Recovery Blog - Page 10
By Adam Pick
“When Is The Heart And Sternum Healed?” Asks Kerrigan
By Adam Pick on March 19, 2009
Earlier today, Kerrigan and I exchanged emails about the recovery from open heart surgery. Specifically, we discussed the physical healing of the broken sternum and the heart.
“How Long Will I Be In The Hospital?” Asks Wayne
By Adam Pick on March 16, 2009
I just received a great question from Wayne. He writes, “Adam – I’ve been following Barbara Bush’s heart valve surgery. Mostly because, at the ripe age of 62, I’ll be having my mitral valve replaced due to severe regurgitation from prolapse (To learn more about prolapsed mitral valves, click here.). I think Barbara was in the hospital for 9 days. Is it common for valve patients to be in the hospital for that long? Thanks for all that you do! Wayne”
“Anxiety After Aortic Valve Replacement Surgery?” Asks Rochelle
By Adam Pick on March 4, 2009
Managing anxiety before heart surgery can be quite challenging for patients and their caregivers. However, Rochelle just asked me an interesting question about dealing with anxiety after heart surgery. Here is what she writes:
"What’s The Worst Thing About The Hospital?" Asks Barbara
By Adam Pick on February 22, 2009
Barbara, a 57-year old patient from Georgia, just asked me a very honest question about heat valve surgery and hospitals.
Health Insurance Update: An “Auto-Decline” After Heart Surgery At Blue Cross
By Adam Pick on January 30, 2009
As a follow-up to our ongoing discussion about insurance (health, life) for heart surgery patients, I just inquired about getting health insurance from a local agent here in Los Angeles. The agent asked me some questions, we discussed my heart valve replacement surgery, and then… he went off to look into an individual health insurance policy for me.
“What About Truck Driving After Heart Surgery?” Asks Ken
By Adam Pick on January 27, 2009
Ken just wrote me about physical limitations following heart surgery – specifically truck driving after heart surgery. In his email, Ken writes, “I am a truck driver. Will I be able to drive big rigs or not? They are going to replace my aortic heart valve. Thanks Ken!”
“Deep Breathing Pain After Open Heart Surgery?” Asks Bruce
By Adam Pick on January 16, 2009
Bruce just sent me an interesting question about chest pain related to deep breathing after heart valve surgery.
“Can You Get Life Insurance After Heart Surgery?” Asks Jerry
By Adam Pick on December 24, 2008
I just received a strangely coincidental email from Jerry regarding life insurance after heart surgery.
“Will I Be Glued Or Stapled After Heart Surgery?” Asks Jill
By Adam Pick on December 16, 2008
I just received a curious email from Jill. She writes, “Hi Adam – After several years of waiting and waiting, I’m finally going in for valve replacement due to severe regurgitation. Quick Question: Will I be glued or stapled after the sternum is wired? I’ve heard it can go either way. Any thoughts?”
Pumphead vs. Dumbhead… From Spike
By Adam Pick on November 8, 2008
In the past we’ve talked about pumphead, the post-operative condition that negatively impacts the cognitive capabilities of some heart surgery patients. Well, Spike (from Nevada) just emailed me a new patient term. He calls it “dumbhead”.
New Patient Posts
Kevin says, "7 weeks post op(a day late..." Read more.
Adam says, "Hi All - Today is 1-year from my Mitral Valve ..." Read more.
Peter says, "I'm feeling better by the day. My 20 minute walks (..." Read more.
