Patient Stories Blog - Page 13
By Adam Pick
Iraqi President, Jalal Talabani, Has Heart Valve Surgery At Mayo Clinic
By Adam Pick on August 15, 2008
The list of political figures having heart valve surgery continues to grow. In addition to Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and former Senator Jessie Helms, I just learned that Iraqi President, Jalal Talabani, was discharged Thursday from the Mayo Clinic after undergoing successful surgery on a heart valve.
Golfing, Heart Surgery And Dennis’ Hole-In-One
By Adam Pick on August 13, 2008
I stunk at golf before heart surgery. Really, in thinking about it, that might be an understatement. Now, it is several years after my open heart surgery.
Gail’s Pounding Heartbeat Question Triggers A Memory
By Adam Pick on August 9, 2008
There are some things about my aortic valve replacement surgery that I will never, ever, never, ever, nehhhhh-verrrrr forget. (To learn more, click here.)
From ICU Nurse To ICU Patient To Cardiac Depression… Carol’s Story
By Adam Pick on August 9, 2008
I just received this wildly coincidental email from Carol. It’s amazing to read about Carol’s perspective on heart valve surgery, considering she was formerly an intensive care unit (ICU) nurse. Here is what she wrote:
Frustration, Nerves, Leaking Heart Valves, Test Results And Non-Surgical Options
By Adam Pick on August 9, 2008
Dan, from California, wrote me an interesting email that I could relate to whole-heartedly. Here is Dan’s email and my response:
“No-Blood” Open Heart Surgery For Jehovah’s Witnesses… For Cindi’s Mom
By Adam Pick on August 9, 2008
It doesn’t matter what sex you are, what race you are, what country you are from or what religion you are… Heart valve disease has and will continue to impact most segments of the population.
After Aortic Valve Replacement, Dean Gets ‘Cheesecake Factory’ Delivered To Colorado Hospital
By Adam Pick on August 2, 2008
I’m incredibly lucky to receive touching and memorable letters from heart valve surgery patients and caregivers all over the world. In particular, I consider it a special honor when one of my book readers includes me on his or her email list during their heart surgery recovery.
Like Many Patients, Jim Lehrer Is Very Thankful After A Successful Aortic Valve Replacement Operation
By Adam Pick on July 13, 2008
You just don’t know how good you have it until life offers you a great, big piece of Humble Pie, right?
Beyond The David Procedure For… David
By Adam Pick on June 15, 2008
After two heart surgeries in six days (yes, you read that right), David Barnes has quite the tale to tell. That said, I thought you might like to hear more about this inspirational and educational patient success story.
“How To Tell Your Kids About Heart Surgery?” Asks Jerry
By Adam Pick on June 7, 2008
Every so often I receive a fantastic question that is impossible for me to answer.
Washington Senator, Dan Swecker, To Undergo Heart Valve Replacement Surgery
By Adam Pick on May 30, 2008
The vice chairman of the state Senate minority caucus, Republican Dan Swecker of Rochester, is in the hospital with a heart problem. Swecker’s staff say he was taken to Providence St. Peter Hospital in Olympia, Washington by ambulance after what seemed to be a heart attack Saturday night.
Ali’s 12 Night Hospital Stay With Her Mom, After Aortic Valve Replacment Surgery
By Adam Pick on May 22, 2008
I first met Ali, from Northern California, a few months ago. Her mother had been diagnosed with severe aortic stenosis and needed heart valve replacement. To learn more about narrowed heart valves, click here.
Patient Update: Geoff On Heart Surgery Cost & Health Insurance
By Adam Pick on May 1, 2008
One set of recurring questions I receive from patients and caregivers relate to the costs of heart valve surgery and bypass operations. The questions typically go something like, “How much does a heart surgery cost?” or “How much does open heart surgery cost in the USA versus India?” or “How much will my insurance cover – including all the hospital costs, surgeon fees and anesthesia fees?”
After Cancer and Heart Valve Surgery, Sara Recovers With Lucyfur
By Adam Pick on April 29, 2008
First, she had cancer as a child. After chemotherapy and radiation, she won that battle.
In Memory Of Connie Stone (1959 – 2004), Our Prayers Are With You
By Adam Pick on April 26, 2008
This is a tough moment.
Guest Blog: Lil’ Taylor’s Heart-Warming Tale
By Adam Pick on April 16, 2008
Again, I find myself touched by another heart surgery success story. Last week it was eighty-three year old John DeFalco that inspired me after his aortic valve replacement operation. This week, it is all about Taylor, a two-year old with that needed cardiac bypass surgery.
Debbie Takes Her New Valve Back To Edwards Lifesciences
By Adam Pick on April 2, 2008
A little over a month ago, I visited Edwards Lifesciences to tour its heart valve manufacturing museum and learn more about Edwards’ heart valve replacement devices (pig valve transplants, cow valves, minimally invasive technologies).
At 83 Years Young, John DeFalco Is “Bored” With His Recovery
By Adam Pick on March 25, 2008
Given my recent blog about heart valve surgery in patients over eighty, I thought you might like to read about John DeFalco from Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.
Aortic Aneurysm & Ross Operation Does Not Stop John Turan!
By Adam Pick on March 24, 2008
This is the courageous, patient story of John Turan. As you will read, John had a triple-whammy heart surgery – a Ross Operation (aortic and pulmonary valve replacements) AND his ascending aorta was replaced due to an aneurysm.
“My Momma Always Said… Valve Surgery Is Like A Box Of Chocolates.”
By Adam Pick on March 12, 2008
Yes, Forrest Gump is one of my favorite movies.
Upcoming Surgeries
Susan Scheen
Aortic Stenosis
November 21, 2024
Ellie H
Mitral Regurgitation
November 22, 2024
Alicia Albrecht
Aortic Stenosis
November 27, 2024
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