Patient Stories Blog - Page 9
By Adam Pick
Chiropractor, Richard Schmidt, Anxiously Awaits Skiing and Gardening As His Sternum Heals
By Adam Pick on April 30, 2010
I just came across a fantastic email from Dr. Richard Schmidt which touches on the unique, patient process of healing. As you can read below, Dr. Schmidt recently had double heart valve repair and is anxiously awaiting a fully healed sternum to resume his life passions. Here is what Richard wrote to me:
Together, We Have Saved A Child’s Life!
By Adam Pick on April 23, 2010
I just received a very memorable letter from Kenneth Fogel, Chair of Gift of Life. First, Ken’s letter thanked us for our recent $5,000 donation to Gift of Life. If you didn’t know, Gift of Life is a special, charitable organization that addresses the medical needs of children who suffer from congenital heart defects.
Danielle Is “Thrilled” With Dad’s Heart Valve Replacement Result
By Adam Pick on April 21, 2010
Waking up to a fresh cup of coffee and a patient success story is a wonderful way to start the day. That said, I just received this great story about Danielle Curcio and her father, Bill Mordarski.
Penny’s “Roller Coaster Recovery” Slows Down After Double Heart Valve Repair
By Adam Pick on April 11, 2010
I just read in her Heart Valve Journal that Penny McIntosh has seen her recovery get “back on track” after a few post-operative complications including atrial fibrillation and fluid in her lungs. As you may know, Penny had mitral and tricuspid valve repairs and a MAZE procedure performed on February 26, 2010.
Pregnancy Update: With Bicuspid Valve, Melinda Welcomes Baby Alex To The World!
By Adam Pick on April 10, 2010
I often receive questions about pregnancy concerns from women wanting to have children before or after heart valve surgery. That said, here is an update from Melinda Hacker, a bicuspid aortic valve patient who just welcomed Alex, her new son, to the world:
Thanks To Dr. Accola, Scott Gets Successful Valve Reoperation
By Adam Pick on April 10, 2010
Sometimes, the patient success stories I receive are so interesting, they need no introduction. That said, I hope you enjoy Scott’s unique story:
Beautiful Waves Inspire Paul To Endure Heart Valve Surgery
By Adam Pick on April 2, 2010
Lately, a wonderful email is going around the Internet about the wave photography of Clark Little, a Hawaiian photographer and surfer. Each time I see the email, I am excited to click on it. And, each time, I end up sighing, “Wowwwwwwwwwwww”, as I scroll through the magical pictures.
Guided Imagery Helps Sam Prepare For Heart Valve Surgery
By Adam Pick on March 24, 2010
As we have learned together, there are several strategies and tactics that patients can use to best prepare for their heart valve surgery. Specific to this point, I just received an insightful email from Sam Swerdlow about using guided imagery CDs prior to surgery. Here is what Sam wrote:
“Looking Back To See How Far I’ve Come” By Amy Machtay
By Adam Pick on March 21, 2010
I recently launched a new section of this website called Heart Valve Journals. This interactive tool was designed to help patients, families and friends communicate before-and-after heart surgery. Already, several hundred people have signed up for this free service.
After Mitral Valve Repair, Ashish Gets Past Constipation To Feel “Endless Love”
By Adam Pick on March 20, 2010
It feels great to wake up, turn on the computer, click my inbox and open a patient success story.
Patient Spotlight: After Ups And Downs, Beverly Simmons Turns 83 In The Hospital
By Adam Pick on March 12, 2010
I just wanted to send my thoughts and prayers to Beverly Simmons of Fullerton, California, as she continues her early recovery at St. Jude’s hospital.
From Stroke To Heart Valve Replacement To The Gym… Kevin’s Story
By Adam Pick on March 3, 2010
I just received a very, very, very educational and inspirational story from Kevin Haines about stroke, heart valve replacement, rehab, Coumadin and cardiac depression. That said, I thought you might enjoy it…
In Portugal, Filomeno Gets A Carbomedics Aortic Valve Replacement (Video)
By Adam Pick on February 26, 2010
There is nothing better than waking up, enjoying a cup of coffee, turning on the computer and finding a patient success story in my inbox.
After Mitral Valve Repair, Blood Clots, A-Fib and Excess Fluid, Duane Is… Home!
By Adam Pick on February 9, 2010
It is often said that heart surgery can be a physical and emotional rollercoaster for patients. There are ups… And, there are downs.
Even With A Crooked Scar, Sandy Is Extremely Thankful
By Adam Pick on December 26, 2009
I just received an interesting email from Sandy which addresses a key point and warning for patients – especially women. That said, I thought you might like to learn more about Sandy’s heart valve surgery experience. Here is what she wrote to me:
Jack LaLanne, Fitness Guru, Recovering From Heart Valve Surgery
By Adam Pick on December 19, 2009
In addition to Robin Williams, Barbara Bush, Elizabeth Taylor, Ed Koch and many other public figures who had heart valve surgery in 2009…
David Shifts From Edwards Lifesciences’ Employee To Patient
By Adam Pick on December 3, 2009
Some may call David’s story ironic. I call it fantastic. That said, I thought you might find this unique story of interest. Here is what David wrote to me:
Kelly’s “Watchful Waiting” Ends With A Medtronic Pig Valve, Thanks To Dr. Miller
By Adam Pick on November 28, 2009
Kelly just sent me this very interesting story which touches on several critical factors specific to heart valve surgery from the patient perspective. That said, I thought you might want to learn about Kelly and her surgeon, Dr. Kevin Miller. Here is what she wrote to me:
In Memory Of Valerie Fisher Raley Moriarty
By Adam Pick on November 17, 2009
It has been a very tough morning for me. Without a doubt, these are the hardest blogs to write.
After Heart Valve Repair, Cindy Takes Mosquito For A Horseback ride!
By Adam Pick on November 9, 2009
It feels great to receive and share patient success stories from all over the world. That said, I thought you might enjoy reading about Cindy, her horse (Mosquito) and her recovery from heart valve repair surgery. She writes…
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