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Covid Vaccine And Open Heart Surgical Patients

  • 1.  Covid Vaccine And Open Heart Surgical Patients

    Posted 01-19-2021 14:43
    News in the paper today where our state is going to start
    vaccinating all State residents over the age of 65.
    I had Open Heart surgery 1.5 years ago, no problems.  
    Has anyone gotten the vaccine yet and do Physicians
    recommend this for their heart patients..

    Thank you if you care to reply

    MEM



  • 2.  RE: Covid Vaccine And Open Heart Surgical Patients

    Posted 01-20-2021 06:20

    Hi Mary,

    My straight answer to your question is that I have read nothing that indicates the vaccine is a risk to heart patients (and I read virtually everything).  To the contrary, both the CDC and many, if not all, state guidelines list heart disease patients as a priority for receiving the vaccine.  Moreover, the pre-registration questionnaires that I have seen and signed provide consult your physician warnings only to immunosuppressed patients.

    Now, forgive me for my sarcastic answer below.  Does the vaccine even exist, or is it a mass hallucination or perhaps a massive hoax.  I have signed up for the vaccine on half a dozen Nee Jersey websites to date, inly to be told that they don't actually have the vaccine at present but, not to worry, they will contact me when they do.  I don't know a single person who has been vaccinated yet, although a 25 year old perfectly healthy teacher friend of my wife is purportedly scheduled to receive the vaccine on Friday.  If, indeed, the vaccine has been given to limited people thus far (150 out of 60,000 in my town), then that constitutes just .2.2% of the population, which would mean that the entire population should be vaccinated after around 400 months.  Even if the state number is more like 2 or 3%, that would still take 3 plus years to vaccinate everyone.

    Now I know that President Biden wants to speed up the process and vows to get 100 million people vaccinated in his first 100 days, and I pray that he succeeds.  I have to tell you, though, increasing the current snails pace to what would amount to one million vaccines a day seems to me less likely than our being able to engage in interstellar space travel within the next decade.

    I hope I'm wrong, but I'm outraged by this whole vaccine business, which I regard as a program created by idiots and run by imbeciles, all while old, sick people like us die like fleas, and I needed to vent my spleen to reduce my own stress level.

    I hope we all can get out vaccines soon, before it's too late.

    Ira



    ------------------------------
    Ira Reid
    Hoboken NJ
    ------------------------------



  • 3.  RE: Covid Vaccine And Open Heart Surgical Patients

    Posted 01-20-2021 07:41
    For good common sense, I came to this forum knowing
    that you would be interested in my note to you all
    and would probably reply to it.

    Its funny you should mention the mystique 
    of the here today/gone today /sign up now situation
    with this vaccine

    Our headlines posted front page that Wisconsin would be
    vaccinating 700000 but only 7000 doses are available

    So I called my Heart Specialists and they will get back to
    me soon, or sooner, or maybe later.

    I actually feel very proactive about calling the Doctor and
    making an appointment and going to that appointment
    and that is rare for me.  But because of that whole
    Nursing Home fear if I should ever take a fall or have
    to recover from another surgery, I thought how wonderful
    it would be to prepare early.

    Our 65 plus population is ready and willing and able to 
    get this vaccine.  We talk about it and text about it,
    and it gives us the will to live and be healthy.

    And in the meantime I triple bag my face masks when I go out,
    and still remain rascally and healthy, knock on wood.

    Thank you Ira.  Be Safe and Be Happy

    Mary







  • 4.  RE: Covid Vaccine And Open Heart Surgical Patients

    Posted 01-21-2021 05:58
    I am 70 years old.  My wife is 60 and my daughter, who is a college junior and lives with us, is 20.  I am extremely careful about the virus, going out daily only for my outdoor walk and stair climbing cardio workouts.  I do my strength training at home.

    My wife is almost as careful, going out only to buy groceries, run household errands and, occasionally, see a friend she considers safe for a couple of hours.  I have told my daughter (and my wife) that I do not want her sacrificing her college years to protect me and that she should see her friends as long as she exercises the good judgment that I know she has.  She is terrified of catching the virus, probably asymptomatically, and passing it to me, but I know that she also craves social contact with her friends, and I also know she makes very levelheaded judgments about what is and isn't safe, and she asks our opinion constantly about safety.

    And so, I walk a safety tightrope for the sake of my child, who is now a woman and who I love more than anything in the world and who I will not prevent from taking reasonable risks because she fears for my old life which I already have lived fully and well no matter what else happens.

    Tomorrow I go to see my cardiologist to get the results of my recent nuclear stress test and echo cardiogram.  I pray that the results are okay, but at least I was told by the attending stress test cardiologist that the stress test portion went well. I don't yet know the radiologist's and echo tech's reports.  I feel perfectly well but my cardiologist ordered the tests when he noticed a couple of extra heart beats in a routine EKG, something I know happens occasionally when I feel stressed, usually coming months apart, and that a doctor once pointed it out to me 20 years ago while I was still running marathon distances.  Given my excellent fitness level for a 70 year old, and based on past experience, I believe this is nothing important, but I have PTSD from my heart attack and almost dying of my heart surgery complications 3 years ago, so I pray that I am fine, for my family above all.  I will let you know the results tomorrow.

