Patient Stories Blog - Page 9
By Adam Pick
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.
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.
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.
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:
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:
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!
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.
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.
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:
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.
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!
Greg and Dr. Stewart Complete Triathlon… Together!!!
By Adam Pick on July 22, 2010
As Dr. Allan Stewart wrote to me, “We did it!”
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.]
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.
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:
You Are Helping Save Victor’s Life!!!
By Adam Pick on June 30, 2010
On March 31, we donated $5,000 to the Gift of Life charity to help children born with heart defects. The donation was raised thanks to (i) purchases of my book and (ii) sponsorships from surgeons, clinics and medical device manufacturers.
Kato Pomer, 92, Has A New Lease On Life Thanks To… The MitraClip
By Adam Pick on June 3, 2010
At 92, Kato Pomer recently became one of the oldest, highest-risk patients to receive the MitraClip, a new minimally invasive treatment for severe mitral regurgitation, at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.
Medical Tourism Update: Ros Travels To India For Mitral Valve Repair
By Adam Pick on May 27, 2010
In a very short time, Heart Valve Journals has become an online epicenter of patient-to-patient communication specific to heart valve surgery. Using this free Internet tool, patients can share their experiences while engaging in meaningful discussions with other patients around the world.
Bob Uecker, 75, Recovering From Heart Valve Surgery
By Adam Pick on May 4, 2010
In 2009, the global news wires were filled with stories about public figures undergoing heart valve surgery. As you might recall, Robin Williams, Barbara Bush, Ed Koch, Elizabeth Taylor and many other well-known people had heart valve repair or heart valve replacement surgery last year.
