Adam’s Heart Valve Surgery Blog

Blog Topics - Learning About “Pump Head” and Cardiac Depression After Heart Surgery

I’ll never forget the first time I heard the phrase “Pumphead”. I was interviewing a former patient about her heart valve surgery experience for my book.

She was discussing the short-term mental impact of open heart bypass surgery. Specifically, she was remembering a challenging time during her recovery when she suffered from cardiac depression.

The former patient ended the discussion by saying, “Oh well. I guess I was just a pumphead.”

I did a double-take… “Pumphead?” I thought to myself, “What is pump head?”

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One of the many things I love about life is food.

In fact, right now I’m waiting for my new bride, Robyn, to get home from work so we can go out for dinner and officially start the weekend. But, as of this moment… SHE’S LATE AND I’M STARVING!!!

I guess that brings up a pretty interesting topic - Foods For People That Had Open Heart Surgery!!!

My gut tells me you might want to know if your food consumption will change following cardiac surgery including open heart valve repair or open heart valve replacement.

“Am I right?” (If no, skip this blog.)

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There is a lot of discussion in the heart valve surgery community about noninvasive heart surgery. Given the publicity around robotic surgery devices (like the Da Vinci Surgical System) and transcatheter valve replacements, I must admit… I’m a little jealous.

Okay. I’m not that jealous. But, it would be nice to have a three-inch scar versus a nine-inch scar. Even though my “zipper” is barely visible, there’s more to it than a simple scar. (Click here to see my heart valve surgery pictures.)

Noninvasive heart surgery procedures have a number of advantages for heart valve repair and heart valve replacement of valves including the aortic, mitral, pulmonary and tricuspid.

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Howdy,

I just received a question as to whether or not I know of any heart valve replacement surgery chat sites for patients in New York.

I’m sorry to report that I do not know of any sites that have a section for heart valve replacement surgery chat specifically for patient or caregivers in NY.

That said, I know Valvereplacement.com has some chat features on the site. But, I have never used them before.

Take care and let me know if you find anything! For more information, please click heart valve replacement information.

Keep on tickin!

Adam

Adam Pick is the author of The Patient’s Guide To Heart Valve Surgery, a unique book which integrates the clinical facts of heart valve surgery with the personal experiences of an actual heart valve surgery patient. This special book was designed to minimize stress and enhance the patient’s recovery. To learn more about Adam’s heart valve surgery book, click here.