Before Surgery Blog - Page 2
By Adam Pick
“Did You Get An M.R.I. Before Heart Valve Surgery?” Asks Gregg
By Adam Pick on August 23, 2009
Through your stories and my ongoing research, I have learned that properly diagnosing heart valve disease can be tricky. That said, I always encourage patients to get a second opinion prior to any surgical treatment (if possible).
“Did You Exercise Before Heart Valve Surgery?” Asks Leticia
By Adam Pick on August 10, 2009
I just received a great question from Leticia about exercise prior to heart valve surgery.
Cordarone Before Heart Valve Surgery… Can You Help Bedora?
By Adam Pick on July 20, 2009
Bedora just sent me an interesting question about the use of Cordarone before heart surgery. If you are unfamiliar with Cordarone, this drug is used as an anti-arrhythmic. It works by stabilizing the heart rhythm in conditions in which the heart is beating too fast or in an irregular rhythm.
“Can Medication Treat My Heart Valve Disease?” Asks Jimmy
By Adam Pick on July 6, 2009
Jimmy just sent me a great question about the use of medications to treat heart valve disease.
“At 82, Is My Mom Too Old For Heart Valve Surgery?” Asks Barbara
By Adam Pick on July 3, 2009
I just received a very appropriate email from Barbara about her mother who is suffering from severe aortic heart valve stenosis.
The ‘Other Side’ Of Patient & Caregiver Fear
By Adam Pick on May 18, 2009
I receive many each day about heart valve surgery, from both patients and caregivers. Unfortunately, many of these emails begin with opening statements like:
“What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Heart Valve Problems?” Asks Donna
By Adam Pick on April 26, 2009
I just received an interesting email from Donna about the signs and symptoms of heart valve problems.
Does A Heart Valve Heal Itself?
By Adam Pick on April 22, 2009
Kenny writes to me, “Hi Adam – My grandma needs open heart surgery, according to my parents. They tell me she has mitral regurgitation and it’s really bad. I’m curious to know, “Can a heart valve heal itself?”. What do you think? Kenny”
“Were You Anxious Before Heart Surgery?” Asks Ann
By Adam Pick on January 22, 2009
If you have an anxious personality, please consider the following…
Ken Suggests Echocardiogram Alternatives For Valve Disease Diagnosis
By Adam Pick on December 10, 2008
As you may know, many patients and caregivers stress the importance of getting a second opinion prior to surgery. Without a doubt, second opinions are a critical step for validating or challenging a primary diagnosis of valvular diseases including mitral regurgitation and aortic stenosis.
“What Is A Normal Ejection Fraction Value?” Asks Simone
By Adam Pick on November 25, 2008
I just received a question from Simone about her 66-year old father. Her email reads, “Hi Adam – My father was just diagnosed with severe mitral regurgitation. This is a very stressful time. His cardiologist rattled off a bunch of terms and numbers which suggested valve replacement. One of those terms was ejection fraction (I think). What does that mean? Are there normal ejection fraction values? Is there a normal ejection fraction range? Thanks, Simone”
Julie’s Blood Bank Concerns, Remorse And Advice
By Adam Pick on November 12, 2008
I just received an email from Julie that contains several, ongoing concerns specific to blood banks and heart valve surgery. If you are a patient or caregiver preparing for heart surgery, I encourage you to continue reading this post.
Mike’s Testimonial For Getting Second Opinions BEFORE Heart Surgery
By Adam Pick on November 11, 2008
Yes, I’m going to keep stressing this point for all the future patients and caregivers reading this blog…
Top 5 INVISIBLE Things Patients Should Bring To The Hospital
By Adam Pick on October 29, 2008
The day before patients enter the hospital, they usually pack a travel bag.
Patient Dilemma: Watch and Wait? Or, Roll The Dice?
By Adam Pick on October 6, 2008
It’s a troublesome, patient dilemma..
“How Should I Physically Prepare For Heart Surgery?” Asks Lloyd
By Adam Pick on October 3, 2008
On the topic of preparing for heart surgery…
Clogged Aortic Valve? Can You Help My Mom?
By Adam Pick on August 29, 2008
Jamie just asked me, “Adam – My mom has been diagnosed with aortic regurgitation. The cardiologist told her that her aortic valve is clogged. As a result of the clog, she is being scheduled for more tests and a potential valve repair or replacement. Does this sound right?”
Ken’s Cardiac Catheterization Procedure – Insurance, Fear, Pain, Going Home
By Adam Pick on August 18, 2008
Considering that a cardiac catheterization is on Time Magazine’s “Top 10 Scary Medical Procedures”, I am always looking for good patient information to dispel the fear associated with this procedure. (FYI, many heart valve surgery patients have a cardiac catheterization prior to valve repair and valve replacement operations.)
Were You Asymptomatic Upon Diagnosis Like Sherri?
By Adam Pick on July 23, 2008
If I had to define the process of being diagnosed with heart valve disease in one word, I would use the word “dislocating”. I’ll never forget my initial diagnosis from Doctor Bad Bedside Manner. And, I’ll never forget those strange feelings of, “Oh my gawwwwd. Is this really happening? Open heart surgery? Am I going to die?”
More Concern About Blood Transfusion & Blood Banks During Heart Surgery
By Adam Pick on May 13, 2008
In the past, we have discussed blood bank safety and concern about blood transfusions during heart surgery.
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Surgeon Spotlight
Dr. Luis Castro is a leading cardiac surgeon who has performed over 8,000 cardiac surgeries including more than 5,000 heart valve repair and replacement procedures.
