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"Looking Back To See How Far I've Come" By Amy Machtay

By Adam Pick on March 21, 2010

I recently launched a new section of this website called Heart Valve Journals. This interactive tool was designed to help patients, families and friends communicate before-and-after heart surgery. Already, several hundred people have signed up for this free service.

Amy Machtay, mitral valve patient at East Carolina Heart Institute

Amy Machtay - Mitral Valve Repair Patient

One of those patients is Amy Machtay from Raleigh, North Carolina. Amy created her own Heart Valve Journal just before minimally invasive, mitral valve repair surgery last month. For me, reading Amy's journals, seeing her pictures, and reviewing her Guestbook, has been inspirational.

Amy Taking A Walk After Surgery

In addition to being a great writer, Amy has a great support group. I just noticed that over 150 people have left Amy encouraging and loving notes. Even Dr. Randolph Chitwood, her surgeon, wrote in Amy's Guestbook. (FYI, I think that is the first time a surgeon has contributed to a patient's journal.)

Dr. Randolph Chitwood - Amy's Surgeon

A few days ago, Amy posted a journal titled, "Looking Back To See How Far I've Come". Given the title, I had to pass it along in this blog.

If you would like to read that journal or learn more about Amy, please click this link to visit Amy Machtay's Heart Valve Journal.

Keep on tickin' Amy!
Adam

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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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