Endocarditis

[Sonia1903]

My partner has just been diagnosed with endocarditis while recovering from a operation we're he had cysts on his brain and then 5 wks prior to that he had a new valve ... just looking for anyone experience. With endocarditis and any support would be great x thanks

[skid112 Heart Star]

Evening Sonia, sorry to hear of all the issues, there are a few threads on here healthunlocked.com/bhf/post... is one. There are a few on here as well who will be along to try and help you

[Sina-6491]

So sorry to hear of your recent troubles. It must be so tuff for you both.

I have just looked at the link skid112 has suppled. Yes it's very imformative.

Sending you both supportive hugs, ☺

[Nicholas55]

Hi Sonia, I had endocarditis diagnosed at the end of April last year. It attacked my mitral valve leading to a replacement towards the end of May last year. A few experiences directly related to the endo. They key person for me apart from the heart surgeon was the micro-biologist who made all the key decisions - these people know their stuff! As soon as I was diagnosed I was put on pretty strong abs 4 hourly round the clock for a total of about 7 weeks. It's a bit inconvenient at 2am but to be honest it's vital. I was told the key was to get the right ab for the particular form of endo. It takes time to get the precise diagnosis. I had to have the abs before and especially after the op because I still had the endo. They wanted to be certain the bug had gone. This meant I stayed is hospital much longer - nearly 4 weeks - than others who disappeared after 5-6 days. But you get used to it. My wife came to see me every day which helped enormously. They let me have the last week of abs in my local hospital and by this time it was one big dose everyday. Since then I have monthly blood tests to make sure the bug does not come back - this now coincides with a monthly inr check so it's ok. Since then I don't think the endo has affected my recovery. It took me three months to get my strength back and for me progressively increasing my walking was key. My main message is abs will do their job - it just takes time - much more time than without the Endo.

Best wishes to your partner.

Nicholas

[Sonia1903 in reply to Nicholas55]

Thanks Nicholas , glad to hear you have recovered best wishes Sonia

[kefalonia1]

Hi Sonia, l caught severe sepsis which led to infective endocarditis they then drained a litre of fluid from my heart while l was awake and watching on an enormous screen, this scary infection led to a aortic valve mechanical replacement. Talking to professionals they warned me that recovery would take longer which it does. l am now 7 months post op and after 92 days in hospital l was very battered physically. However l am much better now although my energy levels can vary daily. You must be prepared to support your partner emotionally as endocarditis can also cause depression which l still struggle with. lts a long lonely journey to a good recovery but there is a light at the end of the tunnel!!! Good luck and hugs to you both.

[Sonia1903 in reply to kefalonia1]

Thank you and hope you continue to get better your self x