“Vitamins After Heart Surgery?” Asks Mario

By Adam Pick on April 15, 2009

Mario just wrote to me, “Hey Adam, my name is Mario Luera (age: 33) and I had aortic valve replacement in October, 2008. I am recovering well and just finished my cardiac rehab. I’m about to start on a workout program. My question to you is what type of vitamins/ supplements are you taking and what to stay away from? My cardiologist told me to just take a multivitamin everyday. Thanks for your time! Mario”

As I previously wrote in “Do Vitamins Combat Fatigue After Heart Surgery”, I really struggled with energy issues following my double, heart valve replacement. I was exhausted all the time.

 

Karen Raden – My Nutritionist

 

So, I contacted a highly-regarded nutritionist, Karen Raden, to help enhance my energy level. After a blood test and consultation, Karen suggested three specific vitamins and supplements to reduce my fatigue.


For the past three years, I have been taking:

  • Pure Encapsulation Nutrient 950 without Iron
  • Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega
  • Co-Enzyme Q10

Karen also put me on an explicit eating plan to enhance my absorption of the right nutrients at the right time.

I have to admit… I was fairly skeptical when I began working with Karen Raden. But, I learned that she really knows her stuff. My energy levels slowly-but-surely increased over time.

If you have any interest in speaking with Karen, her website is www.karenraden.com and her email is karen@karenraden.com.

I hope that helps Mario (and perhaps you) better understand my experience with vitamins and supplements after heart valve surgery.

Keep on tickin!
Adam


Written by Adam Pick
- Patient & Website Founder

Adam Pick, Heart Valve Patient Advocate

Adam Pick is a heart valve patient and author of The Patient's Guide To Heart Valve Surgery. In 2006, Adam founded HeartValveSurgery.com to educate and empower patients. This award-winning website has helped over 10 million people fight heart valve disease. Adam has been featured by the American Heart Association and Medical News Today.

Adam Pick is a heart valve patient and author of The Patient's Guide To Heart Valve Surgery. In 2006, Adam founded HeartValveSurgery.com to educate and empower patients. This award-winning website has helped over 10 million people fight heart valve disease. Adam has been featured by the American Heart Association and Medical News Today.


dena says on April 19th, 2009 at 8:21 pm

What is nutrient 950?

I am a great believer in supplements and have been taking verious supplements for the pst 25 years. Now that I am approching the procedure, I was told to not take any vitamines a week before, not even vit. C, I simply can’t undrstand it, I think it can halp my amune system be stronger. Any idea adam to why one can’t take vit. C before an operation?

Thanks,
dena



Lisa D says on April 20th, 2009 at 1:34 pm

Many ingredients in supplements can thin the blood. You do not want your blood too thin at your surgery and cause extra bleeding. One week without your vitamins will not hurt you. You can resume your supplements after the surgery. I had to have a blood transfusion because of bleeding during my mitral valve repair, and I think it has slowed my healing. You are much better off skipping the vitamins for a short time. Good Luck. -L


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