The aftermath of endocarditis

[Gail in Ca]

I have found out that my mechanical aortic valve of 8.5 years is now leaking around the ring. They feel it is due to the bacterial infection messing with the tissue. So, it appears to be important to have my surgery soon, and at that time I will either get mechanical aortic and mitral, too, or if the tissue is too damaged for mechanical, I will be given human aortic valve and aorta portion replacement and then a new mitral repair or tissue replacement.
This is all very sudden, as I thought I was recovering fine from the heart infection. But, I started getting crackling in my lungs, feeling strange, so now I am facing my 3rd surgery in 20 years. I was expecting minimally invasive for my leaky mitral and thought my aortic would last my lifetime. It lasted less time than my porcine valve! So now I must gear up for getting the sternom cut again, ouch!
I met with my surgeon and he is so nice and comforting. I see my cardiologist again on Wed, and then I will make a decision.
I found out from my sister's friend, a cardio, that he recommends replacement of any artificial valve if his patient gets endocarditis! He says that the bacteria just has too many places to hide in the stitching, etc, of the valves, and just wants new sterile ones in there!
It's so odd, because, in general, I feel that I am healthy. Oh Well, at least I know what to expect from OHS.
Gail

 

[Lynlw]

I'm sorry Gail, It must be a shock. I hope you get clear cut answers.

 

[Nancy]

Joe did better after his third heart valve surgery than he did with the other two. I am sorry you have to face this, but it sounds like the right thing to do.

 

[njean]

I feel for you my friend! Been there, done that!

Praying that all goes well with you!

 

[abbanabba]

Oh Gail... that's a tough break. But, as you say, at least you know what you're in for, so hopefully it will make it much easier this time 'round.

Wishing you the best.

 

[Nupur]

Gail, so sorry to hear about that. Also surprised that even after the endocarditis is treated there is lingering side effects that warrants a valve to be replaced.

You were expecting another surgery to replace the mitral in the near future, right? So this expedites the surgery? Hopefully this is the last time! And I am glad Dr Miller is still there to perform it. All the best.

 

[Lionheart]

Gail,
We're all here pulling for you. Please keep us informed about the date.
John

 

[Eva]

Gail,

Sending you my best wishes and prayers.

 

[Bridgette]

Oh no, that is tough luck

I hope your op goes well and that they find a good solution for you.

You are much more accepting of it than I would be - I admire your strength.

All the best
Bridgette

 

[skeptic49]

Hoping for the best for you, Gail.

Jim

 

[Mary]

What a tough break, Gail!
Nancy's post about Joe's experience with a third valve replacement is reassuring, and I pray that you have the same outcome.

 

[mattwisconsin]

I am sorry to hear this but I am dealing with the same thing. My valve has been good until recently. Then I noticed symptoms of aortic stenosis. When I went to the cardiologist they decided it was endocarditis. I am now 1 1/2 weeks into the 6 weeks of antibiotics, which will be followed by a surgery probably in March. I wish I could have gotten more than 17 years out of this valve, but it is what it is.

Although it would be nice if no one had to deal with this, but I have found this forum as great support knowing so many others going through the same thing.

So I wish you the best and want you to know that you are not alone.

 

[olefin]

Gail, I'm sorry for you. Wish you the very best.

May, I ask, do you have any idea what caused the endocarditis? Like recent dental procedures or other procedures. I know it happens sometimes and doesn't seem to be a reason.

 

[Gail in Ca]

thanks for the optimism!

thanks for the optimism!

Thanks to you all for responding! I am feeling a bit aprehensive right now and reading your replies really helps. I am so hoping that when he does replace the valves, that they don't find active infection. I really think that doing the 6 wks of antibiotic therapy was worse than OPH!
My friend said I must be strong to have gone thru endocarditis and the brain bleed, so I keep that in my mind alot. I always pray for strength to get thru these illnesses and so far, God seems to be listening!
Dayton, I don't know how I got my infection. My teeth are great, I always floss and go every 6 mos to my dentist. My infection was staph. lugdunensis, sort of rare. I had only a tiny cut on my toe and on my hand at the time of infection and they were healing. It's a bit scary now because I really don't know how I got this infection. I use the antibacterial gel more now!
Gail