My 18-Year Heart Valve Anniversary!
Written By: Adam Pick, Patient Advocate, Author & Website Founder
Published: December 21, 2023
Unbelievable! Thanks to my wife, Robyn, and my son, Ethan, I was just reminded that today, December 21, 2023, is my 18th anniversary from heart valve surgery.
It is really incredible that my heart continues to keep on ticking without any issues following my Ross Procedure by Dr. Vaughn Starnes at Keck Medicine of USC in 2005.
During the past 18 years, I have been beyond fortunate to not need any type of re-operation or intervention. I am also not taking any medication or blood thinners.
Interestingly, during my last annual echocardiogram, my technician said to me, "Your valves look amazing."
Feeling Lucky & Thankful!
I feel so lucky to have my health and this ongoing, second chance at life. Now, more than ever, I am embracing the creation of special moments that instantly transform into lasting memories. As I shared with Robyn the other day, "Sometimes I feel like this life is a fantastic dream. And, I don't want to wake up."
Thanks so much to this wonderful community of patients, care partners, cardiac surgeons, cardiologists, physician assistants, nurses, research organizations, medical companies and our sponsors. Your support of me and this website has been without boundaries.
Together, over the past 18 years, we have collectively turbo-charged a global effort to educate and empower patients with heart valve disease.
Keep on tickin!
Adam
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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Blog Categories
- Adam's Updates
- Aneurysms
- Aortic Stenosis
- Aortic Valve Repair
- Aortic Valve Replacement
- Atrial Fibrillation
- Before Surgery
- Bicuspid Aortic Valve
- Heart Valve Replacement
- Medical Technology
- Mitral Regurgitation
- Mitral Valve Repair
- Patient Stories
- Pulmonary Valve
- Recovery
- Ross Procedure
- Surgeons & Hospitals
- Tricuspid Valve
Blog Categories
- Adam's Updates
- Aneurysms
- Aortic Stenosis
- Aortic Valve Repair
- Aortic Valve Replacement
- Atrial Fibrillation
- Before Surgery
- Bicuspid Aortic Valve
- Heart Valve Replacement
- Medical Technology
- Mitral Regurgitation
- Mitral Valve Repair
- Patient Stories
- Pulmonary Valve
- Recovery
- Ross Procedure
- Surgeons & Hospitals
- Tricuspid Valve
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Dr. Christopher Heid is a leading cardiac surgeon at UT Southwestern in Dallas, Texas who specializes in heart valve repair and replacement operations.
