Recovery Blog - Page 4
By Adam Pick
“When Did You Start Cardiac Rehab?” Asks Bill
By Adam Pick on February 19, 2010
I just received an interesting question from Bill about heart valve replacement surgery and cardiac rehabilitation programs.
“Did Your Sternum and Shoulder Click after Heart Surgery?” Asks Dale
By Adam Pick on February 3, 2010
I just received a great email from Dale about sternum and shoulder clicking after open heart surgery.
“Were You Ever Angry After Heart Valve Surgery?” Asks Dorothy
By Adam Pick on December 21, 2009
Emotions can be undeniably strong and turbulent as patients, their families and friends experience heart valve surgery.
Video: How Do You Feel Immediately After Surgery?
By Adam Pick on December 21, 2009
Patients and caregivers often ask me about the immediate, post-op experience in the intensive care unit. Common questions include:
“Did You Have A Bump At The Top Of Your Incision?” Asks Alice
By Adam Pick on November 13, 2009
Alice just sent me a great question about incision and scar care after heart valve surgery.
Keith’s Recovery Tip: Do Everything With Both Hands!
By Adam Pick on November 5, 2009
Here’s a great recovery tip from Keith about using both hands after open heart surgery. Keith writes…
“Metallic Taste After Heart Valve Surgery?” Asks Robin
By Adam Pick on October 23, 2009
I just received a set of emails from Robin about a metallic taste in her mouth after heart valve surgery. So you know, Robin is not the only patient to send me questions about this strange, surgical after taste.
“Are Pleural Effusions Common After Heart Valve Surgery?” Asks Jan
By Adam Pick on October 10, 2009
Jan just sent me an interesting email about pleural effusions and heart valve surgery.
“Heart Valve Leakage After Surgery?” Asks Julie
By Adam Pick on October 8, 2009
I just received an excellent question from Julie about trace heart valve leakage after surgery.
“Problems Sleeping After Heart Valve Surgery?” Asks Jenny
By Adam Pick on September 30, 2009
I just received a great question from Jenny about sleep after heart valve surgery.
“Did You Use A Recliner After Heart Valve Surgery?” Asks Kevin
By Adam Pick on September 19, 2009
I just received an email from Kevin about the use of recliners after heart valve surgery.
“Dizzy After Heart Valve Surgery?” Asks Rick
By Adam Pick on September 9, 2009
I just received a very interesting question from Rick about dizziness after heart valve surgery.
“Sensitive Keloid Scars? Sternal Wire Bumps?” Asks Josh
By Adam Pick on September 5, 2009
Josh has an interesting set of questions regarding keloid scars and sternal wires.
“When I Wake Up In The ICU, How Many Tubes Will Be Sticking Out Of Me?” Asks Gwen
By Adam Pick on September 1, 2009
I just received a fantastic question from Gwen about waking up in the intensive care unit after heart valve surgery.
The Importance Of Support Groups For Heart Surgery Patients?
By Adam Pick on August 27, 2009
Throughout the highs and lows of my heart valve surgery experience, my support group never wavered. Their commitment to me and my recovery was extraordinary considering the challenges (cardiac depression, pain management, Vicodin addiction) I faced.
“Ventricular Tachycardia After Aortic Valve Replacement Surgery?” Asks Rita
By Adam Pick on August 27, 2009
Together, as patients and caregivers, we’ve learned that the human heart can do some odd things after valve repair and valve replacement surgery. In particular, the heart can pound a little louder, the heart can beat a little faster and, if you received a mechanical valve replacement, the heart might make a clicking noise.
“Did Your Enlarged (Dilated) Left Ventricle Return To Normal Size After Surgery?” Asks Sandra
By Adam Pick on August 20, 2009
I just received a great question from Sandra about heart valve disease, enlarged hearts and valve surgery.
“How Long Will My Dad’s Pumphead Last After Heart Valve Surgery?” Asks Rob
By Adam Pick on August 4, 2009
I just received a follow-up question from Rob about pumphead and memory loss after heart surgery that you might find interesting.
Recovery Alert: Cardiac Rehab Programs Are “Under-Utilized”
By Adam Pick on July 30, 2009
One of my critical heart valve surgery recovery tips for patients is… to attend a cardiac rehabilitation program following heart surgery.
“Any Physical Limitations After Open Heart Surgery?” Asks Aaron
By Adam Pick on July 28, 2009
Aaron just emailed me an interesting question about physical limitations following open heart surgery.
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Surgeon Spotlight
Dr. Chikwe has performed over 2,000 cardiac procedures of which most operations involved heart valve therapies.
