Patient Stories Blog - Page 11
By Adam Pick
“Asthma Relief And Clear Lungs After Heart Valve Surgery!” Moos Don
By Adam Pick on October 17, 2009
I just received a great patient story from Annette about asthma and heart valve disease. Here is what she writes:
After Heart Valve Surgery, Anita Hikes, Climbs And Camps Through The Adirondacks!
By Adam Pick on October 14, 2009
I just received a fantastic, patient update from Anita. As you can read below, Anita is hiking and camping just six months after mitral valve repair surgery. Here is what Anita wrote to me:
Sarah’s Endocarditis, Swine Flu (H1N1 Virus) And Heart Valve Scare
By Adam Pick on October 14, 2009
I just received a roller coaster email from Sarah about endocarditis, swine flu (H1N1 virus) and heart valves that made my head spin. In the end, Sarah raises some great points for patients and caregivers about endocarditis, swine flu, fevers, false tests and dental work. Here is what she writes:
Elizabeth Taylor’s Heart Valve Surgery, A MitraClip Success Story
By Adam Pick on October 10, 2009
Elizabeth Taylor just announced that her heart valve repair was successful, adding that “it is like having a brand new ticker.”
After Insurance Switch, Bobbie Gets Successful Heart Valve Repair By Dr. Greg Fontana
By Adam Pick on October 8, 2009
I just received a great patient story from Bobbie Ayala about insurance providers, misdiagnosis, her procedure and Dr. Fontana. Without further ado, here is what Bobbie wrote me:
From Brazil to Cleveland, Patrick Fights For Minimally Invasive Surgery
By Adam Pick on September 11, 2009
One of the critcal learnings from my heart valve surgery experience was:
In Arizona… Bruce Friedman, 76, Praises Dr. Jack Copeland After Mitral Valve Repair
By Adam Pick on September 8, 2009
There is nothing better than clicking my inbox and reading a patient success story from one of my readers! Thanks Bruce!
Mark’s Incredible Ride For The Make-A-Wish Foundation
By Adam Pick on August 26, 2009
There really is nothing better than waking up in the morning, turning on the computer, clicking my email inbox and receiving a patient success story from one of my readers.
Karate Instructor, John Doss, Recovers After Heart Valve Surgery
By Adam Pick on August 18, 2009
Here’s a great patient success story about John Doss, a 56-year old Karate instructor from Michigan. Doctor Ali Kafi, Chief of Clinical Cardiothoracic Surgery, from Detroit Medical Center, performed the aortic valve replacement.
Melinda Gets Pregnant With A Bicuspid Valve & Aneurysm
By Adam Pick on July 31, 2009
Over the past few months, several patients have written-in about pregnancy, child birth, heart valve disease and the complex issue of… surgery timing.
After Post-Operative Endocarditis Complications, Cheryl Remembers Carroll McDavitt (1928 – 2009)
By Adam Pick on July 28, 2009
Cheryl McDavitt wrote to me, “Please warn your readers of the dangers of this infection.”
After Fainting While Biking, Randy Is “Lucky To Be Alive”
By Adam Pick on July 10, 2009
Randy just sent me an email that made me think, “Wow! Scary! Oh My God! Phew! Good Move! Thank God! Great Job Dr. Werner! Way To Go Randy!” That said, I thought you might like to read it…
Shannon’s Unicuspid Heart Valve Discovery
By Adam Pick on June 9, 2009
You might remember Shannon’s last email about diseased heart valves, pregnancy and child birth. Well…. Here is her post-operative update:
Greece’s Ex-King Constantine Has Heart Valve Replacement Surgery
By Adam Pick on June 2, 2009
Heart valve disease really seems to be impacting royalty in 2009.
At 73, Sylvia Woolworth Was Physically And Mentally Fit For Heart Valve Surgery
By Adam Pick on May 27, 2009
Here is a fantastic patient success story from 73-year old, Sylvia Woolworth, of New Jersey. As you can read below, Sylvia’s preparation for heart valve surgery was… extra-ordinary!
Farmer & Triathlete, John O’Neill, Shares Inspirational Heart Valve Surgery Story
By Adam Pick on May 24, 2009
There is nothing better than waking up, kissing Ethan (my 6-week old son), turning on my computer, and opening an incredible email from one of my readers.
After Valve Surgery, Infection And Coma, Steve Hits 175 Miles Per Hour… Once Again!
By Adam Pick on April 22, 2009
I’ve said it before and I will say it again…
Heart Surgery, Pregnancy, Labor And Baby Delivery… Can You Help Shannon?
By Adam Pick on April 22, 2009
I recently received a very interesting email from Shannon about heart surgery, pregnancy, labor and baby delivery. In her note to me, Shannon asks for help from other patients about delivering a baby after heart valve surgery. Can you help her?
After Double Heart Valve Surgery And Aortic Root Repair, Jonathan Smiles In Traffic
Written By: Adam Pick, Patient Advocate, Author & Website Founder
Page Last Updated: May 12, 2025
Talk about an incredible, patient attitude towards heart valve surgery? I thought all of you might appreciate reading about Jonathan Abramson… Here is Jonathan’s story:
After Delayed Stroke, Jeff Gets Recovery Back On Track
By Adam Pick on March 31, 2009
As a follow-up to an earlier blog about stroke and heart surgery (see “Is Stroke A Risk During Heart Surgery?“), I just received this patient update from Jeff. You can tell that Jeff’s positive attitude is going to help him throughout his recovery. Here is what he writes:
New Patient Posts
Mauricio says, "My time has finally come. It's a really weird ..."
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richard says, "It’s been 16 years that a bovine tissue valve was ..."
Surgeon Spotlight
Dr. Gerdisch is a world-renowned heart valve surgeon that has performed over 4,000 heart valve repair and replacement operations that include minimally-invasive techniques.
