Adam's Updates Blog – Page 15

I don't know about you... But, I've always been a huuuuuge Bill Cosby fan. That said, I'm hopeful this video -- taken from a 1992 airing of "You Bet Your Life" -- should start your weekend with a giggle.

Hi everybody,

Hearts are everywhere!

Hi everybody,

Five years after heart valve surgery, I find myself taking incredible steps on this journey of patient education, patient research and patient empowerment.

During 2010, this global community of patients and caregivers actively discussed many topics that impacted our own, heart valve surgery experiences. That said, I just reviewed all 179 posts from 2010 to determine the "Top 10 Heart Valve Surgery Blogs of 2010".

Hi everybody,

It's hard to believe that five years ago, at this precise moment, I was rolled into an operating room at USC Medical Center in Los Angeles, California. There, during a 3-hour procedure, Dr. Starnes performed an aortic and pulmonary valve replacement surgery that fixed my enlarged heart.

I just received a very appropriate question from Anne about minimally invasive approaches to heart valve surgery. Anne writes, "Adam – Like you, I was diagnosed with severe aortic stenosis. I need an aortic valve replacement. Why didn't you get a minimally invasive surgery? Thanks, Anne"

Robyn, Ethan and I want to wish all of our friends in the United States a very "Happy Thanksgiving!". And, even if you're not from the U.S., we want you to know how grateful we are for you and your contribution to this caring community of patients, caregivers, cardiologists and surgeons.

I just received a very interesting question from Bernie about the pericardium and heart valve surgery.

Robyn, Ethan and I want to wish everybody a very happy and very safe Halloween!

I just received an interesting question from Alma about a critical step during heart valve repair and heart valve replacement surgeries. Alma writes, "Adam - I'm going in for surgery next week. Thanks to your book, my anxiety has greatly decreased. I'm curious... I know my heart is going to be cooled and stopped during surgery. But, will my surgeon actually put ice on my bare heart? Alma"

I just received a very interesting email from Marc about heart valve surgery re-operations. He writes, "Adam, I'm an active 47 year-old just diagnosed with severe mitral regurgitation. I can't help but think that I'll need a 2nd surgery if I get a repair or a tissue valve. Do you know what percent of valve surgeries are re-operations? Are they primarily from surgical error or degenerative reasons? Thanks, Marc"

Hi everybody,

As difficult as the memories of today can be, I always end up smiling in Scotty's memory - his bubbly laugh, constant high fives and ability to see the good in everything around him.

Every once in a while I see a product that makes me think, "Huh?", "What?", "No way!", "Can't be!" and "Really?" The last time I had that thought was when the marketeers at Chia America released... Chia Obama.

Over the past 4 years, many of you have written me with excellent and innovative suggestions for improving this website. As a result, we have created some great new services including the Heart Valve Surgeon Database and Heart Valve Journals.

Well, here's something to make your old English teacher gasp in horror...

If you have yet to visit our new social network, Heart Valve Journals, I would encourage you to stop by. Since launching this new community, thousands of patients and caregivers have used this online network to meet, support and stay in-touch with each other.