Recovery Blog - Page 4
By Adam Pick
“How Long Does It Take My Heart To Heal?” Asks Carolyn
By Adam Pick on May 31, 2012
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
By Adam Pick on October 14, 2011
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
By Adam Pick on April 15, 2011
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
By Adam Pick on January 21, 2011
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
By Adam Pick on December 6, 2010
I just received an excellent question from Teri about heart valve surgery recovery, climbing stairs and recliners.
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.
Surgeon Spotlight
Dr. Khan has performed over 2,000 heart valve procedures.
