Over the past few years, I have collected many insightful and inspirational quotes from patients about their heart valve surgery procedures. Personally, I learned A LOT from former patients as I prepared for my own aortic valve replacement. Receiving direct advice from patients really helped me understand the potential ups and downs of heart surgery.
That [...]

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Hmmmmmmmmmm.
Did Doctor Vaughn Starnes, one of the valve surgeon gurus, make a mistake when he performed minimally invasive heart valve replacement on Paul? Scroll down and read Paul’s email to find out why his incision scar is on the right side of his chest!

Hi Adam,
That first week after getting home from my surgery with Dr. [...]

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Every few days, I receive a detailed email that illustrates just how poorly patients can be prepared for the realities of cardiac surgery.
Case in point… Gloria just sent me a disappointing note about her double valve replacement (aortic, mitral) and valve repair (tricuspid). My face soured and my frustration level soared as I read about [...]

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Matthew has an interesting, video request…
He writes, “Adam - Thanks for your book and blog. I’m 47 years old and in the ‘waiting room’ right now. I have mitral valve prolapse (moderate mitral regurg). My cardiologist thinks I may need surgery within the next 1-2 years. Curious to know if you have any echocardiograms that [...]

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Laura Lee is getting ready for her valve surgery. In anticipation of her recovery, she asks me, “Would you please tell me how to use the incentive spirometer so I can start practicing? Thanks for everything! Laura Lee”

I was able to find some helpful instructions on how to use the incentive spirometer from the Cleveland [...]

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This email from Kenneth conjured up an ear-to-ear smile on my face.
As you can read below, Kenneth details the chronology to his best golf score ever. I guess bovine (cow) valve replacement and A-Fib helps your heart and your golf game!

Adam:

April 25, 2008: Aortic valve replacement (bovine)
April 30, [...]

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I just received a concerned email from Maya. It reads, “Dear Adam - Just getting home from the cardiologist. I was diagnosed with mild regurgitation in my mitral valve. I’m 45 and somewhat hysterical as I feel mostly fine. The doctor indicated that surgery may be required in the future. Do most patients with mild [...]

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It’s a troublesome, patient dilemma..
Your primary cardiologist says, “You need valve surgery right away!” However, you’re second-opinion says, “Hmmmm… I’m not so sure about surgery just yet. I’d hold off for now.”
What are you supposed to when your first- and second-opinion cardiologists are not on the same page? This is exactly what Susan is experiencing [...]

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This is a great, inspirational story about Lynn, mitral valve replacement and his bike. Lynn writes…
Hi Adam,
I’m a 69-year old male who had mitral valve replacement and triple bypass surgery on May 28th. I just returned from my 50th high school reunion in Sioux City, Iowa.

My high school buddy, our wives, and I rode [...]

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I was just reading a rather frightening article about women, cardiologists and heart disease at the Dayton Daily News.
I was shocked to read a few statistics about the the incredibly large number of women that have cardiovascular disease. Furthermore, the annual mortality rate from heart disease was equally disturbing.

Here are the statistics that forced me [...]

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