Woo-Whoo!!! My 15th Heart Valve Surgery Anniversary!!!
Written By: Adam Pick, Patient Advocate, Author & Website Founder
Page last updated: December 21, 2020
It’s difficult to imagine that 15 years ago today… I was rolled into an operating room to replace my defective bicuspid aortic valve during open heart surgery.
Leading up to the surgery…
Many people told me I would be fine.
Many people told me I would “bounce back” after surgery.
Many people told me their thoughts and prayers were with me.
When I expressed my fears, anxiety and concerns about the surgery, a few people told me the reality of my situation… That aortic stenosis is a very dangerous disease that would take my life.
What no one told me, however, was that 15 years after surgery…
I would consider myself one of the luckiest people alive.
“Why would Adam say that?” you might be wondering.
There are so many reasons, I don’t know where to start.
One of the BIG (and I mean BIG) reasons is the extra-ordinary people within the HeartValveSurgery.com community. If you’re reading this right now… That means you!!!
I often tell people that HeartValveSurgery.com is one of the greatest flukes and most wonderful blessings of my life.
It’s true.
When I started this blog, I never thought anybody would care. But, soon enough, to my surprise…
People, amazing people from all over the world, started to care.
Like me, they needed help. Like me, they wanted to be educated. Like me, they wanted to be listened to. And, like me, they wanted their voices to be heard.
The rest is darn good history.
If there is one thing I would like to share with you…
It is that I am incredibly thankful and humbled that you gave me a chance to be of service during this past 15 years.
It is a very special privilege to know you and support you in your time of need. It is an honor that I get to meet so many caring people – patients, family members, friends, doctors, physician assistants, nurses, medical teams, medical companies, scientists, researchers, etc. – who have united with a common cause.
It is a gift that I am able to channel our collective voices – yours and mine – to help others.
Lastly… If, by chance, you were just diagnosed with heart valve disease. Or, if you are now preparing for your surgery. If you are kinda like me 15 years ago. I want you to know that I am here for you. And, this community is here for you. Let us know how we can help!
Keep on tickin!
Adam
Written by Adam Pick
- Patient & Website Founder
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Surgeon Spotlight
Dr. Alfredo Trento is a heart valve expert having performed over 4,000 heart valve repair and replacement operations during his career.
