Woo-Whoo!!! My 15th Heart Valve Surgery Anniversary!!!

Written By: Adam Pick, Patient Advocate, Author & Website Founder
Page last updated: December 21, 2020

It's difficult to imagine that 15 years ago today... I was rolled into an operating room to replace my defective bicuspid aortic valve during open heart surgery.

Adam Pick - 15 Year Heart Valve Anniversary

Leading up to the surgery...

Many people told me I would be fine.

Many people told me I would "bounce back" after surgery.

Many people told me their thoughts and prayers were with me.

When I expressed my fears, anxiety and concerns about the surgery, a few people told me the reality of my situation... That aortic stenosis is a very dangerous disease that would take my life.

What no one told me, however, was that 15 years after surgery...

I would consider myself one of the luckiest people alive.

"Why would Adam say that?" you might be wondering.

There are so many reasons, I don't know where to start.

One of the BIG (and I mean BIG) reasons is the extra-ordinary people within the HeartValveSurgery.com community. If you're reading this right now... That means you!!!

I often tell people that HeartValveSurgery.com is one of the greatest flukes and most wonderful blessings of my life.

It's true.

When I started this blog, I never thought anybody would care. But, soon enough, to my surprise...

People, amazing people from all over the world, started to care.

Like me, they needed help. Like me, they wanted to be educated. Like me, they wanted to be listened to. And, like me, they wanted their voices to be heard.

The rest is darn good history.

If there is one thing I would like to share with you...

It is that I am incredibly thankful and humbled that you gave me a chance to be of service during this past 15 years.

It is a very special privilege to know you and support you in your time of need. It is an honor that I get to meet so many caring people - patients, family members, friends, doctors, physician assistants, nurses, medical teams, medical companies, scientists, researchers, etc. - who have united with a common cause.

It is a gift that I am able to channel our collective voices - yours and mine - to help others.

Lastly... If, by chance, you were just diagnosed with heart valve disease. Or, if you are now preparing for your surgery. If you are kinda like me 15 years ago. I want you to know that I am here for you. And, this community is here for you. Let us know how we can help!

Keep on tickin!
Adam

Written by Adam Pick - Patient & Website Founder

Written by Adam Pick - Patient & Website Founder

Adam Pick is a heart valve patient and author of The Patient's Guide To Heart Valve Surgery. In 2006, Adam founded HeartValveSurgery.com to educate and empower patients. This award-winning website has helped over 10 million people fight heart valve disease. Adam has been featured by the American Heart Association and Medical News Today.

Follow 450K

Comments

Leave a Comment

Your message...
Submit

New Posts From Our Community

Pat Williams - Heart Valve Patient

Pat Williams from
Raleigh

test

Meet Pat
Hunter Testing - Heart Valve Patient

Hunter Testing from
Los Angeles

more testing images

Meet Hunter
Maria Santos - Heart Valve Patient

Maria Santos from
Austin, Texas

Test

Meet Maria

Newest Community Post

Pat Williams - Heart Valve Patient

Pat Williams from
Raleigh

test

Meet Pat
Find Heart Valve Surgeons

Find Heart Valve Surgeons

Search 1,500 patient-recommended surgeons

Surgeon Finder

Surgeon Finder

Find and research over 1,500 patient-recommended heart valve surgeons.