endocarditis several years after aortic valve replacement

[mumsastudent]

has anyone had endocarditis several years after having an aortic valve replaced? My oh has been hospitalised & has been given iv antibiotics (6 weeks worth!) They suspect (because of timing & nature of infection) that it may be linked to a colonoscopy. It took time for gps to recognise the symptoms - tiredness, low level fever & chills, pain in legs apparently high blood inflammation markers - please be aware of these as this can be life threatening

[P0rtnahapp1e]

I had endocarditis and was on IV antibiotics for nine weeks. They didn’t know how I contracted it, but because those who have had endocarditis once are more susceptible to a repeat bout, I have to take precautions against any infection or break in my skin.

I had been considered as suitable for a pacemaker prior to my infection but that has now been ruled out as the area where the leads connect would be a site susceptible to endocarditis.

I had a chest infection last year and was barrier nursed for a week in hospital because of the risk.

I was originally presented with sepsis so was really lucky that my condition was diagnosed so quickly and efficiently.

[mumsastudent in reply to P0rtnahapp1e]

they have linked my dh to a colonoscopy he had a few weeks before his symptoms - which is a concern - I cant help but wonder how many people have contracted endocarditis linked with this...

[Mary_Janet in reply to mumsastudent]

Having previously had endocarditis in 2017 and been made aware of the high risk of further episodes I read your entry with interest. My infection entered my body after I lost a filling (as I had no pain in the tooth I left it 48hrs before going to the dentist)

I seem to remember that there was a previous posting about someone else linking their endocarditis occurring post colonoscopy so it should be on the "risks list"

I hope the your oh does well and makes a good recovery. Best wishes Mary

[mumsastudent in reply to Mary_Janet]

he is having his "internal" ecg today - which is scary - he seems ok in himself - the hospital care is second to none - the car parking issue however! he drove in to the hospital expecting to have echo & go home & got taken in as emergency - I don't drive - so the private car parks!!!! I have PALS & ward clerk on side but who needs this kind of extra pressure? The attitude of the jobs worth at the car payment office was unbelievable

[mumsastudent in reply to mumsastudent]

thank goodness the valve is ok -otherwise it would have been an operation to remove & replace it - he will continue on (2) antibiotics iv for at least the next 6 weeks - so watch out for fevers & chills, limb pain, & tiredness & what he described as brain fog - people - its incredibly vague symptoms but you need to be insistent about getting diagnosis asap - the 2nd gp (!!!) sent him for blood test which only showed both the inflammatory markers as being raised & gp sent him straight to A & e for echo - ringing ahead - they took him straight in -