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

By: LAurie Collins

LAurie Collins — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 15:07:48 +0000

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???

By: Adam Pick

Adam Pick — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 16:26:44 +0000

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

By: Ricky P.Laufer

Ricky P.Laufer — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 02:14:20 +0000

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

By: David L. Belisle

David L. Belisle — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 00:08:29 +0000

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.

By: george seferian

george seferian — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 20:48:11 +0000

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.