Paul's Journal

Marie Myers  I think if keep your cardiologist in the loop of things (like dental visits ,surgery or invasive tests) he/she should keep you advised about preop antibiotics. Will have to investigate that question further to understand the incidence of IE...Good question..

Lilly Black  I agree with Marie. I began taking antibiotics for dental procedures as soon as doctors were aware of a present murmur which goes back to many years ago. But my first heart surgery was in 2007. I was much more vigilant from that time and also took antibiotics for other types of procedures that were invasive. Several weeks ago I cut my middle finger quite badly on a hedge trimmer and the first thing I reached for was the antibiotic bottle in my fridge. The doctor at Urgent Care also gave me a new prescription. I took them for 10 days. I really don't like taking them but they have so far kept me safe! Good luck Paul ✌️

Gerald Poulton  Hi Paul, I only would consider antibiotics pre dental procedures or surgery. Bad teeth can be an issue for the heart and during a cleaning or dental procedure there can be a large amount of bacteria and bleeding which is not a good combination for us. Other than that I dont worry bout it unless it is something bad enough to cause a hospital visit and then the doctor would know. I recently suffered a large gouge in my arm, anywhere else I might have got stitches, I just cleaned it immediately with isopropel alcohol, a shot of regular alcohol for me 😀And then kept polysporin on it until healed. Personally I dont think you have to be overly concerned or live in a bubble and I think if it was a big concern one of my three heart doctors would have said something. Having said that if it is a concern you, discuss it with your doctor.