Penny's Guestbook

Penny Jones  Thank you Sue. Surgery huge success, came in around 2 hrs and the breathing tube removed within an hour. Afib happened twice which kept me in cardiac step down longer than anyone wanted. Home finally, sleeping (ahhh, how wonderful is that).

Penny Jones  Thank you Sue. Surgery huge success, came in around 2 hrs and the breathing tube removed within an hour. Afib happened twice which kept me in cardiac step down longer than anyone wanted. Home finally, sleeping (ahhh, how wonderful is that).

Penny Jones  Hey Kelly. I will tell you that it will always be a challenge but you will get it. I believe that Dean's biggest problem was he didn't have a steady primary doctor, went to Doctor's Care but was never consistent seeing them and it was never the same one after about the first 6 months. Plus he didn't "need my help" and I didn't insist. In 2012 when he started having problems regulating it and ended up in the hospital with severe anemia I started to really get involved with his care and that's when we started going to the Coumadin clinic at the cardiologist. Eventually he got a home kit and that was world's better. So hopefully your GP has a good understanding of INR and doesn't just tell you lay off the vitamin K. It's a big adjustment for you but you will find that happy place.

Kelly Stoll  The GP and my surgeon actually spoke and lowered my level starting this week. He isn't familiar with the On-X valve, but he is an awesome GP who has gone out of his way to make sure I get the best care since I started going to his office over 20 years ago. I am happy so far with the new situation and thank you again for all of your encouragement. It means so much.
Best wishes, Kelly

Penny Jones  That's fantastic news Kelly. Congratulations on the lower dose. I am very interested in the On-X valve but my cardiologist isn't familiar and he didn't think that the surgeons in the area use them. I like the idea of a lower INR since I was very familiar with my husband needing to be in the 2.5 - 3.5 range with the mitral with his St Jude. Aorta is 2-3 range with the St Jude. If I have to go with the St Jude I'm ok with it but I'm definitely going to rally for it. But, if they have never installed them I want them familiar with what they are doing. Installed? I guess I'm looking at the surgery like a car repair. Haha! Gotta keep the humor going right? I'm very excited for you Kelly. Keep on ticking. Penny.