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You go girl. Glad you're feeling well.

I had minimally invasive mitral valve repair. In the hospital I always remember saying pain a 4 with pain meds. Probably a little less once I got home a I was sent home with percocet. Gradually stopped pain meds at home by week 2.

Well that's very good. Regarding blood cultures, I had a positive after 24 hours but yes it varies.

Just concerned how things are going.

I think the echo and maybe a TEE will determine if endocarditis. Your cardiologist and ID doctor will work close together. I'm a bit surprised that your cardiologist wanted to put off an echo. My wife is a nurse and feels if the headache still exists today, go back to ER and tell them you had a...

Good luck with your ID Dr.!

Blood culture results will be key. I'm so sorry to hear this.

I think a blood sample that one gets during an annual physcial is just a few vials and you leave. A blood culture is pretty much several vials but the difference is that you give samples. Wait 15 minutes, then give more samples. So it's a two step process. I think if one has a valve history...

Great news Claudia.

I didn't know there was a 3D TEE. I'll ask my cardiologist about it during my next visit in a few months.

Hello Claudia, My case was somewhat similar in that both surgeons I spoke with thought minimally invasive incision was most likely. And it was. Actually my plan B was mechanical as well and I was 47 at the time. My cardiologist said it was fine to engage in my hobbies, cycling, skiing, even...

Glad you're ok. I remember being told by the on-call cardiologist in the hospital that if you get it once, you need to be extremely super dilligent. My regular cardiologist said if I get any fever, go to ER to get a culture, then call his office. We don't get to screw around unfortunately.

Well that's good news. My white counts were about 12.5 or so. Don't know how long it took to get to that point.

Hello Harriet, For the MV at least, this is a general guideline. The scale goes from 0-4+ roughly. It's a general classification cardiologists use, although I don't know if it's technically recorded. 0-1 is none to trace. 1-2 is mild to moderate. 2-3 is moderate to moderately severe. 3-4.is...

I read your story. I had endocarditis last year. Basically, ran low grad fevers on and off for 2 months. Took antibiotics on and off but fever kept coming back. Antibiotics mask blood cultures so timing is important. I would call your cardiologist immediately. Ask about getting a blood...

Wow only a few days notice. Well good luck. I'll go well.

Good thoughts.

I'm not sure whether anyone goes though heart surgery with the understanding that it will last forever. Not knowing your specific condition, the success rate is usually very good but still even with me and probably a lot of heart surgery patients, I am ok with the possibility of a repeat. I...

Hey Rush, The mini thoracotomy and robotic are pretty much the same procedure but just a different technique. The incisions are a little different in size. I think both approaches are better than the full, but I'm not a doctor. I had surgery on a Thursday and left the hospital Sunday. I have...

Hello Rush, I had minimally invasive (robotic) mitral valve repair almost 6 years ago. I was 47 years old at the time, fairly active with my bicycle, skiing and kayaking. I was asymptomatic but had severe regurgitation. Since surgery, I have experienced absolutely no decline in my quality of...