    I also will ask my cardiologist tomorrow whether he can put in a good word for me somewhere so I can get vaccinated sooner than later.

    Ira

    ------------------------------
    Ira Reid
    Hoboken NJ
    ------------------------------



  • 5.  RE: Covid Vaccine And Open Heart Surgical Patients

    Posted 01-21-2021 11:51
    Well Ira, I did call my doctor and now the headlines in the New York Times says that people are making appointments but the appointments are also being cancelled as fast as they are being made.

    We have the people who are interested but not the amount
    of vaccines that we need right now.

    My Doctor sent me a text message that said, Thank you for
    your interest in the Covid Vaccine, we have noted it on your chart but don't call us, we will call you when the vaccine is available...
    The Dialect of the Message is my interpretation for this note.

    Good Luck Ira..Hope you have good luck in scheduling your Vaccine.

    Mary





  • 6.  RE: Covid Vaccine And Open Heart Surgical Patients

    Posted 01-22-2021 17:05
    Well I've been to the cardiologist and my test results were fine.  My grafts are clean and my heart is functioning properly.  It was interesting to see the dead portion at the bottom of my heart, murdered by the heart attack.

    Alas, I am still unvaccinated.  Perhaps I should move to Indiana, which appears to have things under better control...or I can move to Israel, claim my right of return as a Jew, and get vaccinated there as they anticipate vaccinating their entire population by the end of March.

    Stay safe, as if that is actually a possibility.

    Ira

    ------------------------------
    Ira Reid
    Hoboken NJ
    ------------------------------



  • 7.  RE: Covid Vaccine And Open Heart Surgical Patients

    Posted 02-11-2021 10:07
    Ira,
    How long was it after your surgery that you started to feel better? I'm 14 months and counting post-Cabg and feel like I'm not making much progress with the breathing issues and chest tightness. It seems like it will never end.  I'm told major progress happens after 2nd year of recovery. Do you agree?

    Robert Sauder

    ------------------------------
    Robert Sauder
    Cumming GA
    ------------------------------



  • 8.  RE: Covid Vaccine And Open Heart Surgical Patients

    Posted 02-11-2021 18:42
    Hi Robert. I read your question to Ira and wanted to share with you my experience. I'm not Ira...lol, and I didn't have the same type of surgery you two had. But I had a hard time getting balanced for a long time after my OHS. Honestly, I thought I was just not going to live much longer and that's that. I had kidney stone surgery 10 months after. Still, I was feeling super blah. I finally got a new cardiologist and he said I can get that special feeling. First I was taking too many vitamins and so I got a blood test and started taking just what I was low on recommended by my doctor. Then I stopped taking my anxiety meds. I decided I didn't want them anymore. My heart wasn't racing anymore. Finnaly, I cut down on my carbs. I wish I could say that I am completely carb free, but I can't, just mostly. After 3-6 months I feel fabulous!! 2 years later and I'm on cloud 9. Think about your meds and vitamin regulation and eating habits, with your doctors directions, and hopefully you can find your cloud too. God bless

    ------------------------------
    [Carrie] [Kashani]
    Parapro
    ISD
    [White Bear Lake [MN]
    Carrie
    ------------------------------



  • 9.  RE: Covid Vaccine And Open Heart Surgical Patients

    Posted 02-11-2021 20:52
    Hello

    my Name is Bill Platten,  I have many complex issues with my heart failure that the only thing left is couple experimental drugs and implants but I'm not strong enough to qualify at the moment but I'm going to do what I must to qualify.  Is anyone out there that is experiencing anything like I am I would love to talk.  I have been going to the Cleveland Clinic

    ------------------------------
    William Platten
    Retired
    N/A
    Alliance OH
    ------------------------------



  • 10.  RE: Covid Vaccine And Open Heart Surgical Patients

    Posted 02-12-2021 08:37
    Hi Bill

    I too live in Ohio and get cardiac care from the Cleveland Clinic.?? Your
    problem is heart failure and mine is unstable angina from coronary
    artery disease in vessels that can't be stented. So we both are relying
    on medication and guidance from Cleveland Clinic cardiologists.?? You
    must feel disappointed not to qualify for a particular treatment and I
    hope you'll be successful in that endeavor.

    But in the meantime, you have a great team of caring healthcare
    professionals.?? You are getting state-of-the art cardiac care so I
    encourage you to take a deep breath. Your heart is an amazing pump that
    adapts to adversity and your body too is adapting.?? I know I am anxious
    about getting another angina attack despite all my meds; you must also
    be feeling anxiety about your diagnosis.?? Have you got a support team
    around you in Alliance in addition to this group online??? Perhaps you've
    been trying some relaxation strategies. I'm using meditation and prayer,
    guided imagery, deep breathing and intentional distractions.?? Eg,
    reading a good book takes me out of myself.?? I also look at old photos
    and feel gratitude for all the good things that have happened in my 76
    years.?? I've outlived my mother and only aunt both who died of heart
    disease so I'm on bonus time in an era when so much can be done for us.
    Soldier on!

