Patient Stories Blog - Page 9
By Adam Pick
Greg and Dr. Stewart Complete Triathlon… Together!!!
By Adam Pick on July 22, 2010
As Dr. Allan Stewart wrote to me, “We did it!”
Guest Blog: Dr. Stewart & I “Tri” Our Hearts Out!
By Adam Pick on July 11, 2010
[Update: Please note that Dr. Allan Stewart no longer practices at Columbia University Medical Center.]
Recovery Update: Barbara Walters To Re-Appear On “The View” This Monday, July 12
By Adam Pick on July 9, 2010
For those of you following the heart valve replacement recovery of Barbara Walters… I just learned that Barbara Walters will appear on “The View” this Monday, July 12, eight weeks after surgery.
Steve’s Top 7 Tips For Patients!
By Adam Pick on July 3, 2010
I just received this insightful email from Steve, who recently had heart valve surgery. I thought you might really enjoy it… So, here it is:
You Are Helping Save Victor’s Life!!!
By Adam Pick on June 30, 2010
On March 31, we donated $5,000 to the Gift of Life charity to help children born with heart defects. The donation was raised thanks to (i) purchases of my book and (ii) sponsorships from surgeons, clinics and medical device manufacturers.
Kato Pomer, 92, Has A New Lease On Life Thanks To… The MitraClip
By Adam Pick on June 3, 2010
At 92, Kato Pomer recently became one of the oldest, highest-risk patients to receive the MitraClip, a new minimally invasive treatment for severe mitral regurgitation, at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.
Medical Tourism Update: Ros Travels To India For Mitral Valve Repair
By Adam Pick on May 27, 2010
In a very short time, Heart Valve Journals has become an online epicenter of patient-to-patient communication specific to heart valve surgery. Using this free Internet tool, patients can share their experiences while engaging in meaningful discussions with other patients around the world.
Bob Uecker, 75, Recovering From Heart Valve Surgery
By Adam Pick on May 4, 2010
In 2009, the global news wires were filled with stories about public figures undergoing heart valve surgery. As you might recall, Robin Williams, Barbara Bush, Ed Koch, Elizabeth Taylor and many other well-known people had heart valve repair or heart valve replacement surgery last year.
Chiropractor, Richard Schmidt, Anxiously Awaits Skiing and Gardening As His Sternum Heals
By Adam Pick on April 30, 2010
I just came across a fantastic email from Dr. Richard Schmidt which touches on the unique, patient process of healing. As you can read below, Dr. Schmidt recently had double heart valve repair and is anxiously awaiting a fully healed sternum to resume his life passions. Here is what Richard wrote to me:
Together, We Have Saved A Child’s Life!
By Adam Pick on April 23, 2010
I just received a very memorable letter from Kenneth Fogel, Chair of Gift of Life. First, Ken’s letter thanked us for our recent $5,000 donation to Gift of Life. If you didn’t know, Gift of Life is a special, charitable organization that addresses the medical needs of children who suffer from congenital heart defects.
Danielle Is “Thrilled” With Dad’s Heart Valve Replacement Result
By Adam Pick on April 21, 2010
Waking up to a fresh cup of coffee and a patient success story is a wonderful way to start the day. That said, I just received this great story about Danielle Curcio and her father, Bill Mordarski.
Penny’s “Roller Coaster Recovery” Slows Down After Double Heart Valve Repair
By Adam Pick on April 11, 2010
I just read in her Heart Valve Journal that Penny McIntosh has seen her recovery get “back on track” after a few post-operative complications including atrial fibrillation and fluid in her lungs. As you may know, Penny had mitral and tricuspid valve repairs and a MAZE procedure performed on February 26, 2010.
Pregnancy Update: With Bicuspid Valve, Melinda Welcomes Baby Alex To The World!
By Adam Pick on April 10, 2010
I often receive questions about pregnancy concerns from women wanting to have children before or after heart valve surgery. That said, here is an update from Melinda Hacker, a bicuspid aortic valve patient who just welcomed Alex, her new son, to the world:
Thanks To Dr. Accola, Scott Gets Successful Valve Reoperation
By Adam Pick on April 10, 2010
Sometimes, the patient success stories I receive are so interesting, they need no introduction. That said, I hope you enjoy Scott’s unique story:
Beautiful Waves Inspire Paul To Endure Heart Valve Surgery
By Adam Pick on April 2, 2010
Lately, a wonderful email is going around the Internet about the wave photography of Clark Little, a Hawaiian photographer and surfer. Each time I see the email, I am excited to click on it. And, each time, I end up sighing, “Wowwwwwwwwwwww”, as I scroll through the magical pictures.
Guided Imagery Helps Sam Prepare For Heart Valve Surgery
By Adam Pick on March 24, 2010
As we have learned together, there are several strategies and tactics that patients can use to best prepare for their heart valve surgery. Specific to this point, I just received an insightful email from Sam Swerdlow about using guided imagery CDs prior to surgery. Here is what Sam wrote:
“Looking Back To See How Far I’ve Come” By Amy Machtay
By Adam Pick on March 21, 2010
I recently launched a new section of this website called Heart Valve Journals. This interactive tool was designed to help patients, families and friends communicate before-and-after heart surgery. Already, several hundred people have signed up for this free service.
After Mitral Valve Repair, Ashish Gets Past Constipation To Feel “Endless Love”
By Adam Pick on March 20, 2010
It feels great to wake up, turn on the computer, click my inbox and open a patient success story.
Patient Spotlight: After Ups And Downs, Beverly Simmons Turns 83 In The Hospital
By Adam Pick on March 12, 2010
I just wanted to send my thoughts and prayers to Beverly Simmons of Fullerton, California, as she continues her early recovery at St. Jude’s hospital.
