Home > Heart Surgery Blog > Patient Stories > After Mitral Valve Repair, Blood Clots, A-Fib and Excess Fluid, Duane Is... Home!

After Mitral Valve Repair, Blood Clots, A-Fib and Excess Fluid, Duane Is... Home!

By Adam Pick on February 9, 2010

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.

Duane Hunt, heart surgery patient in intensive care unit

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.

Still, after all that he has been through, Duane maintains an incredible positive outlook on his experience - especially now that Duane is home!!!

As Duane writes, "We are home! Obviously we have felt all the emotions--gratitude, excitement, fear, relief, peace, and joy! It's indescribable how you feel when you are wheeled out on a wheelchair. I was overwhelmed with gratitude for the superb care and skill of Florida Hospital Orlando!"

Duane Hunt, patient, on recliner after surgery

Finally, I want to acknowledge Duane's support group. His family and friends have now posted over 450 comments of support, encouragement and love to Duane's Guestbook.

Duane Hunt with grandchildren in hospital

To read more about his journey, I encourage you to visit Duane's Heart Valve Journal.

Keep on tickin' Duane!
Adam

Leave a Comment | See 4 Comments | Get Adam's Free Newsletter

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.

Follow 450K