    Godspeed

    Doris




  • 11.  RE: Covid Vaccine And Open Heart Surgical Patients

    Posted 02-12-2021 09:11
    Hi Carrie,
    We are almost neighbors up here in the Great North area
    of the US.  I am on the border of Wisconsin and the UP
    of Michigan which also puts me near Minnesota also.  Almost
    like the Trifecta of Northern States

    I love my carbs, and I feel worse since gaining weight this 
    past year with sheltering at home and the covid restrictions

    I felt super charged and 20 years younger for the first
    year after surgery, but now I struggle to maintain 
    a decent energy level.  
    I don't feel it is my heart or because of the surgery, I feel
    it is more an issue of depression and poor diet.  After I read your note this morning, I am going to try to cut some of the carbs
    out of my diet and get back into mindfulness meditation on a daily basis.

    We just never know what will grab our attention with these notes and I just wanted to get back to you and Thank you so much for yours

    Mary





  • 12.  RE: Covid Vaccine And Open Heart Surgical Patients

    Posted 02-12-2021 19:02
    Mary, that makes me so happy you had an "Ah-Ha" kinda moment. I love my meat and potatoes up here in the Midwest lol. I was scared too. But my doctor made it sound easy so I gave it a try. Try to have more veggies on your dinner plate then anything else... whatever the veggies are. I switched to wheat. Wheat bagels, honey wheat bread, wheat crackers, even wheat chips. I have red potatoes instead of Idaho potatoes. I switched to veggie pasta, I don't like wheat pasta and no rice. The whole family is on board. Once it warms up I really want to get back to taking walks again. That's what I have been missing the most. Good luck Mary. Let me know how it goes.

    ------------------------------
    [Carrie] [Kashani]
    Parapro
    ISD
    [White Bear Lake [MN]
    Carrie
    ------------------------------



  • 13.  RE: Covid Vaccine And Open Heart Surgical Patients

    Posted 02-13-2021 01:38
    Thank you so much Carrie

    Today was difficult, I was feeling stressed and looking 
    for my potato chips that are not in house 
    anymore after yesterday....Oh, and the Ranch Dip with 
    Bacon was also removed.

    But I doubled up on my water, getting to 8 or 9 full
    glasses today and that is new for me too.

    Again Thank you so much, once Spring hits up here and
    can go for more walks I think my mood will improve alot

    Mary





  • 14.  RE: Covid Vaccine And Open Heart Surgical Patients

    Posted 02-13-2021 22:33
    I hear you Carrie and Mary.  My problem is that I love and only eat healthy foods, but I eat sooooo much of it.  If you devour stuff like salmon, chicken. veggies, hummus, beans and fruits, and avoid fattening sauces, you can still gain weight.  I eat zero junk food and I still have a problem with portion control and struggle with weight despite being an exercise junkie.  Help!!!

    Ira

    ------------------------------
    Ira Reid
    Hoboken NJ
    ------------------------------



  • 15.  RE: Covid Vaccine And Open Heart Surgical Patients

    Posted 02-14-2021 13:06
    Ira, I'm not sure what the solution is. I have a very focused, structured diet and exercise ambitiously and I've gained around 5 pounds since surgery a year ago. I'm still less than I was pre-surgery, but I exercise harder and longer. No rhyme or reason, other than, perhaps, the BP meds, which are on par w/pre-surgery. The only exception is swapping metoprolol for carvedilol. Maybe the reality is...it's genetically who we are. 😱😬

    Always enjoy your posts.

    Best,
    Herb

    ------------------------------
    Herb Greenberg
    San Diego CA
    ------------------------------



  • 16.  RE: Covid Vaccine And Open Heart Surgical Patients

    Posted 02-14-2021 16:56
    Herb,
    It's either portion size or snacks between meals. Consider the meals you were provided while in hospital; small balanced portions, very little salt or sugar, no snacks or alcohol.  I exercise daily but if it's cold weather (below 35)or rain or snow, I walk indoors early at the short hills mall. Your lucky, San Diego has very few snow days.
    All the Best,
    Vic 
    --
    Victor Fabry, CEO
    Greylock Advisors, LLC





  • 17.  RE: Covid Vaccine And Open Heart Surgical Patients

    Posted 02-14-2021 17:35
    Hi Vic, 

    No snacking, moderate sizes - no change from pre-surgery. So...beats me. If you saw me walking down the street you would probably wonder what I'm talking about but my vanity precedes me.

    Herb

    ------------------------------
    Herb Greenberg
    San Diego CA
    ------------------------------



  • 18.  RE: Covid Vaccine And Open Heart Surgical Patients

    Posted 02-15-2021 07:20
    Herb 
    We're both very fortunate. After almost a year after OHS, your main concern is five pounds of "winter weight".  I can't wait until spring weather arrives for golf, tennis and swimming.
    ATB,
    Vic






  • 19.  RE: Covid Vaccine And Open Heart Surgical Patients

    Posted 02-15-2021 08:28
    Lucky... and very grateful!

