Patient Stories Blog - Page 8

By Adam Pick

For His 40th Birthday Present, Matt Unwraps A Mechanical Aortic Valve & Aortic Root Replacement

By Adam Pick on June 13, 2011

When diagnosed with a life threatening illness, such as severe heart valve disease, patients often confront uncomfortable emotions. Personally, I remember feelings of fear, anxiety and confusion. How me manage those emotions is often a test of our character, our courage, our self and our love for life.

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Judy Receives Over 1,110 Comments At HeartValveJournals.com!

By Adam Pick on June 4, 2011

In my opinion, this is quite inspiring and extraordinary…

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Bill Gets Successful Aortic Root & Aortic Valve Replacement Surgery, Thanks To Margarita And Dr. Stewart

By Adam Pick on May 22, 2011

It is an unexpected privilege and honor to support the patients and the caregivers of this community.

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After Aortic Valve Replacement, David Recommends Cardiac Rehab, The Incision Shield & Dr. Somers

By Adam Pick on May 17, 2011

I really enjoy hearing from patients after their heart valve procedures. Their stories are often filled with inspiration and unique patient perspective. For example, here is a recent email from David Hooper following his aortic valve replacement surgery.

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“Sarah Is ‘Mad As Hell’ But Doing Great After Heart Valve Surgery!” Says Pam

By Adam Pick on March 18, 2011

For those of you following the story of 5-year old Sarah Weir… I have great news to share!!!

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Big 5th Birthday Wishes And Heart Valve Prayers For Sarah!

By Adam Pick on March 10, 2011

When we started HeartValveJournals.com, our social network, I didn’t know what to expect. But now, 15 months later, I am constantly touched, moved and inspired by the patients and the caregivers who openly share their hearts in this special community.

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Don’t Miss Barbara Walters’ Heart Surgery Special: A Matter of Life & Death!

By Adam Pick on February 4, 2011

Thanks to Becky, I just learned that Barbara Walters is hosting a special program about heart surgery titled, “A Matter of Life & Death”. The show will air on ABC at 10pm (EST), Friday, February 4.

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Charles Schwab Undergoes Heart Valve Replacement Surgery

By Adam Pick on December 27, 2010

With the exception of Barbara Walters’ heart valve surgery in May, this year was relatively quiet for public figures needing heart valve repair or heart valve replacement operations. However, our list of “well-known patients” did expand during the final week of 2010.

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Inspiration Overload… Compliments Of The Iron Heart Racing Team

By Adam Pick on December 23, 2010

No need to preface this… Prepare for patient inspiration.

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Bob Uecker Requires Heart Valve Re-Operation Due To Infection

By Adam Pick on October 19, 2010

Considering our recent discussion about heart valve re-operations, often referred to as “Re-Dos”, I wanted to wish Bob Uecker a very successful surgery today. If you didn’t know, Bob Uecker — who was anointed  “Mr. Baseball” by Johnny Carson — will undergo his second heart valve surgery during the past six months.

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Before & After: Monique Gets A Much-Needed Mitral Valve Repair

By Adam Pick on October 9, 2010

Monique just sent me two, very interesting pictures of her mitral valve – before and after surgery. I thought you might like to see these pictures as they illustrate the challenges of heart valve disease and the opportunities of heart valve treatment. The procedure was performed by Dr. David Adams at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City.

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George Receives Motherly Miracle In The Form Of Dr. Gaudiani

By Adam Pick on October 9, 2010

A few months ago, I received a very difficult phone call from George Avakian who resides in Northern California.

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After Surgical Stroke & Three Heart Valve Replacements, Kirk’s Triathlon Passion Continues!

By Adam Pick on September 21, 2010

I just received an extraordinary email about Kirk Rose from his daughter, Angela. If anybody needs inspiration before or after heart valve surgery, I encourage you to read this:

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Remote Second Opinion Changes Anne’s Surgical Approach

By Adam Pick on September 17, 2010

One of the ongoing themes in this blog focuses on patient advocacy — before, during and after surgery. Specific to this point, I just received an interesting letter from Anne about second opinions, patient research, chest incisions and surgeon selection. In her note, Anne writes to me:

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Video: After Valve Replacement, Barbara Walters Returns To The View!

By Adam Pick on September 8, 2010

Great news! We have another patient success story!

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After Double Heart Valve Repair, Cindy Hikes The Grand Tetons!

By Adam Pick on September 3, 2010

Cindy just sent me this great email. Given her unique story, I thought you might really enjoy it.

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After Mitral Valve Replacement, Don Flies Hooch To Safety

By Adam Pick on August 29, 2010

Some really interesting patient stories continue to fill up my inbox. Here’s a great one from Don about his new mission saving dogs after mitral valve replacement.

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Before & After Heart Valve Surgery With… Chaz

By Adam Pick on August 27, 2010

I always enjoy reading patient success stories. However, this update really made me think, “Fannnnn-tasssss-tic!”. Specifically, I like the way Chaz utilizes a “Before and After” approach to describe his heart valve replacement experience:

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In Memory of Lori (Updated)

By Adam Pick on August 19, 2010

These are the hardest posts to write. As the sadness is overwhelming my fingertips, I’ll be brief.

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Baby Victor Is Back Home In El Salvador!

By Adam Pick on August 13, 2010

For those of you who have been keeping track of Baby Victor’s heart surgery journey, I have great news to share!

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Newest Community Post

Ana says, "Lifting up in prayers Susan Scheen for a"
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Peyton says, "7 days post op and Im feeling more and"
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Roger says, "I just find out I need a mitral valve"
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