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Guest Blog: 6 Years After Heart Valve Surgery, Jim is a Track-and-Field Success!

By Adam Pick on November 12, 2019

The favorite part of my work as a patient advocate is connecting with the wonderful patients in our community.

That said, I recently met Jim Jones, a financial consultant from Maine, who had a mitral valve repair procedure. Six years after surgery, I am happy to share Jim's thoughts and pictures about his surgical experience and his love of track-and-field.

Jim Jones, heart valve patient and runner

Jim Says...

Here is what Jim sent me:

On November 5, 2013, at just about this time, I was awakening in the critical intensive care unit from mitral valve repair surgery at The Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. Doctor David Adams and his team performed the surgery and gave me the wonderful opportunity to live a much higher quality of life.

Now, six years later to the day, I am living an energetic and fulfilling life that has even included the return to road racing and track-and-field.

Jim Jones, patient, running after heart surgery

My latest endeavor has been the participation in the Senior Track and Field Games in three states. I had the pleasure of competing in the Maine, the New Hampshire and the Rhode Island "Senior Games" this summer. Returning to my high school and college roots, I raced the 800 and 1500 meter events.

Heart valve surgery patient posing for picture after running a race

After all these years, I am still motivated to race in order to try and win small shiny objects and colorful ribbons. Recently, I garnered two gold, one silver and three bronze medals in my age group.

As I celebrate this six year anniversary, I am deeply grateful and indebted to Dr. Adams and his team and to my Boston-based medical team.

Dr. David Adams, mitral valve expert at Mount Sinai Health in New York.

Dr. David Adams (Jim's Surgeon)

I am also so grateful to you, Adam, HeartValveSurgery.com, and all the wonderful HVS patients and friends that I met and depended on throughout the journey. My very best to everyone.

Adam, please let me know if you need anything else. Thanks much!

Best,
Jim Jones

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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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