Recovery Blog - Page 3
By Adam Pick
5 Things to Do While Your Heart Mends (After Surgery)
By Adam Pick on July 29, 2013
Keeping yourself entertained without leaving the limited vicinity of your hospital or home can be a challenge during the recovery from cardiac surgery. Searching for a solution can be a source of mental stimulation in and of itself. Although it might be tempting to spend your days immersed in soap operas or taking long cat naps, you’ll find that you feel more fulfilled and proud at the end of the day when you spend your time productively. So, if you want your recovery time to go by faster, preoccupy yourself with these five fun projects you can do while recovering from heart surgery.
“What About Dementia and Delirium After Heart Valve Surgery?” Asks a Concerned Wife
By Adam Pick on February 11, 2013
As many patients will tell you… Waking up in an intensive care unit (ICU) after heart valve surgery can be a very dislocating experience. Personally, I remember thinking, “Holy moly! What the heck just happened? What are all those noises? And, why is this massive tube stuck down my throat?”
“When Will My Heart Stop Beating So Strongly After Heart Valve Replacement Surgery?” Asks Anne
By Adam Pick on October 26, 2012
I just received a great question from Anne. In her note, Anne writes, “How long can a patient expect to feel their heart beating so strongly after heart valve replacement surgery?”
“When Will I Feel More Energetic & Less Tired After Heart Surgery?” Asks Joan
Written By: Adam Pick, Patient Advocate, Author & Website Founder
Page Last Updated: May 8, 2025
I just received a very interesting from Joan about being tired after heart surgery.
“How Long Does It Take My Heart To Heal?” Asks Carolyn
Written By: Adam Pick, Patient Advocate, Author & Website Founder
Page Last Updated: February 28, 2025
I just received a great question from Carolyn about ‘heart healing’ after valve repair or valve replacement surgery. In her email, Carolyn writes, “Adam – I’ve read a lot on your website about the time needed for the sternum to heal. But, what about the heart? After it’s stopped, opened, fixed and restarted, how long does it take for the cardiac muscle to heal? Thanks! Carolyn”
“Is Heart Valve Leakage Common After Valve Repair Surgery?” Asks Valerie
By Adam Pick on May 22, 2012
Valerie sent me an interesting question about leaky valves after heart valve repair surgery.
Heart Valve Summit Video #8: “Is There Anything I Can Do To Ensure My Heart Valve Repair Will Last Forever?” asks Emilyrae
By Adam Pick on November 25, 2011
Recently, I received a great question from Emilyrae. She wrote, “Adam – I am a healthy person. I’m 68-years old and I just had a successful mitral valve repair. I’m curious to know, is there anything I can do to ensure that this repair will last the rest of my life?”
Heart Valve Summit Video #5: “Is Minimally Invasive Surgery Better For Pain & Recovery?” Asks Jake
By Adam Pick on November 11, 2011
Jake sent me a great question relating to pain, minimally invasive surgical approaches and recovery. He writes, “Adam — I hear a lot about minimally invasive procedures being much better for pain and recovery. Is that true? Thanks, Jake”
“Why Is My Husband Gaining Weight From Fluids After Heart Valve Surgery?” Asks Joanie
Written By: Adam Pick, Patient Advocate, Author & Website Founder
Page Last Updated: May 12, 2025
I just received an interesting question from Joanie. She writes, “Hi Adam – My husband had mitral valve repair surgery three days ago. I noticed that he’s gained 8 pounds since the surgery. The doctors say the gain is due to fluid intake. Is this common? What fluids did they use? How long until he loses the fluid? Thanks, Joanie.”
Video: “Besides Sternum Wires, What Other Technologies Can Help The Chest Heal?” Asks Jane
By Adam Pick on September 20, 2011
As a follow-up to our recent discussion about chest pain and sternum wires, Jane sent me a great question about incision closure techniques. She writes, “Hi Adam – I’ve read good and bad things about the use of wires to close the sternum. Are there any other technologies used to help the chest heal? Thanks, Jane”
“Can My Sternum Wires Cause Chest Pain Two Years After Heart Valve Surgery?” Asks Jake
By Adam Pick on August 23, 2011
I just received a very interesting question from Jake about chest pain, sternum wires and heart valve surgery.
