I just received a great question from Jenny about sleep after heart valve surgery.
Jenny writes, “Adam, I had mitral valve replacement seven days ago for regurgitation. I’m struggling a bit as I deal with the some of the post-operative challenges you address in your book. I’m really having an issue getting a good night of [...]

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As you may have seen, the recent post, Did You Travel For Heart Valve Surgery?, has generated a lot of interest and response - as over 25 patients and caregivers have commented.
I have also received several emails from patients wanting to know more about traveling to The Cleveland Clinic for heart valve repair and heart [...]

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I guess this patient success story would classify as ironic.
According to The Scottish Sun, a vegetarian teenager from Scotland, who was suffering from a rare cardiac condition, is now being kept alive by a pig heart valve replacement.
Robyn Cairney, 18, of Ruckazie, Glasgow was diagnosed with aortic stenosis and regurgitation after she collapsed at the [...]

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I just received a great question from Carol about traveling for heart valve surgery.
She writes, “I have concerns about choosing a hospital that is highly regarded for valve replacement surgery but out of town. Have any of your readers traveled significant distances for their surgeries? Were there any problems? How did they handle follow-ups? Thanks, [...]

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If you ever wanted to learn more about the Ross Procedure, this is the place to do it. The second-annual Ross Procedure Summit kicks off in Atlanta today. Here are the details:
Elite cardiovascular surgeons from around the world will travel to suburban Atlanta this week for the two-day Ross Procedure Summit to review and discuss [...]

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In these tough economic times, Robyn (my wife) and I are doing our best to cut, or trim, all unnecessary expenses.

That said, I recently contacted Time Warner Cable (888-892-2253) to see if they would reduce my monthly tv, Internet and phone bill.

After talking with Tami, the customer service representative, she informed me that there was [...]

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Research has shown that the mere physical act of smiling, without actually feeling like it, triggers internal biological reactions that stimulate emotions and contribute to a better mood – in you and others.
In other words, when you feel down, fake a big fat smile and you will lighten up automatically. But be careful, it also [...]

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I just received an email from Kevin about the use of recliners after heart valve surgery.
Kevin writes, “Hi Adam - At 58 years of age, it’s finally time to get the valve fixed. My aortic stenosis is now severe so I’m preparing for the surgery - both mentally and physically. One quick question for you… [...]

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Last week, I posted the first part of a great video by Dr. Gaudiani all about surgical outcomes for heart valve surgery patients.
Here is the second part of that video. By the way, if you would like to watch the first part of the video, please click here.
 
FYI, I was fortunate to speak with [...]

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The University of Michigan Cardiovascular Center just released a rather troubling study about patients who are  diagnosed with mitral regurgitation and do not receive surgical treatment. I guess this is one more reason why second opinions are so valuable. Here are the details:
Overblown fears about (i) surgical risk and (ii) lack of awareness about the [...]

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