Recovery Update: Barbara Walters Is “Feeling Great”, Walking Around New York City

Aortic valves are being replaced with a cow valve in a stent fed through the groin artery, this is seeking FDIC approval in USA. It is being done successfully in Montreal, Canada. Can you put me in contact with the Doctors and Hospitals in Canada that do this procedure?

I’m told the crash rate is something like one in a thousand, and the recovery time is short. Too, what is the cost, will our insurance cover it, and is there a long waiting list? Sounds to me like this method is better than the chest or robotic methods.

Thanks in advance. Everything I know I learned from you, thanks again.

Hi Adam,
I underwent aortic valve and aortic root replacement last Nov. 10. One of the things that really helped me mentally process my upcoming surgery was reading about celebrities who had similar procedures. Seeing someone famous who had the surgery and return to normal lives set my mind at ease. My biggest inspiration was Robin Williams who had similar surgery to mine (actually it was even more severe). To see him back on television and talking about the surgery made me feel like, if he can do it so can I. I don’t understand why some celebrities won’t share information with the public. It helps people see that you can go through heart surgery and still function as a normal person.

Happy Ms.Barbara is doing well.She seems like a very wonderful woman……Keep on Ticki…

Hey David,

I agree with you to some extent.

I remember when I learned that Dr. Starnes, my surgeon, had performed heart valve surgery on Arnold Schwarzenegger — five years earlier. It gave me a sense of calm which translated into the self-thought of, “If the Terminator can do it… So can I!”

However, everyone has a right to their privacy – regardless of the public / celebrity status.

My gut tells me that Barbara Walters will share the details of her procedure at some time in the future. I am hopeful that her approach may occur on “The View” or some other media outlet. Given her position and incredible career, I believe she has a great opportunity to raise awareness to this disease that is often not properly treated.

Keep on tickin!
Adam

Go Barbara!

I don’t think I put on Jewlery at 6 weeks!

BTW, I saw that Robin William’s Stand-up DVD is coming out this week. I cant wait to hear his take on Open Heart Surgery. Can you imagine being one of his nurses???