Des's Journal

I read with interest you latest post on endocarditis bacteremia. Last year December 2017 I got sicker and sicker. I did not know why? Eventually in February my cardiologist at NY Presbyterian suggested I fly up to NY for tests. I live in Florida. I was quickly diagnosed with endocarditis bacteremia. I was hospitalized for 14 days and needed 5 weeks of penicillin injected into me 24/7 through my PIC line. I had many tests including a petscan, 3 TEE procedures, MRIs, echocardiogram, CT scans with dye contrast etc. They had to identify where the bacteria was situated. My situation was complicated as in 2013 I had a defective aortic valve, aoetic stenosis and an acending aortic aneurysm. I probably was two steps away from a repeat open heart surgery. One year later I am thankfully back to normal. I cannot say enough good things about the cardio department at NY Presbyterian. That includes my cardiologist (the best), all the nurses, CNA's and general staff serving breakfast and cleaning floors. We think I got sick from a routine dental cleaning despite taking amoxicillin. I am permanently on penicillin tablets and additional antibiotics for dental work. But the great doctors, advanced medicine and God's blessing I was cured.