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After Aortic And Mitral Valve Surgery, Charles Revs Up The Motorhome

By Adam Pick on August 29, 2008

When I wake up in the morning, there is nothing better than opening an email like this... :)

Hello Adam,

As I am now in my 14th week since having heart surgery, I look back at my recovery with much appreciation. I was hospitalized in September, 2007 for shortness of breath and coughing up small amounts of blood. At that time, I was treated for congestive heart failure. My heart went back into rhythm and I was released.

Since I had a sixty-year history of heart rhythm problems, I was concerned. My cardiologist told me that it was not that bad and that I would someday just "die in my sleep". That was not very comforting to hear.

Heart valve patient in front of his motorhome

I spent eight months researching my condition. Specifically, I tried to find the right cardiologist and surgeon. I was fortunate to find the perfect team in Carson City, Nevada at the new Tahoe Regional Hospital. Doctor Anthony Fields was my cardiologist and Dr. Todd Chapman was my surgeon. They put together a great team. My peace of mind going into the surgery made it a lot easier to recover and keep a positive attitude.

During the surgery I was given:

a new mechanical aortic valve;
an annuloplasty ring on my mitral valve; and
a three-way bypass.

So you know, your heart valve book was the most helpful resource of all my research. Now, I am going to take a three-week trip in my motorhome with my wife! Thanks so much Adam!

Charles Harrall

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Written by Adam Pick
Patient & Website Founder

Written by Adam Pick - Patient & Website Founder

Adam Pick is a heart valve patient and author of The Patient's Guide To Heart Valve Surgery. In 2006, Adam founded HeartValveSurgery.com to educate and empower patients. This award-winning website has helped over 10 million people fight heart valve disease. Adam has been featured by the American Heart Association and Medical News Today.

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