    ------------------------------
    Herb Greenberg
    San Diego CA
    ------------------------------



  • 20.  RE: Covid Vaccine And Open Heart Surgical Patients

    Posted 02-15-2021 19:42
    Herb and Victor,

    I think it's a question of metabolism.  When I was a long distance runner in my 20's and 30's, I was a human furnace.  I ate anything and everything just to maintain my weight and have energy to run.  During those days, I was running between 35-55 miles per week.  When I got to my 40's, I was still eating the same but I would gain weight if I was running anything under 50 miles a week.  By the time I was 60, and I developed sciatica, my running days ended and walking just didn't have the same calorie burning effect.  After my quintuple bypass surgery, I did get cocky and start running again, but the sciatica laid me low after about 6 weeks.  So now, at age 70, I just walk and climb stairs, do calisthenics, isometrics and weight training, eat a tiny fraction of the food I used to eat, and struggle to keep the weight down.  

    So it goes.

    Ira

    ------------------------------
    Ira Reid
    Hoboken NJ
    ------------------------------



  • 21.  RE: Covid Vaccine And Open Heart Surgical Patients

    Posted 02-16-2021 08:31
    Ira, I'll take metabolism! Plus what I didn't say: My heart rate is very low (often <50bpm at rest) - possibly genetically so, no doubt helped along by the meds. So there's that, which I suspect has some impact on metabolism. 

    Cheers,
    Herb

    ------------------------------
    Herb Greenberg
    San Diego CA
    ------------------------------



  • 22.  RE: Covid Vaccine And Open Heart Surgical Patients

    Posted 02-10-2021 23:36
    Dear Ira
    You are a frequent writer in this forum. i appreciate that you give such caring supportive advice to so many people .
    Your daughter’s concern for your safety is a reflection on how well you have raised her.
    This will hopefully be over soon and then she will go back to the “normal l” social life

    Marilyn B. Rosenhouse
    Mobile: (214)850-0655




  • 23.  RE: Covid Vaccine And Open Heart Surgical Patients

    Posted 02-11-2021 07:56
    I send blessings to you both for caring and sharing.
    Here is pulling for good results on Ira’s tests.
    As for the vaccinations, I was having trouble getting mine scheduled through our county registration site. Each week they would open up and all the spaces were filled by the time I attempted to sign up. I finally sent an email to the county administrator in charge of the program and he was able to get me a spot. I get my second Pfizer shot next Monday.
    Good luck and Godspeed to you!

    Sent from my iPad




  • 24.  RE: Covid Vaccine And Open Heart Surgical Patients

    Posted 02-11-2021 07:58
    Ira,
    Our prayers are with you and your family. I know what you mean about PTSD and OHS. I am 14 months out from my CABG and almost died, also. I've been having a lot of PVCs and may have to go in for ablation to eliminate. It's been a tough road, but I promised my youngest daughter that I will dance with her when she gets married this May. Sometimes it's really tough fighting the battle every day but we have to look forward and keep on moving on. Keep safe and hope everything turns out well with your tests.

    Robert Sauder    





  • 25.  RE: Covid Vaccine And Open Heart Surgical Patients

    Posted 02-11-2021 08:34
    Hello Ira and Robert 
    How much we have in common...OHS, complications, PTSD, and the persistent reality that we will always have some concerns about current status and new issues.

    Ira, hope you are getting hopeful helpful information from your echo. Our hearts are remarkable...the best pump ever created and the core of  our humanity and love.  Deep breath. Still have lots of living to do.

    Godspeed everyone
    Doris





  • 26.  RE: Covid Vaccine And Open Heart Surgical Patients

    Posted 02-11-2021 17:14
    Hi Folks,
    I want to thank everybody for their good wishes about my health and let you all know that both my nuclear stress test and echo results came back clean as a whistle. I'll see the cardiologist again in April to see whether he wants to adjust my blood pressure medication, but my blood pressure has seemed pretty good during my daily self testing and I haven't experienced any extra heart beats (at least not that I know of) since December.
    I also did get a surprise email from the Hoboken Dept. of Health about the availability of a Moderna Covid vaccine and I had my first dose on January 26.  No side effects except a sore shoulder at the vaccine site which went away within a day.  I'm scheduled for my second dose on February 26.
    Robert, in answer to your question, my recovery from OHS started slowly, as I was in a medically induced coma for two weeks on account of the pneumonia, but as soon as was paroled from the hospital, entered rehab (for another three weeks) and then finally went home, my recovery was rapid. Three months after surgery, I was back in the gym lifting weights.  Five months after surgery, I was running again, at least until sciatica reduced me to walking again.  My surgery was in February (tomorrow and Saturday are my Alive Days) and I did feel some shortness of breath walking in the hot Summer heat of Manhattan that first year after just returning to work.  By Fall, though, I was fine and I never looked back.  I'm now three years post surgery and feel great.
    I hope you all stay well and safe, and if you're waiting for a vaccine, I hope you get one soon.
    All the best,
    Ira


    ------------------------------
    Ira Reid
    Hoboken NJ
    ------------------------------



  • 27.  RE: Covid Vaccine And Open Heart Surgical Patients

    Posted 01-21-2021 09:37
    Just another reason I'm glad I live in Indiana. West and East Coast pundits can tease us all you want ("flyover state", "hicks", etc), but most of us are happy Hoosiers.  We are a conservative, logical, calculating, common sense and yes, mostly Christian state with Republican majorities in most communities. (I grew up a conservative Democrat, but they don't even come in moderate flavor anymore).  

