IE and AVR

[Larson2023]

Hi

I am a 50-year-old male and was tracking bicuspid valve for the past number of years and was most recently severe with no symptoms, consultant decided to continue to monitor until symptoms presented.

In July 23 I went to hospital with fever and black spots in my fingers and blurred vision and was eventually diagnosed with Infective Endocarditis and subsequently underwent surgery for AVR and IV antibiotics and now oral antibiotic to deal with any remaining bacteria.

Currently extremely confused and don’t know what my life expectancy is, chances of getting another dose of IE and can I have additional AVR.

Any advice or experience with similar would be warmly appreciated.

Many Thanks

[Hidden]

Hi, Really sorry to hear about the Endo. There is quite a few on here who've had it, myself included, so have empathy with you.

Based on my own experience I'll answer your questions as best I can.

I've had multiple valve replacements, going back to the early 1990's, following my second OHS I contracted Endo, that surgery comprised replacement Aortic and Mitral Valves amongst other things. In my case, it damaged the valves to the extent that they needed replacing again. So, I had my third OHS, four months after the second, in the event the Aortic was replaced and the Mitral repaired. That was over the winter of 2013/14, so coming up 10years. I continued as normal after that.

What the chances of getting Endo again, I cant say, but, touchwood I've been clear since. You have to look after yourself with the likes of dentistry.

Can you have AVR again absolutely, as I say I've done it, as have many others.

I'm not sure why Life Expectancy would change, I'm in it for the long run, and dont give it any thought. I'm a bit of a novice to some extent, one member has had surgery five times and had Endo.

I hope my experience helps.

Take care

[Larson2023 in reply to Hidden]

Hi Heedio61

You have no idea how much I appreciate you taking the time to reply, you have taken a weight off my shoulders as I was getting bogged down on a load of stats from google, I know I should'nt have gone there but I did!!

You had it rough with OHS 2 and 3 within 4 months of each other, fair play.

I am glad you are well and with that positive mindset I get a lot of strength, thank you.

I am 4 weeks and 2 days post surgery and off the pain killers (still on the Keflex for a few weeks) and walking 60 mins each morning. These doctors are amazing!

I will take that long run too, thanks again for taking the time to reply , appreciated

All the best.