“What Are Those Big Heart-Shaped Pillows Used For?” Asks Alice
Written By: Adam Pick, Patient Advocate, Author & Website Founder
Page Last Updated: May 12, 2025
Alice just sent me a great question about the use of heart-shaped pillows after heart valve surgery. She writes, “Hi Adam, I’m 61-years old and preparing for a mitral valve repair due to mitral regurgitation disease. I can’t help but notice the huge pillows clutched by patients in several photos across your website. What are those used for? Thanks, Alice”
“What About A Post-Operative Cough Following Heart Valve Surgery?” Asks Rob
Written By: Adam Pick, Patient Advocate, Author & Website Founder
Page Last Updated: May 11, 2025
I recently received an interesting question from Rob about a post-operative cough following heart valve surgery.
“Can I Climb Stairs After Heart Surgery When I Return Home?” Asks Teri
Written By: Adam Pick, Patient Advocate, Author & Website Founder
Published: May 14, 2025
I just received an excellent question from Teri about heart valve surgery recovery, climbing stairs and recliners.
Special Interview: The Importance of Cardiac Rehabilitation For Heart Valve Surgery Patients With Dr. Ram Dandillaya
Written By: Adam Pick, Patient Advocate, Author & Website Founder
Page Last Updated: May 9, 2025
While the patient benefits of attending cardiac rehab after heart valve surgery are well documented, the utility of these post-operative programs remains disappointing — as only 20% of patients who could benefit from cardiac rehabilitation are referred to outpatient facilities.
“Are Pacemaker Implants Common After Heart Valve Surgery?” Asks Frank
Written By: Adam Pick, Patient Advocate, Author & Website Founder
Page Last Updated: May 8, 2025
I just received an interesting question from Frank about heart rhythms after heart valve surgery. Frank writes, “I had a tricuspid valve repair, a Patent Foramen Ovalve (PFO) repaired and a Maze procedure performed in July. Now, it appears I will need to have a pacemaker put in next week. I was told that my Atrioventricular (AV) node may have been damaged and I am now in “heart block”. I was wondering if this is common? Thanks Adam!”
Patient Concern: Cardiac Rehab Referrals Continue To Disappoint
Written By: Adam Pick, Patient Advocate, Author & Website Founder
Page Last Updated: May 9, 2025
From my own experience and patient research, I know that the physical, social and mental benefits of attending a good cardiac rehabilitation program are overwhelming. Unfortunately, physician referrals of these patient programs are… underwhelming.
Study: How Gender Impacts Enlarged Hearts After Valve Replacement
Written By: Adam Pick, Patient Advocate, Author & Website Founder
Page Last Updated: May 10, 2025
In the past, we’ve talked about the risks of valvular disorders and enlarged hearts. Recently, a study was released which further examined whether or not dilated hearts return to normal size after heart valve surgery. Interestingly, the study considered this post-operative objective from a male and female perspective.
Patient Recovery Update: Kerrigan Stops Beta Blockers, Gains Energy and Improves Blood Pressure
Written By: Adam Pick, Patient Advocate, Author & Website Founder
Page Last Updated: May 10, 2025
Kerrigan just sent me a very interesting update about his heart valve surgery recovery. As his email touched on many patient issues — fatigue, blood pressure, beta blockers and patient advocacy — I thought you might enjoy his perspective and positive results.
“How Often Should I Get An Echocardiogram After Heart Surgery?” Asks Jim
Written By: Adam Pick, Patient Advocate, Author & Website Founder
Page Last Updated: May 12, 2025
Jim just sent me this question about an echocardiogram after heart surgery. He writes, “Adam – How often should an echocardiogram be performed after surgery. I had my aortic valve replaced. Thanks, Jim”
Upcoming Surgeries
Scott Mills
Aortic Regurgitation
May 20, 2025
Rupak Javkar
Mitral Regurgitation
May 21, 2025
Lorilyn Bridges
Tricuspid Regurgitation
May 22, 2025
Heart Hospital Map
Search for heart hospitals that specialize in heart valve treatment.
