Before Surgery Blog - Page 3
By Adam Pick
Top 5 INVISIBLE Things Patients Should Bring To The Hospital
Written By: Adam Pick, Patient Advocate, Author & Website Founder
Page Last Updated: May 13, 2025
The day before patients enter the hospital for heart valve surgery, 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
Written By: Adam Pick, Patient Advocate, Author & Website Founder
Page Last Updated: June 5, 2025
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?”
Blood Transfusion & Blood Bank Concern for Heart Surgery Patients
Written By: Adam Pick, Patient Advocate, Author & Website Founder
Medical Expert: Edward Soltesz, MD, Cleveland Clinic
Page Last Updated: July 15, 2025
In the past, we have discussed blood bank safety and concerns about blood transfusions during heart surgery.
Neil Gets A Very Interesting Second Opinion Before Heart Valve Surgery
Written By: Adam Pick, Patient Advocate, Author & Website Founder
Page Last Updated: May 13, 2025
If there is one question I alllllllllllllllll-ways ask patients preparing for heart valve surgery, it is the following, “Did you get a second opinion?”
That Unexpected “Full Monty” Body Hair Shave
Written By: Adam Pick, Patient Advocate, Author & Website Founder
Page Last Updated: June 6, 2025
Looking back on my aortic valve replacement procedure, I remember several, distinct moments of physical and mental confusion. I might even consider that confusion as “dislocating” considering the process of having heart surgery is so foreign to regular, every-day life.
Blood Bank Safety: Important Patient Information
Written By: Adam Pick, Patient Advocate, Author & Website Founder
Page Last Updated: July 15, 2025
Prior to heart valve surgery, patients are faced with many, many, many questions. One of those questions is specific to potential blood loss during the operation. That question is, “Would you like to donate your own blood? Or, use blood from the hospital blood bank?”
Prayer Before Heart Surgery: My PF Chang’s Experience
By Adam Pick on January 29, 2008
So you know…. I am not the best when it comes to organized religion.
“Are There Potential Angiogram Risks or Angiogragraphy Dangers?” Asks Karen
Written By: Adam Pick, Patient Advocate, Author & Website Founder
Page Last Updated: June 8, 2025
Yesterday, I received an interesting email from Karen, who has been diagnosed with severe aortic stenosis. Her cardiologist told her that an angiogram will be needed prior to surgery. Karen’s questions to me were about the exam and angiogram risks.
What Are Common Open Heart Surgery Survival Rates?
Written By: Adam Pick, Patient Advocate, Author & Website Founder
Page Last Updated: June 5, 2025
I write this blog nearly 20 years after open heart surgery. In 2005, I had a double heart valve replacement surgery via the Ross Procedure.
What Are The Usual Patient Preparations For Open Heart Surgery?
Written By: Adam Pick, Patient Advocate, Author & Website Founder
Medical Expert: Edward Soltesz, MD, Cleveland Clinic
Page Last Updated: July 15, 2025
Earlier today, I received a great patient email that reads, “I’m scheduled for heart valve surgery in two weeks, can you please tell me what is the usual prep for open heart surgery?”
Listen To Heart Sounds: Normal and Abnormal Heart Sound Audio
Written By: Adam Pick, Patient Advocate, Author & Website Founder
Page Last Updated: June 11, 2025
There are many ways to diagnose diseased or defected heart valves. One of the simplest methods to diagnose problematic heart valves is to listen to the patient’s heart beat through a stethoscope.
“Should I Take Time Off Before Heart Valve Surgery?” Asks Taylor
By Adam Pick on February 3, 2007
Recently, I received an email from Taylor Browning. Taylor is going to be having an aortic valve replacement in March, 2007. He has selected an artificial valve and the surgery will be conducted by Dr. Craig Miller at Stanford.
Upcoming Surgeries
Tricia Casey
Mitral Regurgitation
September 1, 2025
Jonathan Calleja
Mitral Regurgitation
October 1, 2025
Margaret Williams
Aortic Stenosis
October 1, 2025
Surgeon Spotlight
Dr. Chikwe is a world-renowned heart valve surgeon that has performed thousands of heart valve operations that include minimally-invasive techniques.
