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Reed Is "Changed" Thanks to the Ross Procedure & Dr. Starnes!

Written By: Adam Pick, Patient Advocate, Author & Website Founder
Published: February 1, 2022

There is nothing better than hearing from patients about their personal journeys to healthy hearts. For example, I just got a wonderful email from Reed about his successful Ross Procedure with Dr. Vaughn Starnes at Keck Medicine of USC. (As you might recall, Dr. Starnes performed my Ross Procedure over 15 years ago.)

Reed After Ross Procedure with Danny

In his email to me, Reed writes:

Hi Adam - I wanted to write and share that I had the Ross Procedure last Wednesday, January 19th with Dr. Vaughn Starnes! It seems to have gone perfectly! I was discharged the following Wednesday. As I wrote in an update to family: I am changed.

You're living proof that Dr. Starnes is an amazing surgeon.

We continue to be so grateful to everyone at USC-Keck Medicine for all of the support along the way. Especially the 5W Cardiac ICU team. Every single person we met at USC-Keck was professional, kind and helpful. I have to share a special nod to Bob Sachs, Dr. Starnes physician assistant, as he played such a role in helping us choose USC-Keck.

Dr. Vaughn Starnes (USC)

Your book was an amazing help as we found our way through the journey (it is still underway of course). Wanted to share a big thanks to you!

At the moment, my husband, Danny, and I are recovering with family in Studio City, CA.

Below are a few progress pictures:

Sunshine time, ordered by the ICU doctor (just out of frame is the med-box and emergency supplies in case I tried to go swimming) with Danny (out of frame is Hannah our ICU nurse who is taking the picture).

Heart Valve Patient Walking After Surgery at USC

Walking out of the hospital on my own two feet with Danny, my husband.

Ross procedure patient leaving USC hospital

All of my best,
Reed

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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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