    Our state leadership established a vaccination plan and prioritized recipients.  After first responders, the next in line were 80+ year olds, then 70, then 65, etc. Several of our 70ish friends have already received the vaccine, mainly by searching locations that they preferred or would travel to. 

    Maybe governors of other states should swallow their pride and visit Indiana to learn how to manage these types of situations.

    Don 
    Indy





  • 28.  RE: Covid Vaccine And Open Heart Surgical Patients

    Posted 01-22-2021 07:31
    I am one of lucky ones had both my vaccinations!!!
    I volunteer at hospital so got to be one of the lucky ones to be picked.
    I know most people 65 and older are getting them just be patient or move to Indiana :)

    ------------------------------
    Maureen Price
    Noblesville IN
    (317) 420-9319
    ------------------------------



  • 29.  RE: Covid Vaccine And Open Heart Surgical Patients

    Posted 01-23-2021 09:10
    Remember that song from 1970, "Indiana Wants Me." Great song, but the guy who wrote and sang it was a "one hit wonder" in the US.  Wonder if he's gotten a vaccine?  He's over 80.

    Maybe I'll just chain myself to the hospital where I had my surgery, like the Jon Voight character in "Coming Home" and where a "vaccinate me" sign around my neck. Make a nice headline:  "Quintuple Bypass Septuagenarian Arrested Because He Can't Get a Covid Vaccine."

    ------------------------------
    Ira Reid
    Hoboken NJ
    ------------------------------



  • 30.  RE: Covid Vaccine And Open Heart Surgical Patients

    Posted 01-20-2021 08:35

    I had bypass surgery almost 20 years ago and my doctor heartily recommends that I get the vaccination shot.

     

    Sent from Mail for Windows 10

     






  • 31.  RE: Covid Vaccine And Open Heart Surgical Patients

    Posted 01-20-2021 15:28
    Thank you so much Gary...That is a real boost for any of us to 
    read and for your own Healthy Self...
    Keep up the great work

    Mary





  • 32.  RE: Covid Vaccine And Open Heart Surgical Patients

    Posted 01-20-2021 08:40
    I am a Mended Hearts visitor and our group has received both doses of the vaccine with no problem. My daughter is a pharmacist and was born with a congenital heart defect and had the 2nd dose 3 weeks ago with no side effects. Its too early to know how well it works but we believe it will.  Good luck



    Sent via the Samsung Galaxy S9, an AT&T 5G Evolution capable smartphone






  • 33.  RE: Covid Vaccine And Open Heart Surgical Patients

    Posted 01-20-2021 15:29
    Thank you Gerald so much...This is more awesome news for me and
    for us to hear





  • 34.  RE: Covid Vaccine And Open Heart Surgical Patients

    Posted 01-25-2021 13:21
    I got my vaccine on Saturday.  I talked to my cardiologist and elctro-cardiologist and they said is was up to my family doctor.  My family doctor said to get the vaccine.  I had some discomfort where they gave me the shot and same pain in the joints for about a day.  Today (three days later) I do not have any side affects.  You do not have to be 65 to get the vaccine.  I am 60 and qualify as a 1B.  

    I know several people who have gotten the vaccine as first responders and none of them had any issues that they let me know.  They are nieces, nephews and family members.

    ------------------------------
    Randy Waclawczyk
    Round Rock TX
    ------------------------------



  • 35.  RE: Covid Vaccine And Open Heart Surgical Patients

    Posted 01-27-2021 09:24
    I finally got the Moderna vaccine yesterday after being notified by the Hoboken Health Department that one was available to me.  I had virtually no side effects-just a little soreness at the injection site for maybe half a day.  It was not much different for me than a flu vaccine.

    When I'd seen my cardiologist last Friday and asked him about the vaccine, his response was "I'd give it to you myself right now if I had it available."  Based on everything I've read and heard, including from doctors, heart patients should be getting the vaccine as soon as possible.  Of course, we all have unique health issues and people should contact their cardiologists to confirm that it's okay for them.

    Ira

    ------------------------------
    Ira Reid
    Hoboken NJ
    ------------------------------



  • 36.  RE: Covid Vaccine And Open Heart Surgical Patients

    Posted 01-27-2021 09:57
    Thank you Randy and Ira, 
    It is so good to hear how well you did with the vaccine..

