Recovery Blog - Page 8
By Adam Pick
Getting In-And-Out Of Bed… Some Ouch!
By Adam Pick on April 29, 2008
I just received an interesting question from Elias. It reads, “Dear Adam – I am scheduled for aortic valve surgery (via the Ross Procedure) May 12, in New York City. My wife wants to know if I will be able to get in-and-out of the bed by myself when I get home. My surgeon claims this should not be a problem. I am 60 years old and in good health. Please reply. Thank you, Elias”
After Allergic Reaction, Jeff’s Heart Surgery Recovery Is Filled With Walks
By Adam Pick on April 27, 2008
Over the past few weeks, I have received two emails from heart surgery patients which experienced interesting, allergic reactions while in the hospital during their valve replacement surgeries. As you will read below, Jeff had an allergic reaction specific to the adhesives used in the surgical patches.
Joanne’s Incentive Spirometer Trick
By Adam Pick on April 12, 2008
If anyone knows that laughter is the best medicine, it might just be Joanne Harris.
I Used A Great Scar Cream Called Mederma…
Written By: Adam Pick, Patient Advocate, Author & Website Founder
Page last updated: November 7, 2023
I just received a great, often-overlooked question from Tim who asks, “Hey Adam – I just saw the pictures of your chest scar after heart surgery. I’m curious to know… Did you use any special creams or gels to assist in the incision healing?”
Pssst… Don’t Forget About The 24 Hour Pharmacy
Written By: Adam Pick, Patient Advocate, Author & Website Founder
Page last updated: November 7, 2023
The incision on my chest was throbbing.
Homecoming Question – What About Walking Up And Down Stairs?
By Adam Pick on March 24, 2008
I met Carolyn, a heart valve surgery patient, last Tuesday. We chatted on the phone about her bicuspid aortic valve and her upcoming surgery. Carolyn is currently doing her diligence on surgeons. That said, we talked alot about the process of how to find the right surgeon and how to interview your surgeon.
Weightlifting After Open Heart Valve Surgery
By Adam Pick on March 24, 2008
I was recently asked by Doug, a patient preparing for heart valve replacement, “Have you been weightlifting after open heart surgery?”
The Patient Need To Communicate After Heart Surgery
By Adam Pick on March 21, 2008
It was my third day in the hospital. I just had my aortic valve replaced.
True or False: After Heart Surgery, Patients Should Pre-Medicate Before Seeing The Dentist
By Adam Pick on February 16, 2008
Don’t be so quick to answer “true” to the above question.
Multiple Choice Question: Waking Up With The Vent Tube Still In Is…
Written By: Adam Pick, Patient Advocate, Author & Website Founder
Page last updated: April 28, 2024
Heart Valve Surgery Pop Quiz Time!!!
Guest Blog: Dr. Eric Roselli (The Cleveland Clinic) Comments On Reoperative Valve Surgery Due To Problematic Stitches
By Adam Pick on February 13, 2008
I recently received a great question from Jennifer (a caregiver) who is researching heart valve surgery options for her mother-in-law. Specifically, Jennifer wanted to know more about valve reoperations due to undone (loose) stitches around a replacement valve.
Open Heart Surgery Diagram After Chest Incision And Sternotomy
By Adam Pick on February 12, 2008
Every few days, I see a picture or image on the Internet that REALLY captures my attention. Many times, those pictures are diagrams and illustrations that relate to heart valve surgery.
True or False: I Lost My Job Because Of Heart Valve Surgery
By Adam Pick on January 23, 2008
Yesterday, I received a fearful email from Janice – a very concerned caregiver and mother. Janice’s daughter is preparing for heart valve surgery.
Aloha! Now, Sunblock Your Chest Scar Incision!
By Adam Pick on January 22, 2008
One of my readers / friends, Taylor Browning, is traveling to Hawaii for a vacation with his wife Michelle. (If you want to learn about an amazing recovery from aortic valve & root replacement, click to read Taylor’s inspiring heart surgery recovery.)
“Do You Have Stamina After Heart Surgery?” Asks Brad
By Adam Pick on December 16, 2007
Earlier today, I received an email from Brad Mueller. Brad is preparing to have the Ross Procedure (aortic and pulmonary valve replacement) in early January, 2008.
Fluid In Lungs After Heart Valve Surgery?
By Adam Pick on December 13, 2007
Earlier today, I received an email from Stacey Ballan, a caregiver. Stacey’s mom recently had heart valve replacement surgery. Inside her email, there was a very interesting question that brought back memories of a minor minor heart valve surgery complication that I experienced.
Best Piece Of Advice… Watch Out For That First Sneeze!!!
By Adam Pick on November 17, 2007
One of the most common questions I receive is, “What is the best piece of advice for heart valve surgery patients preparing for their recovery from heart valve replacement or heart valve repair?”
Chest Xray Of Mechanical Valve & Sternum Wires
By Adam Pick on November 16, 2007
So I’m surfing the Internet last night when I come across Michael C’s blog, “The Wonderful World Of Nothing Worthwhile”. Great name for a blog, right?
Running After Heart Valve Surgery
By Adam Pick on November 6, 2007
In my humble opinion, developing recovery milestones is a critical, often over-looked, element of heart valve surgery recovery. As patients heal following surgery, many experience perceived or actual heart valve complications. To learn more about complications post-op, click here.
Broken Sternum Recovery… And, The Pain
By Adam Pick on October 31, 2007
I approach this topic with delicate care.
New Patient Posts
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Jeff says, "25 years this July since my first Ross procedure and..."
Surgeon Spotlight
Dr. Trento is a world-renowned heart valve surgeon that has performed over 4,000 heart valve repair and replacement operations that include minimally-invasive techniques.
