James's Guestbook

Hi James ,
I could check my own INR at home but I prefer to go to the phlebotomy dept at the hospital .
I have an appointment sent through , so am always there for an early appt. and go straight in , just a few mins and I’m away again . 
I eat plenty of green leafy veg and salad .
I had emergency open heart surgery during covid times and I left the choice of valve up to my heart surgeon . He saved my life and I am very grateful to him and his team ! I was out of hospital in time for my youngest sons 18th Birthday . Life is good and life goes on . Take care . If I can help with anything to do with INR let me know . 

Hi James ,
I have a mechanical mitral valve . 
Have had it for over four years . There is a lot of scaremongering and misinformation about warfarin and diet . 
I eat plenty of green leafy veg and live a normal life . 
Many heart warriors who have had mechanical heart valves rarely visit the heart valve websites because they have headed off living and getting on with their lives . 
I have my INR checked every few weeks .
Which every choice you make will be right for you. Take care and try not to worry too much .

Hey James, I'm just getting through my first week post op from Robotic Mitral Valve repair. It's been a challenge but I'm getting through it. It sounds like 6 weeks is the magic number before you started feeling normal. I'm hoping to get back to work in 4 weeks. What do you think my chances are?

James, do not despair. I had tricuspid valve regurgitation and was operated on Jan.30. I am still having the same symptoms as you do...shortness of breath when lying down. In my case, this is due to fluid accumulating in my pleural cavity around my lungs. I had thoracentesis last March 8, but after 5 days, the fluid came back so I am having another one on the 22nd. Have your doctor check you again. It could be different from what I have but it is better to get it checked. Do not hesitate to tell your doctor all the problems. That is the only way to resolve the problems. Our friends in this community can provide us with moral support, but only the doctors can provide the treatment. And also, do not stop relying on our Lord Jesus. HE is always with us no matter what. I hope and pray that all of us experiencing a tough recovery will soon continue to recover easier. Take care and God bless you.

James, do not despair. I had tricuspid valve regurgitation and was operated on Jan.30. I am still having the same symptoms as you do...shortness of breath when lying down. In my case, this is due to fluid accumulating in my pleural cavity around my lungs. I had thoracentesis last March 8, but after 5 days, the fluid came back so I am having another one on the 22nd. Have your doctor check you again. It could be different from what I have but it is better to get it checked. Do not hesitate to tell your doctor all the problems. That is the only way to resolve the problems. Our friends in this community can provide us with moral support, but only the doctors can provide the treatment. And also, do not stop relying on our Lord Jesus. HE is always with us no matter what. I hope and pray that all of us experiencing a tough recovery will soon continue to recover easier. Take care and God bless you.

James-I had my valve surgery last labor day.. to replace a bicuspid aortic valve. Prior to that, May of 2016, I was diagnosed with A-fib and placed on Amiodarone. I was on it for 6 weeks. I had some really disturbing side effects, such as fainting, night sweats, nausea and unusual skin rashes. I KNOW it was the amio causing these..I stopped it myself (against medical advice) and showed immediate relief on all symptoms. This is a poisonous drug.. please join the facebook group "Stop Amiodarone" to learn more about this scourge. First, stop taking this as soon as you are able. Best of luck

Good luck James. My husband is on day 9 and came home yesterday after aortic valve replacement in BHI in Bristol. It's a roller coaster but he is surprised he is better than he thought he would be. I am sure Papworth will be the same well oiled machine that's Bristol is. Quite a few patients were going home on day 5 it's incredible as an onlooker watching how much improved they are each day. Take care x

James what a great question! I haven't been scheduled yet, but anticipate it will be in the next couple of months. My hospital is local so it will be convenient for my family. I'm debating on whether or not to have them visit me in the hospital or once I get home. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.

James, i don't think now guestbook does provide emails, if you want my email it's _ At yahoo .com (Written as above to prevent span emails picking it up!)