Armando’s Story
Dr. Ricotta is Committed to My Care and is Constantly Evaluating and Anticipating Ways to Provide Greater Solutions.
Since November 2015, I have had recurring pain due to narrowing arteries in both my legs. Before I found Dr. Joseph Ricotta, I had numerous angioplasties and several major surgeries. I felt the surgeon was not committed to the care of my legs to the degree necessary. After enduring these surgeries, continuous pain from permanent nerve damage, and the loss of two major arteries, I decided to make a change. I spent a considerable amount of time researching vascular surgeons and believed that I would have to travel out of state to receive the expert help required to save my legs. I looked into institutions like the Mayo Clinic and the Cleveland Clinic and a leading New York hospital, but to my surprise found Dr. Ricotta right here in Delray Beach where I reside. Dr. Ricotta’s credentials stood out among a vast array of physicians, both nationally and internationally, who specialized in the treatment of vascular ailments. I eagerly made an appointment.
Dr. Ricotta wasted no time in starting treatment of my peripheral arterial disease (PAD), the narrowing or blockage of the vessels that carry blood from the heart to the legs. When leg arteries clog up it causes pain. At one point it got so bad I couldn’t even walk. I have almost lost my left leg several times. Peripheral arterial disease is a very serious condition because when blood does not reach the muscles, the muscles cannot function and cause immobility. In one of my legs, due to a previous surgery, I only have one artery remaining. Faced with this challenge, Dr. Ricotta’s limb salvage procedures were successful in improving the health of my leg. If I had gone to Dr. Ricotta sooner, I would have been spared much pain and the trials of several unsuccessful surgeries. That is why I feel compelled to share my experience. Thanks to Dr. Ricotta, I still have my leg.
In my most recent vascular procedure performed by Dr. Ricotta at Delray Medical Center, I expressed my concerns of being treated in a hospital during the COVID-19 Pandemic. He assured me that my procedure would be performed in a separate part of the hospital isolated from the COVID area. For this procedure, I was in and out of the hospital in a couple of days, which greatly contributed to my peace of mind. After Dr. Ricotta cleaned out my artery, my circulation was restored.
Pre-surgery and follow up appointments at Dr. Ricotta’s office in Delray Beach were nothing short of excellent. He and his staff were top-notch in the management of my vascular care and throughout the course of my treatment. For the safety of all patients, everyone at his office wore masks. They even had a safety protocol in place so that patients could call from their vehicles from the parking lot upon their arrival. Patients were then called back when it was clear for them to enter the building in order to maintain social distancing. These procedures did so much to assure me that my safety was their top priority.
Dr. Ricotta took the time to thoroughly explain everything to me about my care so that I was well-informed and knew exactly what was going on with my procedure. With Dr. Ricotta you are not left in the dark and know exactly where you stand. He is very responsive and considerate. Even when I had questions after I left his office, he called me back to provide the answers I needed.
The procedures I have undergone have had minimal impact on my work load and have allowed me to fully maintain my responsibilities in business development sourcing and securing multi-million dollar developer contracts. My position requires me to be at the computer for many hours which can be very uncomfortable. I am also an author and leg pain can definitely be a distraction when writing. With less leg pain, I am more able to focus on work and my writing. In addition to my work and writing, I am also involved in ministries at Emmanuel Catholic Church in Delray Beach.
All of this would not be possible if not for Dr. Ricotta’s excellent care. I have only minimal discomfort in my legs which previously were always in pain. I also suffer from the side effects from statin medication which I take to curtail blockages in my arteries and/or blood clots. Dr. Ricotta is doing everything in his power to prolong the quality of my life and I am extremely grateful to him for that. I have faith in God, but I am a realist. This is an ongoing process because leg blockages can happen randomly for an assortment of reasons. I feel secure knowing that Dr. Ricotta is committed to my care and is constantly evaluating and anticipating ways to provide greater solutions. Because of my faith, I am convinced Dr. Ricotta, in partnership with the Blessed Virgin Mary, will continue to provide for me and send all I need through prayers to her Son, Jesus Christ.
I knew I was in the right place when after our first visit, Dr. Ricotta turned to me before he left the room and said with a depth of compassion for what I had been though, “Mr. Minutoli, I wish you had come to me sooner.” Now, looking forward, I am so glad to be under Dr. Ricotta’s professional vascular care.
Armando Minutoli, is a published author of, among others, the non-fiction book, “Medjugorje, A Pilgrim’s Journey,” a biography of his investigation into the apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Yugoslavia (now Bosnia-Herzegovina), two books of fiction, “The Hester Street Kids,” about the New York Mafia, and “Schism: Something is Amiss in Heaven Again!” a religious fantasy about two people who meet in purgatory and together go to the heavenly realm. Mr. Minutoli also is an active member of his home parish, Emmanuel Catholic Church in Delray Beach, FL, where he serves as a minister of consolation, Eucharist, usher, Sunday school teacher for third graders, and drumming instructor for the parish Firesticks Drumline. He is also a member of the Knights of Columbus and supports charitable fundraising activities, while writing and maintaining the council newsletter and prayer request list.
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