Patient Stories Blog - Page 8

By Adam Pick

Big 5th Birthday Wishes And Heart Valve Prayers For Sarah!

By Adam Pick on March 10, 2011

When we started HeartValveJournals.com, our social network, I didn’t know what to expect. But now, 15 months later, I am constantly touched, moved and inspired by the patients and the caregivers who openly share their hearts in this special community.

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Don’t Miss Barbara Walters’ Heart Surgery Special: A Matter of Life & Death!

By Adam Pick on February 4, 2011

Thanks to Becky, I just learned that Barbara Walters is hosting a special program about heart surgery titled, “A Matter of Life & Death”. The show will air on ABC at 10pm (EST), Friday, February 4.

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Charles Schwab Undergoes Heart Valve Replacement Surgery

By Adam Pick on December 27, 2010

With the exception of Barbara Walters’ heart valve surgery in May, this year was relatively quiet for public figures needing heart valve repair or heart valve replacement operations. However, our list of “well-known patients” did expand during the final week of 2010.

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Inspiration Overload… Compliments Of The Iron Heart Racing Team

By Adam Pick on December 23, 2010

No need to preface this… Prepare for patient inspiration.

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Bob Uecker Requires Heart Valve Re-Operation Due To Infection

By Adam Pick on October 19, 2010

Considering our recent discussion about heart valve re-operations, often referred to as “Re-Dos”, I wanted to wish Bob Uecker a very successful surgery today. If you didn’t know, Bob Uecker — who was anointed  “Mr. Baseball” by Johnny Carson — will undergo his second heart valve surgery during the past six months.

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Before & After: Monique Gets A Much-Needed Mitral Valve Repair

By Adam Pick on October 9, 2010

Monique just sent me two, very interesting pictures of her mitral valve – before and after surgery. I thought you might like to see these pictures as they illustrate the challenges of heart valve disease and the opportunities of heart valve treatment. The procedure was performed by Dr. David Adams at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City.

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George Receives Motherly Miracle In The Form Of Dr. Gaudiani

By Adam Pick on October 9, 2010

A few months ago, I received a very difficult phone call from George Avakian who resides in Northern California.

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After Surgical Stroke & Three Heart Valve Replacements, Kirk’s Triathlon Passion Continues!

By Adam Pick on September 21, 2010

I just received an extraordinary email about Kirk Rose from his daughter, Angela. If anybody needs inspiration before or after heart valve surgery, I encourage you to read this:

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Remote Second Opinion Changes Anne’s Surgical Approach

By Adam Pick on September 17, 2010

One of the ongoing themes in this blog focuses on patient advocacy — before, during and after surgery. Specific to this point, I just received an interesting letter from Anne about second opinions, patient research, chest incisions and surgeon selection. In her note, Anne writes to me:

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Video: After Valve Replacement, Barbara Walters Returns To The View!

By Adam Pick on September 8, 2010

Great news! We have another patient success story!

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After Double Heart Valve Repair, Cindy Hikes The Grand Tetons!

By Adam Pick on September 3, 2010

Cindy just sent me this great email. Given her unique story, I thought you might really enjoy it.

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After Mitral Valve Replacement, Don Flies Hooch To Safety

By Adam Pick on August 29, 2010

Some really interesting patient stories continue to fill up my inbox. Here’s a great one from Don about his new mission saving dogs after mitral valve replacement.

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Before & After Heart Valve Surgery With… Chaz

By Adam Pick on August 27, 2010

I always enjoy reading patient success stories. However, this update really made me think, “Fannnnn-tasssss-tic!”. Specifically, I like the way Chaz utilizes a “Before and After” approach to describe his heart valve replacement experience:

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In Memory of Lori (Updated)

By Adam Pick on August 19, 2010

These are the hardest posts to write. As the sadness is overwhelming my fingertips, I’ll be brief.

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Baby Victor Is Back Home In El Salvador!

By Adam Pick on August 13, 2010

For those of you who have been keeping track of Baby Victor’s heart surgery journey, I have great news to share!

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Greg and Dr. Stewart Complete Triathlon… Together!!!

By Adam Pick on July 22, 2010

As Dr. Allan Stewart wrote to me, “We did it!

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Guest Blog: Dr. Stewart & I “Tri” Our Hearts Out!

By Adam Pick on July 11, 2010

[Update: Please note that Dr. Allan Stewart no longer practices at Columbia University Medical Center.]

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Recovery Update: Barbara Walters To Re-Appear On “The View” This Monday, July 12

By Adam Pick on July 9, 2010

For those of you following the heart valve replacement recovery of Barbara Walters… I just learned that Barbara Walters will appear on “The View” this Monday, July 12, eight weeks after surgery.

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Steve’s Top 7 Tips For Patients!

By Adam Pick on July 3, 2010

I just received this insightful email from Steve, who recently had heart valve surgery. I thought you might really enjoy it… So, here it is:

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