    Mary





  • 37.  RE: Covid Vaccine And Open Heart Surgical Patients

    Posted 01-29-2021 18:43
    Adding my nickel, my Cardiologist is a heart patient as well. He got the vaccinations and strongly recommends all his pstients do as well. Unfortunately at 70 and compromised in AZ, I fall into the 1.B.1.d group which, best I can decipher, means 'not in my lifetime'. 

    Honestly I could register, drive 2.5 hours each wsy and stsnd in line for hours in hopes of being one of the lucky ones. Then again, I was drafted after I went into the air force. Last lottery ticket I bought, I owed the state $500,000. Lightening struck me and fried the rest of my thick mane. My dog bit me. My children are suing for their inheritence...now. the Neptune society wants to cremate me before death. Dare I go on?

    ------------------------------
    Warren
    TucsonAZ
    ------------------------------



  • 38.  RE: Covid Vaccine And Open Heart Surgical Patients

    Posted 01-29-2021 19:04
    Hey Warren, Lovely state you live in, i am lucky that
    i live between vaccine agencies and only have to drive a mile or 2, but now my clinic tells me, don't call us, we will call you which also means, Whoa Little Missy, Just hold on for a few months yet.  Thanks for replying...

    Mary





  • 39.  RE: Covid Vaccine And Open Heart Surgical Patients

    Posted 01-29-2021 22:09
    My wife and I got our first and scheduled for 2nd on 2-19. Entire process took 45 minutes. Nobody in line when we left! This was mid afternoon on friday.

    Great job, State of Indiana and IU Health!





  • 40.  RE: Covid Vaccine And Open Heart Surgical Patients

    Posted 01-30-2021 12:59
    I was fortunate. I volunteer at our local  hospital outpatient reception desk , The hospital surprised us and said they had extra vaccines and could take care of volunteers. I got both of my shots of Pfizer. Eternally grateful. 
    My wife on the other hand has to deal with the local system. Illinois is 47 of all states in percentage of vaccinations. Good luck.
    Terry





  • 41.  RE: Covid Vaccine And Open Heart Surgical Patients

    Posted 01-30-2021 07:26
    I had my CABG in September here and then a stent at the Cleveland Clinic.  I had another cath at Cleveland on Jan 15; I have severe CAD that requires medical management  and exercise. Stents can't fix it. So getting COVID would present serious cardiac risks. I am 76. In virtual follow-up appt at Cleveland I was encouraged to get immunized.

    I got my first vaccine injection this week and I am euphoric. As registered nurse for 55 years with graduate degree in public health,  I've followed the scientific development of the vaccine with great interest. I don't  view OHS or CAD as a contraindication per se. ONE SHOULD HEED THE PUBLISHED WARNINGS ABOUT WHO GETS THE VACCINE.

    Since I got Pfizer vaccine, my second dose is February 18. By the end of the month I will feel safe to walk in the mall alone with mask. In Ohio winter, that's a huge physical and emotional boost. Just seeing people out and about will raise my spirits. I've been strictly isolated five months.

    I deeply regret how difficult it is to get the vaccine everywhere.  Healthcare staff are overwhelmed with giving care. I'm part of a virtual network of retired nurses who plan to volunteer to give the vaccines once we've gotten ours. We have every co-morbidity you can imagine. We want to be there for you. Please encourage everyone who can to be immunized...it's a step out of this nightmare.

    And keep your spirits up..it's part of healing. Be thankful for the care we are getting in America and the support from caregivers we've been blessed with. Our bodies are intrinsically designed to heal.

    ------------------------------
    Doris Edwards
    Retired RN
    Dublin, Ohio
    ------------------------------



  • 42.  RE: Covid Vaccine And Open Heart Surgical Patients

    Posted 01-31-2021 14:10
    Jamie: I am SO sorry to hear this. My condolences to you and your family. :-( 

    Randy
    Fellow Western New Yorker 






  • 43.  RE: Covid Vaccine And Open Heart Surgical Patients

    Posted 01-31-2021 14:18
    Jamie: I just re-read your post. I wish there was something more that I could say. It breaks my heart (sorry, no pun intended) to think about losing such a young warrior. I am crying as I write this. I can feel your pain although I can't imagine what it must be like for you. Thank you for opening up here. Peace, love and Blessings to you.

    Randy





  • 44.  RE: Covid Vaccine And Open Heart Surgical Patients

    Posted 01-30-2021 08:56
    I am personally not running to the vaccination line. My immune system has never been better since my heart surgery. The sickest I've been in two years is mild allergies. I'm not going to mess that up. If it ain't broke don't fix it and I'm not broke anymore. I would like to hear more on the Johnson and Johnson vaccine though. I will wait and see how the guinny pigs do lol

    ------------------------------
    [Carrie] [Kashani]
    Parapro
    ISD
    [White Bear Lake [MN]
    Carrie
    ------------------------------



  • 45.  RE: Covid Vaccine And Open Heart Surgical Patients

    Posted 01-30-2021 09:14
    Hi Carrie
    I understand your decision. Usually I'm inclined that way too. I urge you to keep up your COVID mitigation strategies.  Stay home, shop online, wear mask, distance, avoid crowds.

