Recovery Blog - Page 9
By Adam Pick
What Musculoskeletal Issues Might Heart Surgery Patients Experience?
By Adam Pick on October 26, 2007
If there is one thing I know about going through heart valve surgery… you learn a lot about your body. From the moment you are diagnosed with the need to have heart valve replacement or heart valve repair, new words, new terms and new acronyms start flying in one ear and out the other.
Keeping Your Heart Surgery Recovery On Track With Recovery Milestones
By Adam Pick on October 13, 2007
Alright. You’ve made it through the surgery and your new or repaired valves are doing great!! You’re out of the hospital. Finally…you’re home. The recovery is ready to begin!
“What About Driving After Heart Surgery?” Asks Susie
By Adam Pick on October 7, 2007
A great question just came in specific to driving after heart surgery. The question reads, “Hi Adam – Great website! Quick question. When can I drive after heart surgery? Thanks, Susie!”
Numb Hands And Feet After Heart Surgery
By Adam Pick on September 26, 2007
Every once in a while, I receive an email that triggers a distinct memory from my heart surgery recovery. As you may have read in my story, I had a double heart valve replacement at the age of thirty-three in Los Angeles by Dr. Vaughn Starnes at USC.
Vicodin Addiction And Heart Surgery… Beware!
By Adam Pick on September 22, 2007
I’m just getting back from dinner at my mother-in-law’s house. Bonnie really is such a great cook! She made this cheese, blintz souflee that was yummm-eeeeee.
Are Infections Common During or After Heart Valve Surgery?
By Adam Pick on September 18, 2007
Earlier today, I received an email with a pretty interesting question that reads, “Do you have any statistics about heart valve operations and whether or not surgery infection is common?”
My Chest Scar After Open Heart Surgery
By Adam Pick on September 5, 2007
On Monday, Labor Day, I chose to really enjoy myself. So, I did one of my favorite things…
What About Sex After Heart Valve Surgery?
By Adam Pick on September 1, 2007
During my recovery from aortic and pulmonary valve replacements, there were many memorable experiences. There were “highs” during my recovery – my engagement to Robyn. And, there were “lows” during my recovery – cardiac depression.
Are “Do It Yourself” Cardiac Rehabilitation Programs Available?
By Adam Pick on August 31, 2007
I must admit. Entering Torrance Memorial Cardiac Rehab Program was the turning point in my recovery from aortic and pulmonary heart valve replacements (known as the Ross Procedure). That said, I am a big, huge, tremendous fan of finding a good cardiac rehabilitation program following open heart surgery.
Heart Palpitations… What Can You Do?
By Adam Pick on August 30, 2007
It was six months after my aortic and pulmonary valve replacements (known as the Ross Procedure). I was back at work sitting at my desk when….
What Is It Like Recovering From Aortic Valve Surgery?
By Adam Pick on August 26, 2007
One of the most common questions I receive about heart valve surgery focuses on the “recovery”. As you can read in my story, I had a special type of aortic valve surgery known as the Ross Procedure.
What Should I Know About Flying After Open Heart Surgery?
By Adam Pick on August 25, 2007
Earlier this year, I interviewed 78 patients about their heart surgery experience. Most of those patients had open heart surgery – including heart valve replacement surgery and heart valve repair operations.
Pumphead And Cardiac Depression… What Should Patients Know?
By Adam Pick on August 21, 2007
I’ll never forget the first time I heard the phrase “Pumphead”. I was interviewing a former patient about her heart valve surgery experience for my book.
Should I Use A Heart Rate Monitor After Open Heart Surgery?
By Adam Pick on August 21, 2007
Leading up to my heart valve surgery, I had always been active and athletic. From soccer to surfing, I really enjoy sports. Mostly, I think I like being outside. But, I also like the endorphin rush after a good run, swim or hike.
How Sore Are Your Chest Muscles After Heart Surgery?
By Adam Pick on August 18, 2007
Every so often I receive an email that really makes me remember my heart valve surgery experience, especially the recovery.
Foods For People That Had Open Heart Surgery
By Adam Pick on August 18, 2007
One of the many things I love about life is… Food.
What About Respirators After Open Heart Surgery?
By Adam Pick on August 14, 2007
A greeeeaaaaaaaaaaat question just came in about waking up in the ICU. It reads, “Adam, when I come to (wake up) in the intensive care unit will I be on respirators after open heart surgery.”
What Does An Xray Of Sternum After Open Heart Surgery Look Like?
By Adam Pick on August 14, 2007
In prior posts and discussion, I have called open heart surgery a medical miracle. The fact that a surgeon can open you, stop your heart, fix it, start it again and then stitch you up is, in my opinion, AMAZING!!
Cardiac Rehabilitation Program – Patient Recovery Tip!
By Adam Pick on August 10, 2007
Hey everybody,
The Realities of Cardiac Depression after Open Heart Surgery
By Adam Pick on August 2, 2007
I just received an interesting email from Carol that directly relates to heart surgery recovery. Carol writes, “Hi Adam – My husband had mitral valve replacement three weeks ago. I’m curious… Did you experience depression after heart valve surgery? Is it common for patients to experience cardiac depression following heart valve repair or heart valve replacement?”
New Patient Posts
Julie says, "12 days post op and just had first sneezes. That was..."
Antony says, "Has anyone had a re-do of their valve replacement? I..."
Rich says, "Feeling good today. Tomorrow, probably not so much <..."
Surgeon Spotlight
Dr. Duc Thinh Pham is a leading cardiac surgeon at Northwestern Medicine who has performed over 4,000 cardiac surgeries including more than 1,000 heart valve repair and replacement procedures.
