Recovery Blog - Page 10
By Adam Pick
The Realities of Cardiac Depression after Open Heart Surgery
Written By: Adam Pick, Patient Advocate, Author & Website Founder
Page Last Updated: June 8, 2025
I just received an interesting email from Carol that directly relates to heart surgery recovery. Carol writes, “Hi Adam – My husband had mitral valve replacement three weeks ago. I’m curious… Did you experience depression after heart valve surgery? Is it common for patients to experience cardiac depression following heart valve repair or heart valve replacement?”
Do Vitamins & Nutrition Combat Tired Heart Valve Surgery Patients?
By Adam Pick on May 19, 2007
Following my aortic and pulmonary valve replacements, I experienced my fair share of challenges (pain, cardiac depression). I also experienced several opportunities as well (my engagement, a new found perspective on life).
“Heart Rate and Blood Pressure Medications After Heart Valve Surgery?” asks Roger
Written By: Adam Pick, Patient Advocate, Author & Website Founder
Page Last Updated: May 13, 2025
I recently received a question from Roger Sudbeck about heart rates after heart valve surgery. Roger recently had open heart, valve surgery and noticed that his heart rate was still elevated several weeks following his procedure. FYI, Roger had aortic valve replacement.
Surf Is Up… After Open Heart Surgery!!!
Written By: Adam Pick, Patient Advocate, Author & Website Founder
Page Last Updated: May 13, 2025
Nearly 435 days ago, I had open-heart surgery to fix a congenital defect in the aortic valve of my heart. After thirty four years of life, my bicuspid aortic valve which suffered from stenosis and regurgitation, needed to be replaced. As many of you know, this open-heart medical operation (known as the Ross Procedure) triggered a series of challenging lows (e.g. cardiac depression) and a series of memorable highs (e.g. my engagement to Robyn).
What Is The Best Position To Sleep After Heart Surgery?
Written By: Adam Pick, Patient Advocate, Author & Website Founder
Page Last Updated: June 6, 2025
It’s a great question. And, as I personally learned after my double heart valve replacement operation (known as the Ross Procedure), it’s a tricky question to answer. Plus, if you’re like me and you really enjoy your sleep, this is a critical question to ponder.
Sternum Cracking… How Bad Does It Hurt After Heart Valve Surgery?
By Adam Pick on February 27, 2007
Ahh yes… The good ole’ sternum cracking question. I’ve received this question a number of times from friends and family following my surgery. As you can read in my story, I had the Ross Operation performed.
Email Bag: The Biggest Challenge Of Heart Valve Surgery?
By Adam Pick on January 3, 2007
I recently received an email that asked, “Adam, what was the most challenging aspect of your heart valve surgery?”
Upcoming Surgeries
Tricia Casey
Mitral Regurgitation
September 1, 2025
Jonathan Calleja
Mitral Regurgitation
October 1, 2025
Margaret Williams
Aortic Stenosis
October 1, 2025
Surgeon Spotlight
Dr. Chikwe is a world-renowned heart valve surgeon that has performed thousands of heart valve operations that include minimally-invasive techniques.