    And also pick out safe ways to feed your soul. For me, I want to volunteer to get people vaccinated.  Getting vaccinated first makes sense to me. Good luck

    ------------------------------
    Doris Edwards
    Retired RN
    Dublin, Ohio
    ------------------------------



  • 46.  RE: Covid Vaccine And Open Heart Surgical Patients

    Posted 01-30-2021 11:14
    I absolutely practice safety protocol. I do believe COVID is very serious and deadly. My family is diligent about wearing masks, social distancing, and staying home as much as possible. I should have specified that before. I am an educator as well so I feel I put myself out there enough. I'm just not ready to mess with my immune system when it's been the best ever my whole life. And since I've been healthier, so has my family. It's been awesome because I used to catch everyone's sniffles before and the whole family was always sick too. Everyone stay safe. I am still nervous that if I do get COVID it might not be good. I'm just not to worried about getting it right now with my new, strong immune system. God bless

    ------------------------------
    [Carrie] [Kashani]
    Parapro
    ISD
    [White Bear Lake [MN]
    Carrie
    ------------------------------



  • 47.  RE: Covid Vaccine And Open Heart Surgical Patients

    Posted 01-30-2021 11:30
    This is a time of making complicated decisions with so many variables.  You're making the right one for you. I think you'll be ok too.





  • 48.  RE: Covid Vaccine And Open Heart Surgical Patients

    Posted 01-30-2021 16:36
    I too Carrie have been the healthiest ever in my whole life
    with my Open Heart successful, a yearly flu shot and masking
    since last January...What if the mask is the best thing with or without the vaccine.  I ask myself this question weekly

    We have not gotten vaccine shots yet, Our medical center announced that they had 4300 available shots ready to go
    and they miscalculated and only had about 1000 putting people
    on lists that had to be cancelled and leaving a few of us just
    shaking our heads.

    Now we are asked to sign on a new list and I will, but unsure
    if I will be one of the fortunate ones picked for vaccine

    Mary





  • 49.  RE: Covid Vaccine And Open Heart Surgical Patients

    Posted 01-31-2021 08:27
    Carrie,

    I'm going to be a contrarian and urge you to get the vaccine notwithstanding your great immune system.  If anything, the vaccine will assist you even more.  

    I, too, have been blessed with a wonderful immune system.  Other than the ventilator pneumonia I contracted in the ICU after OHS, I have been sick just twice in the last 15 years.  This is despite daily rush hour commuting  in NYC where it seemed everyone was coughing and sneezing, and despite caring for my wife and daughter when they regularly would get sick.

    Despite this, I have been relentlessly and desperately been trying to get vaccinated against Covid.  We never know which bullet will have our name on it, and 70 year old men with quintuple bypass surgery histories are not good candidates for surviving Covid, regardless of their wonderful immune systems.  I do realize, of course, that you are younger than me and with a different medical history but, even so, I urge caution.

    I had my first Moderna vaccine on January 26.  I am due for my second dose on February 23, although there is no guarantee that they will have the dose available at that time and they have not scheduled me with an appointment time despite my pressing them to do so.  I am badgering the Hoboken Department of Health to get it done and, if need be, I am prepared to escalate this to the state and federal level.  I hope it's not necessary.

    Good luck and good health.

    Ira

    ------------------------------
    Ira Reid
    Hoboken NJ
    ------------------------------



  • 50.  RE: Covid Vaccine And Open Heart Surgical Patients

    Posted 01-31-2021 08:39
    I hope you get your second dose on time, Ira. Your thoughts are worthwhile for everyone to consider

    ------------------------------
    Doris Edwards
    Retired RN
    Dublin, Ohio
    ------------------------------



  • 51.  RE: Covid Vaccine And Open Heart Surgical Patients

    Posted 02-01-2021 11:45
    Good morning all. I just want to add my personal experience this last month. I and my wife took our first shot(MODERNA) Jan 13 at the Palm Beach Board of health. We lined up outside to get regestered and then after confirmation went inside a big room(many desks/people to get assigned to a staff member to administer our shot. We then were seated in an area with chairs spaced about 4 feet apart for 15/25 minutes to see if we had any reaction. after nothing, we were told to leave this big room and go home.
    My wife and I started to get mild symptoms the 17th. mild cough, very tired. No fever. We took the test Jan 21 and were POSITIVE We feel all the time spent in this holding room about 20/30 people, and more in and outs opened us up to infection. WE WERE MASKED.   
    Best result was all has been very mild.
    On the 21 we connected through our local Wellington Regenal Hospital to get the ANTI-BODY INFUSION. THAT ADDED ANOTHER LAYER OF PROTECTION. All in all these factors have allowed us to have a mild experience.
    I (82)had OHS CABG X 4 IN1996 and 2004,. my wife(75) finished Chemo and radiation in June so we have had issues. 
    Bottom line the shot has kept us out of serious complications . The infusion( easy hour, requierments were  65 Y O and to have positive covid test.. I hope this info helps get some direction.
    We are both home and feeling just about 95%. my taste and smell are off and I have lost about 7 pounds these last 2 weeks . Energy level is mostly back. No real get up and go. Happy to sit around and read and do my 1000 piece Jigsaw puzzle.
    Please stay safe and thinking good thoughts and send fun E_mails and You tube music is a great way to bring some light into your day.
    Rgds,
    David Rosen  Atlantis Fla  JFK 206Chapter .​

