Patient Stories Blog - Page 14
By Adam Pick
“How To Tell Your Kids About Heart Surgery?” Asks Jerry
By Adam Pick on June 7, 2008
Every so often I receive a fantastic question that is impossible for me to answer.
Washington Senator, Dan Swecker, To Undergo Heart Valve Replacement Surgery
By Adam Pick on May 30, 2008
The vice chairman of the state Senate minority caucus, Republican Dan Swecker of Rochester, is in the hospital with a heart problem. Swecker’s staff say he was taken to Providence St. Peter Hospital in Olympia, Washington by ambulance after what seemed to be a heart attack Saturday night.
Ali’s 12 Night Hospital Stay With Her Mom, After Aortic Valve Replacment Surgery
By Adam Pick on May 22, 2008
I first met Ali, from Northern California, a few months ago. Her mother had been diagnosed with severe aortic stenosis and needed heart valve replacement. To learn more about narrowed heart valves, click here.
Patient Update: Geoff On Heart Surgery Cost & Health Insurance
By Adam Pick on May 1, 2008
One set of recurring questions I receive from patients and caregivers relate to the costs of heart valve surgery and bypass operations. The questions typically go something like, “How much does a heart surgery cost?” or “How much does open heart surgery cost in the USA versus India?” or “How much will my insurance cover – including all the hospital costs, surgeon fees and anesthesia fees?”
After Cancer and Heart Valve Surgery, Sara Recovers With Lucyfur
By Adam Pick on April 29, 2008
First, she had cancer as a child. After chemotherapy and radiation, she won that battle.
In Memory Of Connie Stone (1959 – 2004), Our Prayers Are With You
By Adam Pick on April 26, 2008
This is a tough moment.
Guest Blog: Lil’ Taylor’s Heart-Warming Tale
By Adam Pick on April 16, 2008
Again, I find myself touched by another heart surgery success story. Last week it was eighty-three year old John DeFalco that inspired me after his aortic valve replacement operation. This week, it is all about Taylor, a two-year old with that needed cardiac bypass surgery.
Debbie Takes Her New Valve Back To Edwards Lifesciences
By Adam Pick on April 2, 2008
A little over a month ago, I visited Edwards Lifesciences to tour its heart valve manufacturing museum and learn more about Edwards’ heart valve replacement devices (pig valve transplants, cow valves, minimally invasive technologies).
At 83 Years Young, John DeFalco Is “Bored” With His Recovery
Written By: Adam Pick, Patient Advocate, Author & Website Founder
Page Last Updated: May 13, 2025
Given my recent blog about heart valve surgery in patients over eighty, I thought you might like to read about John DeFalco from Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.
Aortic Aneurysm & Ross Operation Does Not Stop John Turan!
By Adam Pick on March 24, 2008
This is the courageous, patient story of John Turan. As you will read, John had a triple-whammy heart surgery – a Ross Operation (aortic and pulmonary valve replacements) AND his ascending aorta was replaced due to an aneurysm.
“My Momma Always Said… Valve Surgery Is Like A Box Of Chocolates.”
By Adam Pick on March 12, 2008
Yes, Forrest Gump is one of my favorite movies.
Sergio’s Mitral Valve Surgery Story – Pictures Are Worth Thousands And Thousands Of Words
By Adam Pick on March 7, 2008
So you know… I never expected this.
Guest Blog: Doug Atkins – Eight Days After Aortic Valve Replacement
By Adam Pick on March 1, 2008
Doug Atkins and his regurgitating bicuspid aortic valve appeared on my radar about three months ago. (To learn more about bicuspid valves, click here.)
Our Own, Leslie Lafayette, Becomes A TV Star After Mitral Valve Repair (VIDEO)
By Adam Pick on February 25, 2008
As many of you have read in past blogs, Leslie Lafayette had mitral valve repair using the Da Vinci Surgical Robot a few weeks ago. Doctor Richard Shemin from UCLA was her cardiac surgeon.
Sergio And Maribel Are Off To Mexico City For Mitral Valve Replacement
By Adam Pick on February 14, 2008
Guest Blog: Debbie Hurd, Six Weeks After Heart Valve Surgery
By Adam Pick on January 28, 2008
I will be the first to admit… The rewards from publishing this blog and my book are more positive than anything I have ever experienced before.
Teppo Numminen, NHL Hockey Star, Returns To Ice After Mitral Valve Repair Surgery
By Adam Pick on December 19, 2007
If you are looking for inspiration about life after heart valve surgery…
Guest Patient Blog: Jim Bonk 30 Days After Heart Valve Surgery
By Adam Pick on December 10, 2007
I will be the first to tell you that I never expected this website would grow so quickly. Over the past year, I have met so many wonderful patients, caregivers, doctors and nurses from around the world.
Veronika Meyer At Mount Everest Peak… After Heart Valve Replacement!
Written By: Adam Pick, Patient Advocate, Author & Website Founder
Page Last Updated: May 13, 2025
There are “good” weeks… And, then there are “great” weeks. Last week was better than good and great. Last week was “unforgettable”.
Patient Recovery Spotlight: The Incredible Taylor Browning
By Adam Pick on November 27, 2007
Every so often, I have an experience that insures my belief that life is nothing short of an amazing opportunity to learn from the extraordinary accomplishments of others.
Upcoming Surgeries
Rupak Javkar
Mitral Regurgitation
May 21, 2025
Lorilyn Bridges
Tricuspid Regurgitation
May 22, 2025
Craig Howland
Aortic Stenosis
May 26, 2025
