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Cathy's Posts

Diagnosis: Mitral Regurgitation, Mitral Stenosis

Member Since: November 1, 2015

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Cathy Slipski posted an update

5 years ago (December 13, 2020)

Hi all! It's been a while. I am coming up in my 5 year anniversary of my mitral valve replacement with a bovine valve. I first want to say I wish you all a quick recovery with all of you that are having or had surgery. Second I wanted to... Read more.

Shannon Gray

Thinking of you. I would love to know thoughts too.

Marie Myers

I am a 3+ year AVR (tissue valve) and a CRNA who is still working, albeit only 1 day a week. I intend on getting the vaccine, mostly because I am 66, and therefore more at risk for the virus. Because you work in the ER, you are surely more... Read more.

Rita Savelis

I'd get the vaccine. And congrats on 5 years.

Travis Ederer

I am 47, have bav disease with regurgitation but haven't hit the replacement point yet. I work in emergency services as a chief officer for a fire department and have been a paramedic for 21 years. I will accept the vaccine when it is offered. I am not worried about... Read more.

Anonymous

Hi Cathy, thank you and Travis and Marie for the work you guys do. I would get the vaccine but talk to your cardiologist first. I can't wait for my opportunity to get mine. Congratulations on your coming 5 year anniversary. Blessings

Cathy Slipski

Thank you ! I plan to get it tmrw at work. I spoke to my cardiologist and she said to definitely get it. I trust her and her opinion and all of yours. I'm just nervous if side effects. I will keep you all posted! Thank you to all the... Read more.

Cathy Slipski posted an update

9 years ago (November 20, 2016)

Has anyone ever had issue with afib after receiving the flu shot after they had heart surgery? Also, has anyone ever received the flu shot while they were actively sick, sore throat, congestion, and cough?

Bob Fessler

I never get a flu shot. Is this another thing to consider after I have surgery? Good or bad?

Meredith Bray

My cardiologist strongly recommended the flu shot every year for me, the earlier the better. My regular doctor seconded the recommendation, but with a reminder to NOT get the shot if I was under the weather. I can't tell if the shot had an effect on me this year or... Read more.

Cathy Slipski

So I work in the er and I am required to get a flu shot by 5 tmrw in order for me to work. The issue is I have a severe cold and feel crappy. I was told that now you can have the shot while your sick but I... Read more.

Briana Morgan

I would wait to get the flu shot when you are healthy. I get it every year because I also work in the medical field. I always respond better if I'm not coming down with something.

Linda Richards

I will never get a flu shot! (Im 53, MV Repair 9 months ago)

Ellen Leng

I got a flu shot about 5 was post-op as am required as well. I had post-op AFib and it worsened it for a couple of days as I had low grade temp and more symptoms than usual

Lilly Black

I have had flu shots before and after surgery and had no issues.

Cathy Slipski

Thanks all for the feedback. I didn't get it. I would rather wait till I am healthy! I don't want to risk anything.

Charles Haas

I had my flu shot right after surgery (MV repair) in October 2015. No problems.

Cathy Slipski posted an update

9 years ago (November 15, 2016)

First off its been a while since I have been on and I wanted to send my prayers with all the people with upcoming surgeries and bless the hands of the doctor's performing them. Today, it's been almost 10 months since my name has been on that list. I remember seeing it there and I thought omg this could be my last day here on earth, omg this is absolutely crazy me 38 years old needing heart surgery. To those of you whom I have not met yet on here. I was pregnant when I found out I had rhematic heart disease. My baby was taken 8 weeks early due to my pulmonary edema and congestive heart failure. Delivery was good and I have a healthy 14 month old now who is into everything lol. I gave birth in August of 2015 and they scheduled my heart surgery for Jan 25 2016 to give my body a rest from running to circulatory sysytems. Getting back to that dreadful, terrifying day seeing my name on the upcoming surgery dates was surreal to me. The emotions that you encounter only my fellow peers of this group would understand. Today I had an echo done to see how my heart is doing after my mitral valve replacement. I opted for a bovine valve. The thought of Coumadin terrified me. I am 38 an active motocross rider, mom of 3 who is constantly on the go. Can't even remember what I did with my car keys nevermore take a pill on time everyday. So yes I did my research I asked questions and went against my surgeons advice and opted for a bovine. My surgeon who I must add saved my life and he will forever be in my debt. I spoke with him numerous amounts of times regarding mechanical and bovine. I don't know how long this valve will last but I am prepared to do this again to live a normal life a life with no pills and needle sticks. Normal for me. I am happy with my choice and confident in my Edward's sciences bovine valve. So back to my echo that I had today. It was the same woman who performed my first echo when I was pregnant and feeling so awful. When she was doing the test it was so quiet all you could hear was the pressing and scrolling of the ultrasound machine. My nerves were going crazy anxiety through the roof. All I could think about was what if the valve failed already, what If another valve went bad. So many what ifs. The test came to an end and she looked at me and said I can't believe the transformation your heart went to. Your heart was so enlarged last time and now it looks completely normal and your valve looks amazing! I just started to cry. Thank you Jesus after all I have been through, almost loosing my baby, and my life I finally received good news! So to all the people who are scheduled for surgery I will speak to you on the other side of your new life. The day I received my new valve marks a new birthday for me and after you receive your new valve it will be a birthday a new chapter in your book. I pray for all of you. Thanks for listening and God bless.

👍 ConNie Romo, Shannon Gray and reacted to this

Lila Richards

Thank you Cathy for this post! I'm sorry you had to endure that and glad to see you and your baby are great! I am 25 days post op and I also opted for a bovine aortic valve. I'm 55 and also very active. I'm very happy to read your... Read more.

Anna Jones

What a lovely testament to the power of surgery and prayer. I'm so glad your baby is doing well, that you are doing well, that life is normal again for you.

Cathy Slipski

Thank you Lila and Anna. Lila i pray that you get through the recoup processs. Yes it is a process with its ups and downs. My advice is to look towards the upcoming months ahead. Think positive you are here today to celebrate thanksgiving and xmas coming up. I remember... Read more.

Cathy Slipski

Ellen Leng

Cathy, thanks for posting! Those of us still counting days and weeks always need to hear the news of those farther along the path. For me it's good to continue to hear that it takes time. Goodness knows it's what I keep telling people, but inner me is frustrated with... Read more.