    ------------------------------
    David Rosen
    Lake Worth FL
    (561) 969-7010
    DavidRosenLake WorthFL
    ------------------------------



  • 52.  RE: Covid Vaccine And Open Heart Surgical Patients

    Posted 02-01-2021 14:23
    You've had quite  an experience, David. Thank you for sharing. Glad you and your wife are doing well.  COVID is complicated.  Hang in there.  Better days coming.

    ------------------------------
    Doris Edwards
    Retired RN
    Dublin, Ohio
    ------------------------------



  • 53.  RE: Covid Vaccine And Open Heart Surgical Patients

    Posted 02-02-2021 13:58
    Wow, David.  I'm glad that you and your wife are okay.  It's also great that you were able to get that antibody infusion.  In my neck of the woods, you might need to be a VIP to get an antibody infusion.  I understand you need to get that early, before you're sick enough to be hospitalized, but I'm unaware of any hospital here that's set up an outpatient antibody program.  I know that our former governor got it when he was permitted to "check in" to the hospital early, but that's not an option for us ordinary folks.

    The four foot away post-vaccine waiting area sounds like a really bad idea.  When I got my first shot, we were separated by the standard six feet, but I'm not sure even that's enough with the new, more contagious variants floating around, who knows, possibly as aerosols.  I think I'd rather take my chances passing out on the sidewalk.Stay well,

    Ira

    ------------------------------
    Ira Reid
    Hoboken NJ
    ------------------------------



  • 54.  RE: Covid Vaccine And Open Heart Surgical Patients

    Posted 01-30-2021 19:02
    For the record, I have had my first needle in the arm January 18 and waiting for the second needle February 15. I live in Elkton Maryland in the Christiana Union hospital decided that the volunteers would be considered staff and set up schedules. Hopefully when that's completed we maybe go able to go back into the hospital and do our work. Dr. Bill

    ------------------------------
    Dr Bill
    Ryan. PhD.
    Elkton MD. USA
    443 485 6266
    Mended Hearts Chapter 179. Past Pres.
    ------------------------------



  • 55.  RE: Covid Vaccine And Open Heart Surgical Patients

    Posted 01-31-2021 08:35
    Glad you had the option, Dr. Bill. I'm rooting for all of America's hero's who worked to finish vaccine development and get it us.

    When i finished my doctorate 40 years ago my kids started calling me Dr Mom and still do on occasion. That doesn't mean they take my advice......





  • 56.  RE: Covid Vaccine And Open Heart Surgical Patients

    Posted 02-11-2021 13:30
    Mary,
    Excellent question.  I asked my cardiologist the same thing and he said "absolutely, you should be scheduled to receive the vaccine".  Since every patient has a different medical history, I suggest that you should speak to your cardiologist and get their agreement. 
    Vic

    ------------------------------
    Victor Fabry, CEO
    Greylock Advisors, LLC
    Short Hills, New Jersey
    fvfabry@gmail.com
    ------------------------------



  • 57.  RE: Covid Vaccine And Open Heart Surgical Patients

    Posted 02-11-2021 15:21
    Thank you so much Vic, 
    Our state scheduled too many covid vaccinations without
    having enough on hand, so we are waiting and scheduling on a 
    daily basis...but I am on the list, and my Cardiologist says 
    Lets Go For It....

    Appreciate your reply Vic

    Mary





  • 58.  RE: Covid Vaccine And Open Heart Surgical Patients

    Posted 02-11-2021 16:25
    Here in Ga it's been a mess...wife and myself managed to get Pfizer vaccine 3 weeks ago..due for second dose on Tuesday. Stay safe and push hard for vaccine from your local hospital.




  • 59.  RE: Covid Vaccine And Open Heart Surgical Patients

    Posted 02-12-2021 17:29
    One very very important part of the process. If you take the shot you are usually kept 15/30 minutes inside the room were all the action is happening. signing in, getting the shot. waiting to see if you get a bad reaction all this time in a crowded room where -most with masks on but some on and off during this waiting time. 
    Best to get your shot via DRIVE THRU. SAME FOR ANY TESTING. 
    stay safe ,David Rosen--Palm Beach Co, Fla.
    We did drive thru at Pharmacy-CVS-made appt  test/waiting took 10 minutes.





  • 60.  RE: Covid Vaccine And Open Heart Surgical Patients

    Posted 02-13-2021 22:14
    Drive through definitely is the safest vaccine option but, if you have have a chance to get the vaccine, take it however it comes.  Do not pass up any opportunity to get the vaccine.

    Best,

    Ira

    ------------------------------
    Ira Reid
    Hoboken NJ
    ------------------------------