Jim Rizzo - Heart Valve Journal

My Journal

Jim Rizzoposted an update

133 days ago

Hi everyone. I had a mechanical aortic valve (On-X) replacement about 3 months ago, so I've been going for blood testing because I'm on warfarin. my cardiologist ...Read more

Hi everyone. I had a mechanical aortic valve (On-X) replacement about 3 months ago, so I've been going for blood testing because I'm on warfarin. my cardiologist mentioned an at home blood testing/INR machine. has anyone use this or have any feedback on that device? thank you!

Marcia Snyder Jim I have an at-home INR meter, and love it. I used to go to a coumadin clinic, and they used the s ... Read more

Marcia Snyder Jim I have an at-home INR meter, and love it. I used to go to a coumadin clinic, and they used the same meter. The results are extremely reliable, and takes less than 5 minutes. I report my results on an app on my phone. The device is small, about the size of your hand, so I've even brought it with when traveling to make testing on the go easier. It's super convenient. I highly recommend. I've been on coumadin for 17 years and would be very upset if someone told me I couldn't use mine anymore!

Yumiko Ishida Totally worth it! Not sure how it works elsewhere but in my case I had to get a prescription for the ... Read more

Yumiko Ishida Totally worth it! Not sure how it works elsewhere but in my case I had to get a prescription for the device from the coumadin clinic. Like Marcia, I reported the results through an app on my phone. The coumadin clinic gets the results and called me if warfarin dose needs to be adjusted. You need the prescription for the device for the cost to be insurable.

Jim Rizzo Thanks to all for the feedback!

Jim Rizzoposted an update

209 days ago

Teressa Phillips, Grace Mason reacted to this

Good morning everyone. It is so helpful to read all the posts/replies as I am working through recovery. Thanks to all.

Day 9 for me:

Sleeping ...Read more

Good morning everyone. It is so helpful to read all the posts/replies as I am working through recovery. Thanks to all.

Day 9 for me:

Sleeping is hit or miss. I seem to do better if I take some Melatonin at night before bed. I'm not sure if it's all of the medications but i am having some crazy/strange dreams every night.

Appetite is coming back, but still not at pre-surgery levels; digestion is fairly regular. Only needed lax/stool thinner one time.

Visiting nurse started this week; 2X a week for now to review/inspect incisions, vitals, etc.

Phlebotomist 2x week to test INR levels for blood thinner.

Trying to walk 4x a day, for a total 4,000-5,000 steps per day.

The rest of the day I'm catching up on a list of books that I've been wanting to read (and napping). Feeling a little better each day.

Daneen Douglas Fantastic Jim. I’m 4 weeks past and am walking 5,000. Time to up my steps, lol. Keep rocking it! ... Read more

Daneen Douglas Fantastic Jim. I’m 4 weeks past and am walking 5,000. Time to up my steps, lol. Keep rocking it!

Jim Rizzo

Teressa Phillips I couldn't read or listen to audio books that soon after surgery. It took me weeks to have enough att ... Read more

Teressa Phillips I couldn't read or listen to audio books that soon after surgery. It took me weeks to have enough attention span and complex though capabilities.

Rose Madura Jim sounds like you are doing well! I recently discussed with my cardiologist and PCP about taking m ... Read more

Rose Madura Jim sounds like you are doing well! I recently discussed with my cardiologist and PCP about taking melatonin. My cardiologist mentioned that some people have weird dreams so that may be it. 🤷

Jim Rizzo Appreciate the feedback!

Jim Rizzoposted an update

213 days ago

sarah harnett, Rose Madura, christine blackway and 3 others reacted to this

Hello everyone. Thanks to all the many well wishes and prayers! it was really helpful to get through this process. after my surgery on Monday, I was discharged ...Read more

Hello everyone. Thanks to all the many well wishes and prayers! it was really helpful to get through this process. after my surgery on Monday, I was discharged today and I'm recovering at home. What a crazy week! thanks again to all for their support!

Rose Madura Welcome home. And welcome to recovery. Time to listen to your body. Be the tortoise and not the har ... Read more

Rose Madura Welcome home. And welcome to recovery. Time to listen to your body. Be the tortoise and not the hare.