One of the most common questions of patients is to know what activities they can do after heart surgery. I tell them no driving for 4 weeks, no lifting more than 10 pounds for 10 weeks, but often I quip that once they are healed, “they can do handstands.”
Apparently, this patient took my advice to heart! With permission from the patient to post, this 40-year-old man underwent mitral valve repair surgery via a sternotomy only 10 weeks prior and decided to send me this video today of him doing a handstand! Amazing!
Once again, it underscores my advice that conventional open-heart surgery remains the gold standard and can be performed with outstanding results and early recovery to “normal” activities.
Recent Posts
6 Month Follow-Up Mitral Valve Repair Surgery
This 47-year-old man discusses his recovery after mitral valve repair surgery and Cox-Maze IV procedure for severe mitral valve prolapse. This 47-year-old patient shares insights into his journey post mitral valve repair surgery and Cox-Maze IV procedure for severe...
Complex Mitral Valve Repair
As surgical techniques evolve, the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration among physicians becomes increasingly evident, especially in intricate valve repair procedures. In the realm of complex mitral valve repair surgeries, the presence of a skilled cardiac...
Cardiac papillary fibroelastoma
Cardiac papillary fibroelastoma is the most common tumor of heart valves. It is found most often on the aortic valve. Although benign (non-cancerous), these tumors are increasingly being recognized as a source of systemic embolization that can lead to transient...
Healthgrade Awards 2024
Jefferson Einstein Montgomery Hospital's cardiac surgery team has been honored as a "Healthgrades America's Top 50 Hospital" for cardiac surgery in both 2024 and 2025. Our team's exceptional performance has also helped earn Jefferson Einstein Montgomery Hospital the...
Coronary Artery Disease in Patients Under 50
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) in patients under 50 is considered “premature CAD” and is often associated with a strong family history and lifestyle factors like smoking, high cholesterol, obesity, lack of physical activity, and stress. Drug abuse can also be a factor,...
Hibernating Myocardium
Hibernating myocardium is a condition where a part of the heart muscle has difficulty contracting due to reduced blood flow. It can occur over days, months, or years, and can be reversed with revascularization. With permission from the patient to post, this video...
Featured
Pages
- Learn about heart valves. Heart Valves
- Read testimonials. Testimonials
- Did you know I have a consulting firm? Singer Heart/Lung Consulting
- Check out my TedTalk! Defining Success
Links
- Links page with more information about your heart. Links
- Dr. Adam Pick's Site: heart-valve-surgery.com
