Does getting endocarditis post-valve surgery always mean surgery is needed to replace the valve? Will IV antibiotics not do the trick?
... Her request is that I report every infection or illness promptly so that she can evaluate it at once. In the past 6 weeks, I've had two for some reason at which point she ordered cultures and immediately began a round of antibiotics. ...
Infections are something to keep right on top of, quickly addressing. There are many members here who have dealt with BE.
I recall reading something about shivers also. For me, that's usually an indication that whatever bug I may have gotten has crossed the point into being infected.
I also am much quicker about addressing sinus infections too; ignored for even a brief time, they can quickly develop into something much worse.
There are 2 kinds of BE Acute and sub acute. Acute usually hits hard and fast and does alot of damage quickly. I think usually the people that need their valves replaced right away have Acute. Sub acute can be taken care of with just the antibiotics even if it takes a while to be diagnosed because tit is slower acting and can take a while to cause damage to the valves
I've read that antibiotics should not be given if BE is suspected until after the blood cultures have come back. They want to know what is causing it, and antibiotic use could muddy the waters. Even after they know what bacteria it is, they often use trial and error, and may have to change up the drugs to get the combo that kills the bacteria. It is scary stuff. Now, when I cut myself, I immediately wash. I use antibacterial gel more often,
and if I step on a rock with bare feet, my 1st thought is, I hope it doesn't give me BE. Going thru that again would be the worst. Yeah, even more so than OHS.
It is NOT just Tissue valves. BE can damage ANY kind of valve, either the valves you are born with or replaced valves. (for example Gail in this thread had a mechanical valve that needed replaced because of the damage from BE)Andy, these ladies have answered you better than I can since they have had much more experience. What my family Doctor said is that the problem you must try to avoid is allowing systemic infections to develop beyond their initial phase. Small surface cuts and scrapes are usually not a problem but should be kept clean and watched to insure they are healing properly. One exception is what you have no doubt already been told which is that you must take antibiotics before having any dental work including cleaning. Several bacteria that can be harmful to the heart (especially to the surgical site and tissue valves) are typically resident in the mouth.
It would be helpful, if I could clone Dr Madaj and send a copy to each of you. She listens to me and if I ask a question will take the time to find me a meaningful answer if there is one. When I call to report a problem, she acts promptly. After my last echo-cardiogram, it was she who told me more about the results than did my Cardio who pretty much just said "it looks good". This kind of relationship is truly invaluable.
Larry
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