Adam’s Heart Valve Surgery Blog

I just received an interesting question from Bill about heart valve surgery and cardiac rehabilitation programs.

Bill writes, “Hi Adam - I had my aortic valve replaced and the aortic root repaired. After leaving the hospital, I slept in a recliner for three weeks, had frequent dizzy spells, back spasms and felt like I was in a fog. I was told by the doctors the dizzy spells and the fog was the anesthesia. After the third week, the fog lifted and I was able to walk at a brisk pace for 4 miles. Life was looking and I was feeling good. Then the big disappointment, I over did it! Back to the dizzy spells, back spasms and fatigue. It took me four weeks to recover. I’m in my 6th week after surgery and wondering when Cardiac Rehab should start? Thanks! Bill Weeks”

Although Bill’s note ended with a question about cardiac rehab, there is much to learn from his email. Specifically, Bill addresses several issues that can arise during the early recovery from heart valve surgery - dizzy spells, use of a recliner, disappointments and, most importantly, over-exertion.

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Life is fantastic mixture of good days, tough days, great days and, sometimes, bad days. However, every once in a while, we are fortunate to experience… extraordinary days.

Recently, in Greeneville, North Carolina, I had one of those rare, extraordinary days.

“What the heck happened to Adam?” you might be wondering.

Well… I was very fortunate (and very lucky) to spend the day touring the East Carolina Heart Institute with Dr. Randolph Chitwood.

Dr. W. Randolph Chitwood - East Carolina Heart Institute

While Dr. Chitwood is internationally recognized as a leading heart surgeon and pioneer of the robotic mitral valve repair, I quickly learned that Dr. Chitwood’s appreciation of life is equally important. Doctor Chitwood has been married for 40+ years to Tamara Chitwood. Together, they have two children, Anne and Randolph, and a grandson, Keller.

“Hey there Adam! So glad you could make it!” Dr. Chitwood said to me as he handed Kristin Bolton, his executive assistant, a newly framed photo. “Listen, we have a lot lined up for you today. But, how about we start with a tour of the gallery?”

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It is often said that heart surgery can be a physical and emotional rollercoaster for patients. There are ups… And, there are downs.

If anyone can testify to that realistic thought, it is Duane Hunt. As you might recall, I recently featured Duane’s story at our new online community, Heart Valve Journals, following his mitral valve repair.

Well, since that post… Duane has, unfortunately, been back-and-forth to the operating room for complications including blood clots, atrial fibrillation and excess fluid around the heart.

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Last Wednesday, our patient and caregiver community was fortunate to participate in an exclusive, online chat with Dr. Marc Gillinov, one of the leading heart valve surgeons from The Cleveland Clinic.

As this was our first, interactive chat with The Cleveland Clinic, I was curious (and a bit nervous) to receive feedback from their team following the event.

Well, I have some great news to report…

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