One of the critcal learnings from my heart valve surgery experience was:
The patient (or their caregiver) must, at times, be tenacious. We must, at times, ask questions that may or may not be silly. We must, at times, stand up for ourselves and our hearts. Ultimately… we must, at all times, be our own, best advocate.
I am reminded [...]

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Together, as patients and caregivers, we’ve learned that the human heart can do some odd things after valve repair and valve replacement surgery. In particular, the heart can pound a little louder, the heart can beat a little faster and, if you received a mechanical valve replacement, the heart might make a clicking noise.
That said, [...]

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There is nooooooooooo doubt about it…
That first sneeze after open heart surgery can be quite uncomfortable. To help you manage the need to sneeze, Nerida just sent me an interesting recovery tip.

She writes, “Hi Adam, I am three and a half weeks post op from an aortic valve replacement with a mechanical valve. I feel [...]

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Although heart valve surgery can be a very challenging process, my research suggests that most patients look back upon their surgical experience as a transformational ticket to a “second chance” at life.
That said… Here is Robin Williams, the comedian and Oscar-award winning actor, describing his thoughts on heart valve surgery, the emotions it conjures, second [...]

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I just received a great question from Sandra about heart valve disease, enlarged hearts and valve surgery.
Sandra writes, “Hi Adam, I read that you had an enlarged heart before your surgery. I was wondering if it has returned to normal size since the surgery?  I had mitral valve repair due to severe mitral regurgitation and [...]

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