Recovery Blog - Page 6
By Adam Pick
“Vitamins After Heart Surgery?” Asks Mario
By Adam Pick on April 15, 2009
Mario just wrote to me, “Hey Adam, my name is Mario Luera (age: 33) and I had aortic valve replacement in October, 2008. I am recovering well and just finished my cardiac rehab. I’m about to start on a workout program. My question to you is what type of vitamins/ supplements are you taking and what to stay away from? My cardiologist told me to just take a multivitamin everyday. Thanks for your time! Mario”
Does Rob Lowe Have Cardiac Depression After Heart Surgery?
By Adam Pick on March 23, 2009
I don’t know if you like the television show Brothers and Sisters, Sunday nights on ABC. But, Robyn (my very pregnant wife) and I really enjoy watching the trials-and-tribulations of the Walker family.
Certified Dog Therapist, Dyno, Visits Erik In Hospital
By Adam Pick on March 23, 2009
I could not resist posting this very, very, very interesting note from Erik. I never knew that certified dog therapists existed!
“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
Written By: Adam Pick, Patient Advocate, Author & Website Founder
Page last updated: November 7, 2023
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
Written By: Adam Pick, Patient Advocate, Author & Website Founder
Page last updated: November 7, 2023
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”.
“Nerve Damage After Heart Surgery?” Asks Sean
By Adam Pick on October 19, 2008
I just received a concerned email from Sean about nerve damage after heart surgery. I provided some thoughts for Sean below, but I’m curious to know if you experienced this heart surgery complication. Here is Sean’s story:
How To Use An Incentive Spirometer?
By Adam Pick on October 8, 2008
Laura Lee is getting ready for her valve surgery. In anticipation of her recovery, she asks me, “Would you please tell me how to use the incentive spirometer so I can start practicing? Thanks for everything! Laura Lee”
“Do I Really Need Full-Time Help After Heart Surgery?” Asks Etta
By Adam Pick on September 27, 2008
At the age of 62, Etta’s mitral valve regurgitation has reached severe status. That said, Etta will be having mitral valve repair surgery in three weeks. In her last email to me, Etta raised an interesting question. Etta asked, “Adam – Do I really need full-time help after open heart surgery?”
“Anemia After Heart Surgery?” Asks Everitt
By Adam Pick on September 21, 2008
I just received an email from Everitt, 65, about anemia. He writes, “Adam: I had mitral valve replacement two weeks ago. That was some experience. I’m glad to be home but I’m also concerned. I’m very pale and lethargic. By pale, I mean I’m white as Casper the Ghost. Do other patients become anemic after heart surgery?”
Emotional And Behavioral Changes After Heart Surgery… For Beth & Erik
Written By: Adam Pick, Patient Advocate, Author & Website Founder
Page last updated: November 7, 2023
Beth just emailed me about her husband’s problematic recovery from heart surgery. She writes, “Hi Adam – My husband had heart valve replacement surgery (from mitral valve prolapse with regurgitation) two months ago. Since then, he seems to be experiencing some emotional and behavioral changes after heart surgery. Although his heart is doing great, Erik seems to be “a little down” and somewhat “out of it” since the heart surgery. Any thoughts? Thanks, Beth.”
How Long Until Patients Regain Consciousness After Open Heart Surgery?
By Adam Pick on September 12, 2008
I just clicked on an email from Esther that reads, “Hi Adam – How long does it take for patients to regain consciousness after open heart surgery? I am preparing for the replacement of my mitral valve due to my worn out and prolapsed mitral valve. I’m just curious to know how long I’ll be unconscious, under general anesthesia. Thanks. Esther.”
“Do You Lose Weight After Heart Surgery?” Asks Sally
By Adam Pick on September 12, 2008
Upcoming Surgeries
Valerie Allen
Aortic Stenosis
April 18, 2024
Kevin Hornaday
Aortic Regurgitation
April 18, 2024
Daneen Douglas
Aortic Stenosis
April 22, 2024
Surgeon Spotlight
Dr. Alfredo Trento is a heart valve expert having performed over 4,000 heart valve repair and replacement operations during his career.
