Adam’s Heart Valve Surgery Blog

It’s always great to receive patient success stories from our readers around the world. This one comes from Paul Ash, who had heart valve replacement from Dr. Vaughn Starnes one year ago. Here is what Paul writes:

Hi Adam,

Thanks for all of the great advice and articles over the last eighteen months.

Today is my one year anniversary from the date of my aortic valve replacement done by Dr. Vaughn Starnes at USC Medical Center. It feels a lot more remote than just one year ago.

One year later, I have no physical limitations after heart surgery. My blood pressure is perfect and I’m back to to running and playing golf regularly. I am also back to my trial practice here in Los Angeles, California.

Dr. Vaughn Starnes - Paul’s Surgeon

Thanks for all of the great advice. My wife, daughter and I all appreciate the articles, questions and answers. Congratulations on your son!

Best regards,
Paul Ash

P.S. Would you like to celebrate your surgeon? If so, please create your own surgeon profile at our Heart Valve Surgeon Database.

I just received a great question from Taylor about heart valve replacement and heart valve repair options. Specifically, Taylor is curious to learn more about the Port Access System for the surgical treatment of aortic stenosis.

Taylor writes, “Hi Adam - I’m 62 years old and my cardiologist thinks I need heart valve replacement surgery due to stenosis in the aortic valve. The valve is narrow (.8 cm) and I’m starting to feel the symptoms - especially shortness of breath and fatigue. The docs have referenced the Port Access technique to replace the aortic valve. What do you know about the Port Access system? Thanks Taylor”

Diagram Of The Port Access Technique

Taylor raises an insightful question which focuses on the different options by which surgeons perform heart valve replacement and heart valve repair surgery.

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I was walking up to my house earlier today… When this super, scary spider tried to attack me!!!

Instead of biting me, the spider started kissing and hugging me. Then, I realized it wasn’t a spider at all. It was Ethan, my six-month old son, enjoying his first Halloween.

Happy Halloween Everybody!!!

Ethan, Robyn and Adam

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

About The Scary Spider’s Daddy: Adam Pick is a double, heart valve surgery patient and author of The Patient’s Guide To Heart Valve Surgery. This unique book integrates the clinical facts of heart valve surgery with the personal experiences of 78 former valve surgery patients to help patients and caregivers better understand the problems, the opportunities and the realities of heart valve surgery. To learn more about Adam and his heart valve surgery book, click here.

I really, really, really encourage patients to attend a cardiac rehabilitation program after heart valve surgery.

As I personally learned during my early recovery, cardiac rehab can greatly enhance the physical and mental well-being of patients while minimizing post-operative issues like cardiac depression.

New medical studies and patient stories (e.g. Charles Harrall) continue to illustrate the positive effects of cardiac rehab programs for patients following a cardiac event - heart attack, CABG or valve surgery. Still, research suggests that cardiac rehabilitation is under-utilized by the patient community.

As another source of encouragement for patients to enroll in cardiac rehab, I just found this interesting video which discusses the benefits of these programs. Simply click the “play” button in the video above and please make sure the sound on your computer is on.

I hope this helps you further understand the benefits of cardiac rehab.

Keep on tickin!

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

About The Author: Adam Pick is a double, heart valve surgery patient and author of The Patient’s Guide To Heart Valve Surgery. This unique book integrates the clinical facts of heart valve surgery with the personal experiences of 78 former valve surgery patients to help patients and caregivers better understand the problems, the opportunities and the realities of heart valve surgery. To learn more about Adam and his heart valve surgery book, click here.