am 6.5 weeks post AVR (severe stenosis, bicuspid valve, mechanical valve, zipper chest). i am planning to return to work next week, just for 1 day a week.
My advice….*don’t put off until tomorrow what can be done today. (surgery included)
*read Adams book and blogs.
* remember what/who you have to live for.
*do your lung excercises as often as possible and then some.
*take a boomerang pillow to hospital. (side sleeping)
*remember your not alone and it could be worse.
Good Luck
Nerida

By: Abby

Abby — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 02:56:17 +0000

my husband had valve surgery 3 months ago, and here is what I’ve gleaned from him.
1. get your abdominal muscles in shape before the surgery, since you’ll end up using them more than you expect since you can’t push up with your arms
2. have goals – for each day (ie today I’ll get my chest tube or my catheter out or today I’ll walk to the bathroom) and for other things (he wanted to walk to the end of the driveway after a week home & a mile by his birthday etc)
3. have a good support network espeically for the first week or two home
4. be able to say no or “please go home now” to visitors that otherwise tire you out
5. sleep is an important part of the recovery (especially the first couple of weeks)
6. have a list of questions for your surgeon, and expect reasonable informed answers. But don’t second guess or research his answers – he is the expert.
My husband probably has much more to say about this, but these are the things that I hear him mention.
Take care everyone!

By: Midge

Midge — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 02:31:56 +0000

First, accept that you are choosing to save your own life. Without the surgery, you will probably die. Keep remembering that, as it can help to reduce anxiety and fear. (My cardio’s comment before surgery was almost exactly that..have the surgery or die prematurely.) Since the risk of dying is about 100% without surgery, the low mortality figures for valve replacement are put in a different perspective.

And, learn to lighten up and laugh about the pain, the blood draws, the fogginess from the drugs, etc. It will help you and all the hospital personnel from the bottom to the top love to see smiling patients. It also brings alot of attention from everybody because they’d rather be in your room than with the guy in the next room complaining loudly.

Midge

By: Marlane Holtshouse

Marlane Holtshouse — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 02:03:45 +0000

Hi Adam, I am 4 weeks past aortic valve replacement. I urge everyone to do their homework regarding their surgeon. I live in Az and the mayo clinic is in Px . I saw a great Dr. there but didn’t feel he and I connected. I ended up in San Fran. with Dr. V. Guadinai who is wonderful. I continue to do well now that I am home in Tucson. I will be going to Cardic Rehab next week. I found your book very helpful but still had a lot of anxiety. I feel you should stress how everyone should research their Dr’s and what kind of valve replacement they should have.Good luck to all. Marlane