Dave's Journal

Susan Lynn  Dave - The infection you have could happen to anyone with mitral regurgitation.   The American Heart Association has changed recommendations over the years, but for most of the last four decades (that I know about) they advised antibiotics before dental cleanings or other procedures that could cause bleeding.   There are an enormous number of bacteria in everyone's mouth that can be particularly dangerous for people with regurgitation.  

Don't panic.  Stay positive for your PICC removal and your surgery.   I had a mitral valve and chord repair years ago and had a fairly easy recovery.   Your past doesn't dictate your future.   Your infection is being addressed,  your valve will be repaired,  and like us, you'll be back to enjoying life's great adventures.   You can do this! 

Robert Miller  I just had a dental cleaning a month or so ago. The first one since my first heart surgery. I had to take one pill of antibiotics 1h before the cleaning (there was another option of 3 pills for 3 days before the cleaning). I am not familiar with the Chloride part but assuming it's not off the chart, you are probably fine. Blood pressure is a bit on the higher side but not too bad. Measure it around the same time every day and after resting for a couple of minutes. Some antibiotics have the side effect of getting sun burns more easily (I can speak from experience). 

George Gardopee  Hi Dave. Welcome to HVS. This is a fabulous site for info and support before, during, and after surgery. 

Your story sounds a lot like mine- low grade infection, fever, chill, etc. In my case the infection settled in my lumbar spine for about six months. It took my spleen imploding from emboli that were generated by the mitral infection before I managed to get diagnosed. 

I also had a murmur for many years but I pretty much ignored it. I think you are right, the infection seems to be attracted to leaky valves. I had large vegetations on my mitral valve as well as broken chordae.  I luckily was able to get a repair but you go into this having to be prepared for a replacement.

It is terrifying, no doubt about that. Just about everyone here will tell you that the worst part of this is the anticipation. The aftermath is not always easy but usually not as bad as we expect it to be.  For details about what to expect, read through other member’s posts. My posts are quite long but they may be reassuring since our situations were so similar.  Ask anything here - everyone is extremely helpful. Good luck!