Patient Stories Blog - Page 5
By Adam Pick
From Ocular Migraines to Heart Valve Repair, This is Jim’s Story
By Adam Pick on June 4, 2015
Together, we’ve learned a lot about the symptoms of heart valve disease. We’ve also learned that many patients have no symptoms. That said, getting a proper diagnosis for any type of valvular disorder can be a bit tricky and, in some situations, quite dangerous.
Linda “Gets Her Life Back” After Mitral Valve & Maze Procedure
By Adam Pick on March 16, 2015
The highlight of my day is meeting and spending time with patients. I love hearing their stories. I love getting to know them. I often find myself in awe and then tears after listening to their inspirational stories.
Special Announcement: “Patient Day 2015” to be Hosted by Edwards Lifesciences on March 13
By Adam Pick on March 9, 2015
This is pretty darn awesome! If you are the recipient of an Edwards Lifesciences valve or repair ring, here’s a really neat community event that I want to share with you.
Patient Success Story: Shannon Delivers Baby Ava After A Mechanical Valve Replacement!
By Adam Pick on November 8, 2014
There is nothing better than a great patient success story. So, when I received this update from Shannon about babies, bicuspid aortic valves, mechanical valve replacements and Coumadin, I just had to post it. Here is what Shannon wrote to me…
In Memory of Robin Williams, Oscar Winning Actor & Fellow Heart Valve Patient
By Adam Pick on August 12, 2014
Just last week, I was talking to Paul, my neighbor, about our ‘Top 5 Actors’ of all time. With movies like Good Will Hunting, Dead Poets Society, Good Morning Vietnam, and The World According to Garp, the comedian and Oscar-award winning actor, Robin Williams topped my list.
Mark Runs ‘Better Than Ever’, Thanks To Dr. Roselli
By Adam Pick on June 18, 2014
There really is nothing better than patient success stories. So, when Mark Ridder copied me on this email to Dr. Eric Roselli, his surgeon, I thought, “Woot! Woot! Go Mark! Go!” 🙂
After 7 Heart Surgeries, Liver Failure & Kidney Failure, Irvin Is Beyond Thankful For Dr. Shemin
By Adam Pick on May 14, 2014
If you didn’t know, I moderate all of the patient recommendations we receive at our Surgeon Finder. Earlier today, I saw a testimonial from Irvin that made me think, “That’s incredible! I gotta share this with our community!”
This HVJ Gang Reunites In Florida… Again!
By Adam Pick on April 1, 2014
As Spring approaches, there is much to get excited about… The return of warm weather, long days full of sunshine, family trips, baseball, barbecues, blooming flowers, and the joy of being outside.
Guest Blog: 25 Tips To Prepare Women For Heart Surgery
By Adam Pick on March 27, 2014
Every so often, I receive a patient email that makes me think, “Holy Moly! I need to share this with our community!”
Thanks to Jessie and Max, JoyJars Bring Smiles to Children with Cancer and Heart Disease
By Adam Pick on January 18, 2014
We all encounter challenges in life. Some are small. Some are big. And, some are devastating. How we respond to those challenges is up to us. We have a choice. Some of us retreat. Others rise above.
Special Patient Update: Little AJ’s Wish Comes True
By Adam Pick on December 18, 2013
In 41 years of life, I had never experienced a wish-granting ceremony by Make-A-Wish.
Brian’s Guest Post: Life Beyond Heart Valve Surgery, Pulling Together a Running Team
By Adam Pick on November 21, 2013
When I joined Heart Valve Journals in September of 2012, I had really one thing in mind, “Could I continue running til surgery and after surgery would I be back to where I was at?” In June, I was told that I needed to have surgery but decided not to fully believe that since I had no symptoms that I could see and was running 20-30 miles a week, completed a half marathon just months before and was planning a full marathon in November.
Medical Mission Update: In The Dominican Republic, Four Patients Get A “Second Chance” At Life
Written By: Adam Pick, Patient Advocate, Author & Website Founder
Published: November 8, 2013
I recently traveled from Los Angeles to the Dominican Republic for a medical mission to treat patients with heart valve disease. Since I had never been on a mission, I didn’t know what to expect. After the mission, I can share that this five-day event altered my perception of human kindness. I was touched, moved and inspired by the patients, their families, the nurses and the doctors who came together for this extraordinary mission.
John Fox, Denver Broncos Head Coach, Scheduled for Aortic Valve Replacement
By Adam Pick on November 3, 2013
Since launching this website in 2006, I have followed the heart valve procedures of many public figures including Robin Williams, Barbara Walters, Ed Koch, and Barbara Bush.
“Can a Physically Demanding Job Cause an Early Onset of Heart Valve Disease?” Asks Jerry
By Adam Pick on October 1, 2013
I just received an interesting question from Jerry. In his email, Jerry writes, “Adam, I’m 53 and a recent mitral valve repair and aortic valve replacement patient. My question is… Can a physically demanding profession – like wildland firefighting — contribute to, cause an early onset, or accelerate the development of valve disease in a previously healthy person?”
After Traveling from Louisville to Los Angeles… After A Valve Sparing Procedure by Dr. Starnes… Nathan and I Connect
By Adam Pick on August 23, 2013
Several weeks ago, I was fortunate to meet Nathan Higginbotham — a patient from Louisville, Kentucky who was diagnosed with aortic stenosis and an aortic aneurysm. During our phone call, I quickly sensed that Nathan had done his homework. He was asking all the right questions about his upcoming procedure.
My Thoughts & Prayers Are With Natalie!
By Adam Pick on June 27, 2013
There is nothing better than hearing from the patients and caregivers within our community.
Theresa Reaches Another Milestone In Her Recovery From Aortic Valve Replacement Surgery
By Adam Pick on May 31, 2013
As you might remember, Theresa LoMonaco shared a recovery update with us last July. Well, it’s ten months later, and Theresa has good news to share. Here is what she writes to me:
Joann Just Made My Day… My Year!
By Adam Pick on May 17, 2013
I really appreciate hearing from the patients and caregivers in our community. Your emails and your phone calls are beyond heart warming (pun intended). That said, I just received an update from Joann Heindorf, a 78-year old patient from Florida, that was simply… extraordinary.
Lil’ Victor Readies For 3rd Heart Surgery
By Adam Pick on April 28, 2013
In 2010, we donated $5,000 to the Gift of Life to help pay for the cardiac surgery of Victor Saravia, an incredibly cute, one-year old boy from El Salvador. The procedure — that was performed by Dr. John Morales at Driscoll Hospital at Corpus Cristi, Texas — was a success and Victor went home to his family.
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Surgeon Spotlight
Dr. Doolabh is a leading cardiac surgeon at UT Southwestern who specializes in minimally-invasive heart valve surgery.
