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After Valve Surgery, Infection And Coma, Steve Hits 175 Miles Per Hour... Once Again!

By Adam Pick on April 22, 2009

I've said it before and I will say it again...

There is nothing better than turning on my computer, opening my email inbox and reading an inspirational, patient success story from one of my readers. This morning, I learned about Steve's recovery from heart valve replacement surgery which was complicated by an infection and six days in a coma.

Steve Returns To Racing After Heart Valve Replacement

Here is what Steve writes:

Hi Adam - I do not know whether this will actually get to you but thank you for your book and blog. I received a homograft aortic valve in early 2006 due to a post-Hurricane Katrina contracted infection. I am from New Orleans, Louisiana.

My case was far from ordinary as I had an uncontrolled infection prior to surgery. Then, I ended up in a coma for 6 days after surgery.

The lack of information about valve surgery and my infection was quite frustrating to my wife and family. I think it is important for patients and family members to know that sometimes surgery and recovery does not go smoothly. But, ultimately everything can turn out alright.

I think there are a number of questions that family members can and should be ask in the event of a complicated, post-operative period.

Among other things, I am a long-time, professional race car driver. On my one-year anniversary from valve surgery, I was back at the wheel driving 175 miles per hour in a Formula car.

I think you are doing a great service for valve patients and their caregivers with your heart valve surgery book. I follow your blog as I'm always looking for other patient experiences. Looking back on my surgery, it's been three years out and I'm doing great.

Thanks!

Steve Cook
Executive Director, Chief Scientist
Fellowship of Orthopedic Researchers

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Written by Adam Pick
Patient & Website Founder

Written by Adam Pick - Patient & Website Founder

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.

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