Patient Stories Blog - Page 12
By Adam Pick
Gloria’s Mismanaged Patient Expectations
By Adam Pick on October 10, 2008
Every few days, I receive a detailed email that illustrates just how poorly patients can be prepared for the realities of cardiac surgery.
Lynn’s 700-Mile Bicycle Ride After Heart Valve Replacement Surgery
By Adam Pick on October 6, 2008
This is a great, inspirational story about Lynn, mitral valve replacement and his bike. Lynn writes…
The Genetics Of Valve Disease… Like Father, Like Son?
By Adam Pick on October 5, 2008
The genetic links of heart valve disease are fairly well documented.
After Heart Valve Replacement, Etan Thomas Readies NBA Return To Wizards
By Adam Pick on October 2, 2008
When it comes to heart valve disease, professional athletes are just like us. We have heart valve surgery. Guess what? They have heart valve surgery.
Greg’s Rather Comical Inquiry Into Median Sternotomy (Plus Video)
By Adam Pick on September 21, 2008
Every once-and-a-while, I receive patient email that is both curious and comical. This email, from Greg (in Oregon), qualifies as one of those special emails…
Thoracotomy Vs. Sternotomy For Vicki’s Mitral Valve Surgery… Any Female Perspectives?
By Adam Pick on September 16, 2008
Vicki (pictured below) recently sent me a question regarding her upcoming mitral valve surgery. While I have some ideas for Vicki, we thought it might be helpful for Vicki to gather feedback from other patients – especially females. That said… Do you have any thoughts for Vicki? Here is what she writes:
In Memory Of Young, Smiling Sasha Bartin
By Adam Pick on September 16, 2008
I just read this tragic story from The Telegraph in the United Kingdom. My thoughts and prayers are with Sasha, her family and her friends.
All About Dressler’s Syndrome – Ken’s Complication
By Adam Pick on September 5, 2008
I just received an email from Ken – a fellow patient who had aortic valve replacement surgery earlier this year. Like many heart surgery patients, Ken experienced a complication after heart surgery. Specifically, Ken had an issue with Dressler’s Syndrome. If you are unfamiliar with Dressler’s Syndrome, I have provided some information below from the Mayo Clinic:
“Anyone Else Have A Leaking Heart Valve From Radiation… Like Me?” Asks Charlotte
By Adam Pick on September 5, 2008
As you can read below, Charlotte is dealing with a unique patient condition. In her email, Charlotte asks me whether or not I know of any patients with a similar diagnosis. Unfortunately, I don’t. That said, I thought it would be a good idea to post her email in my blog to see if anyone out there can help Charlotte. Here is what she wrote to me:
After Aortic And Mitral Valve Surgery, Charles Revs Up The Motorhome
By Adam Pick on August 29, 2008
When I wake up in the morning, there is nothing better than opening an email like this… 🙂
Lil’ Sammy Gets Functional, Not Structural, Heart Murmur Diagnosis!!!
By Adam Pick on August 29, 2008
It’s never easy talking to parents about their children with heart murmurs.
Iraqi President, Jalal Talabani, Has Heart Valve Surgery At Mayo Clinic
By Adam Pick on August 15, 2008
The list of political figures having heart valve surgery continues to grow. In addition to Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and former Senator Jessie Helms, I just learned that Iraqi President, Jalal Talabani, was discharged Thursday from the Mayo Clinic after undergoing successful surgery on a heart valve.
Golfing, Heart Surgery And Dennis’ Hole-In-One
By Adam Pick on August 13, 2008
I stunk at golf before heart surgery. Really, in thinking about it, that might be an understatement. Now, it is several years after my open heart surgery.
Gail’s Pounding Heartbeat Question Triggers A Memory
By Adam Pick on August 9, 2008
There are some things about my aortic valve replacement surgery that I will never, ever, never, ever, nehhhhh-verrrrr forget. (To learn more, click here.)
From ICU Nurse To ICU Patient To Cardiac Depression… Carol’s Story
By Adam Pick on August 9, 2008
I just received this wildly coincidental email from Carol. It’s amazing to read about Carol’s perspective on heart valve surgery, considering she was formerly an intensive care unit (ICU) nurse. Here is what she wrote:
Frustration, Nerves, Leaking Heart Valves, Test Results And Non-Surgical Options
By Adam Pick on August 9, 2008
Dan, from California, wrote me an interesting email that I could relate to whole-heartedly. Here is Dan’s email and my response:
“No-Blood” Open Heart Surgery For Jehovah’s Witnesses… For Cindi’s Mom
By Adam Pick on August 9, 2008
It doesn’t matter what sex you are, what race you are, what country you are from or what religion you are… Heart valve disease has and will continue to impact most segments of the population.
After Aortic Valve Replacement, Dean Gets ‘Cheesecake Factory’ Delivered To Colorado Hospital
By Adam Pick on August 2, 2008
I’m incredibly lucky to receive touching and memorable letters from heart valve surgery patients and caregivers all over the world. In particular, I consider it a special honor when one of my book readers includes me on his or her email list during their heart surgery recovery.
Like Many Patients, Jim Lehrer Is Very Thankful After A Successful Aortic Valve Replacement Operation
By Adam Pick on July 13, 2008
You just don’t know how good you have it until life offers you a great, big piece of Humble Pie, right?
New Patient Posts
I documented my 30 days of pre-op experience ..."
Sobhan says, "
Sue says, "As I get things done in preparation for what’s to ..."
Heart Hospital Map
Search for heart hospitals that specialize in heart valve treatment.
Adam's Video Library
Learn about heart valve surgery and patient success stories at Adam’s video library.
