Patient Stories Blog - Page 12
By Adam Pick
In Memory Of George Soldan… And, His Durable Aortic Pig Valve
By Adam Pick on March 30, 2009
I often tell patients that heart valve surgery should be perceived as a medical miracle.
After Aortic Valve Replacement, Mavis Shares Four Heart Surgery Lessons
By Adam Pick on March 27, 2009
Here’s an interesting email I just received from Mavis. Nine weeks after heart valve replacement, Mavis has created four, key “heart valve surgery lessons” to share with our community. Here is what she writes:
Even With Recovery Challenges, Josh Feels “New Lease On Life” After Heart Valve Surgery
By Adam Pick on March 16, 2009
Here is an insightful, patient story about Josh from Oregon. As you can read below, Josh offers a unique glimpse into some of the common challenges and opportunities patients experience during early heart surgery recovery. I say “early” because Josh had his operation less than two weeks ago.
Marathoner, Jarrett Roberts, Discovers “Second Chance” After Heart Valve Repair
By Adam Pick on March 7, 2009
There is nothing better than waking up in the morning, putting on my robe and slippers, grabbing a cup of coffee, turning on my computer and reading an inspirational, patient story like the one below. Plus, Jarrett’s thoughts about the “waddling penguins” and the “Adam Tinmen” made me giggle. That said, I thought you might like to read about Jarrett Roberts. He writes:
Barbara Bush Recovering From Heart Valve Surgery
Written By: Adam Pick, Patient Advocate, Author & Website Founder
Page last updated: November 7, 2023
Yesterday, Barbara Bush, at 83 years of age, joined a long list of public figures to have undergone successful heart valve surgery.
Mini-Thoracotomy For Heart Valve Replacement… Jim’s Story
Written By: Adam Pick, Patient Advocate, Author & Website Founder
Page Last Updated: May 9, 2025
Interest in minimally invasive procedures for heart valve surgery is increasing for both medical device manufacturers and patients. As we learned last week, Medtronic spent over $1 billion to acquire CoreValve and Ventor Technologies, two companies that specialize in non-invasive valve replacement technologies for diseased aortic valves.
Doctor And Mountain Climber, Leo Hernandez, Recovering From Bicuspid Valve Replacement
By Adam Pick on January 30, 2009
I just received this educational and inspirational note from Dr. Leo Hernandez, MD. I thought you might enjoy reading, seeing and learning about Leo’s heart valve surgery journey. He writes:
After Ross Procedure, Garrison Doing Great!!!
By Adam Pick on January 28, 2009
I just received the most fantastic picture of 5-year old Garrison Griffith. His mother, Vanessa, sent me this picture along with a very reassuring note about her son’s heart valve surgery.
A Loose Alfieri Stitch Does Not Stop Leslie’s One-Year Anniversary Celebration!
By Adam Pick on January 27, 2009
I just received an anniversary note from Leslie Lafayette in California. I thought you might like to read how she is doing one year after robotic mitral valve repair surgery.
Roy’s Heart Valve Update: From Dubai To London To Glasgow
By Adam Pick on January 13, 2009
From no symptoms in Dubai to aortic valve replacement in London. Here is an interesting patient story from Roy:
After Mitral Valve Repair Operation, Joanne Cruises With Barely Visible Scar
By Adam Pick on January 9, 2009
Some patients simply have “It”. The “It” is an incredibly positive attitude towards open heart surgery.
Robin’s Mitral Valve Repair In India (VIDEO)
By Adam Pick on January 3, 2009
The term medical tourism is relatively new. But, more and more, I am hearing of patients traveling to places like India for surgical procedures including heart valve repair and heart valve replacement.
Lisa’s Mitral Valve Repair, Blood Transfusions and… Christmas Shopping
By Adam Pick on December 24, 2008
This email just came in from Lisa, a registered nurse from Colorado, who had mitral valve repair surgery less than two weeks ago. I thought you might appreciate reading about Lisa’s experience, her attitude toward heart surgery and her early recovery. Here is what she wrote:
Mayor David Dinkins Had Heart Valve Replacement Surgery in 2008
By Adam Pick on December 16, 2008
Former New York Mayor David Dinkins joined the growing list of public figures requiring heart valve replacement surgery. According to reports, Mayor Dinkins is recovering in a Manhattan hospital following valve replacement surgery.
Nurse Julie Asks About Aortic Valve Surgery, Symptoms And Female Scars For Her Daughter
By Adam Pick on December 4, 2008
Something wonderful comes over me when I receive a thoughtful email from a loving caregiver.
Brian Drives Past Cardiac Depression And Heart Palpitations
By Adam Pick on November 28, 2008
There is nothing better than receiving inspirational, patient success stories from my readers.
Rodney Dangerfield Gets Some Respect… Way Before Heart Valve Replacement Surgery
By Adam Pick on October 27, 2008
Rodney Dangerfield, who played the role of Al Czervik in the cult-classic Caddyshack, is still quoted when my family and I need a laugh. During the 1980s, we huddled around our high-tech, Betamax movie system to watch this legendary actor in the incredibly funny, golf comedy co-starring Chevy Chase, Bill Murray and Ted Knight.
Patient Receives $9.8 Million Malpractice Verdict In Heart Valve Lawsuit
By Adam Pick on October 14, 2008
I stress A LOT of things for patients to “watch out for” as they prepare for heart valve surgery. One of the most critical, potential pitfalls in this complex process is poor surgeon selection. As we all know, there is risk in any type of surgery. But, finding the right cardiac surgeon (with extensive experience) can minimize that risk.
Karen’s “Best Piece Of Advice” For Patients
By Adam Pick on October 12, 2008
Over the years, I have collected many insightful and inspirational quotes from patients about their heart valve surgery procedures. Personally, I learned A LOT from former patients as I prepared for my own aortic valve replacement. Receiving direct advice from patients really helped me understand the potential ups and downs of heart surgery.
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Learn about heart valve surgery and patient success stories at Adam’s video library.
