One of the critcal learnings from my heart valve surgery experience was:

The patient (or their caregiver) must, at times, be tenacious. We must, at times, ask questions that may or may not be silly. We must, at times, stand up for ourselves and our hearts. Ultimately… we must, at all times, be our own, best advocate.

I am reminded of this belief as my inbox is often filled with patient and caregiver emails that radiate frustration and confusion. Many of these emails begin, “Adam, I really need to vent right now. I’m having problems with __________.” However you chose to fill-in that blank, I can relate.

Patrick Hightower – Heart Valve Surgery Patient

Recently, I received a patient story that illustrates just how far certain patients and caregivers will go to get the best care. Here, for your review, is the educational and inspirational story of Patrick Hightower:

Adam, I had this picture taken 24 days after my heart valve surgery on August 9, 2009.  As you can see, my main incision is about 2 1/2 inches long. I also have a 1/2 inch scar just below it – which was for the drain line.

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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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There is nooooooooooo doubt about it…

That first sneeze after open heart surgery can be quite uncomfortable. To help you manage the need to sneeze, Nerida just sent me an interesting recovery tip.

She writes, “Hi Adam, I am three and a half weeks post op from an aortic valve replacement with a mechanical valve. I feel fantastic.  Your heart valve book and website have been a fantastic help for myself and my family over the last three months. Thank you so much! By the way, the best thing to do when you feel a sneeze coming on is to support your chest and keep your mouth open. Yes, it’s very un-hygienic but believe me it helps. Keep up the good work. And, keep on tickin! Nerida”

I hope Nerida’s little recovery tip helps all of you looking to avoid a painful sneeze during your early recovery.

Keep on tickin!

P.S. To leave a comment, please click here.

Although heart valve surgery can be a very challenging process, my research suggests that most patients look back upon their surgical experience as a transformational ticket to a “second chance” at life.

That said… Here is Robin Williams, the comedian and Oscar-award winning actor, describing his thoughts on heart valve surgery, the emotions it conjures, second chances and more.

If you are interested, here are some additional blogs related to this topic:

• “Did Robin Williams Have Open Heart Or Minimally Invasive Surgery?” Asks Marianna
• Emotional & Behavioral Changes After Heart Surgery
• On David Letterman, Robin Williams Jokes About Cow Valves

Keep on tickin!

P.S. To leave a comment, please click here.

I just received a great question from Sandra about heart valve disease, enlarged hearts and valve surgery.

Sandra writes, “Hi Adam, I read that you had an enlarged heart before your surgery. I was wondering if it has returned to normal size since the surgery?  I had mitral valve repair due to severe mitral regurgitation and an aneurysm repair in July 2008. I was told that my heart was enlarged and that it may not return to its original size. I exercised quite vigorously before my diagnosis thinking that my shortness of breath was due to being ‘out of shape’. The more short of breath I became, the harder I exercised. Now, I am wondering if this caused the heart to enlarge even more. My echo at 4 months post-op showed the heart still enlarged. I go again in September for another echo and I’m curious to see if it has returned to normal. Thanks, Sandra”

Sandra is definitely correct. I did have an enlarged heart when I was diagnosed with severe aortic stenosis.

In fact, I’ll never forget when my cardiologist, Dr. Bad Bedside Manner, looked at my echo and said, “Adam… The echo shows your valve has really deteriorated… Your heart has already dilated a bit… You need a new valve. And, you need it soon!”

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