have pneumonia and have not gone to dentist?

[Leighanne]

Need advice, not getting much info out of docs.
I had bronchitis a month ago which progressed into pneumonia a week later. It was the nurse in the ER who heard it in my right lung and the doctor did not but did order chest x ray. It showed pneumonia in rt lung. I had just about stopped coughing by this time. I have been off Levaquin (antibiotic) for two weeks and my chest xray from last weekend still showed "infiltration.....inprovement" It still hurts but no other symptoms. My sister is a rep for Levaquin and said that the dose I had was not enough and not what they reccomend. I also have not had my teeth cleaned in nearly two years (I moved out of state) What worries should I have about each with PVR with MAZE TV repair, scheduled for May 11th? I have not heard word from any cardio only from PCP who says no meds needed, it is "better" I had to insist on the followup x ray. I am getting nervous because my family that has agreeed to come out and help (1500 miles away) does not have travel arrangements in worry that there will be delay. Thoughts, input, adivce
Leighanne in Maine
Surgery scheduled at Childrens Boston 5/11

 

[Harpoon]

First off, get your teeth cleaned and have a good thorough check-up by a dentist at LEAST 2 weeks before surgery, preferably even before that.

When you see the dentist, you should probably be on some kind of antibiotic to protect against infections of the pericardium, a membrane that lines the heart. There's all kinds of nasty bacteria inside EVERYONE'S mouth and going to the dentist can some times stir that up and it gets into the blood stream. once there, it has the opportunity to start up a real bad infection and could delay surgery or even damage your heart.

Talk to your cardiologist about it AND a dentist. Most people, out side those that have had by-pass surgery, are on some kind of antibiotic before seeig a dentist. Sometimes they call it "prophylactic" or "prophylaxis" but it's the same thing.

I had to get a note from my dentist that said I was cleared for surgery. You'll be on assisted breathing for at least a few hours or more to maybe several days (hopefully not, that's rare) and the tube down your throat allows bacteria from your mouth to travel much faster into your lungs where it can stir up trouble... They'll need to know your mouth is as healthy as it can be.


When you go in to the hospital they'll check for any signs of any kind of infection that might cause you problems before, during, or after surgery. Chances are, if you've recently had pneumonia or are going through it now, they'll want to delay surgery until they know your body is completely recovered from the infection...


Bring it up with your docs and your surgeon if you have one at this point.

 

[tobagotwo]

Get your teeth cleaned. I absolutely agree. Usual phrophylaxis is 2 grams of Amoxicillin, taken one hour before the cleaning. Lean on your PCP to get at least one dose for cleanings and any other dental work.

There is expanding evidence of a link between cardiac valve infections and bacteria in the gums. Not just cleaning, but absolute repair of any gum disease or infection issues is a must for maintaining a working valve replacement long-term.

I apparently work for the same company your sister does, in a much different capacity. I am horrified to see prescribing information misused or ignored by physicians. However, I must point out that that type of misguided behavior by physicians is far more common than you might think. Drug companies are boxed in against saying anything about it, as physicians are their customers. Drug companies who pursue misprescribers mysteriously wind up with no prescribers in short order.

Get your teeth done. Most surgeons and cardiologists will not proceed if they suspect any tooth or gum issues.

 

[Nancy]

I think you should call your surgeon's office and discuss the entire situation with them. They may have issues with the post pneumonia situation which still "hurts". It is so very important that your lungs be as clear as possible. You should also discuss the mouth situation as well and find out what they recommend.

You wouldn't want to get all prepped for surgery and have all of your family take a trip, and find out that there is some lingering congestion in your lungs which would preclude the heart/lung machine.

Please check it out with the surgeon on Monday.

best wishes.

 

[Leighanne]

Dental visit and pneumonia

Dental visit and pneumonia

I did not know anything about the dental issues utnil
I found this forum, after my surgery was scheduled. I have been the one doing the constant calls to the doctor about re check and all i got was an order for a chest film. I am worried that because of pulmonary issue that is why my lungs are still having probs recovering. I though Childrens was supposed to be so great but why did i have to call 2 times before my MRI and leave messages about the pain and pneumonia so they could get good pics while there?? They did not of course, and now I am starting to get ticked off at all my docs..Why is it that all the work has been done by me,is the same with my sons problems (epilepsy and autism, migranes, reflux, GI, allergies, sensory integratiiion problems)? I am the patient not a doctor and am starting to wonder if I have made the right choiices for my health care. My son has 4 specialists and his PCP and still is worse after 3 years for the most part. I had one appoint ment with surgeon and his assistant/secretary said he would have to call me since I had already met him. I did not even understand what was going on when I met him and scheduled surgery, It was an out of body experience, like shopping for my life while stoned and drunk (was not though, not into that stuff) Sorry to ramble but my son was up screaming all night, up for 30 hours and is not asleep at 7 p.m. for an afternoon nap. I am tired and my heart and body is feeling the stress. So sorry for the ramblings but my family health wise is a massive train wreck and I am ready to be rescued.
Thanks all
Leighanne , tired mom to Ethan, age 4/2, 1500 miles from all family (most oblivious to our situation anyway)

 

[Nancy]

You surely have a full plate. Keep calling the surgeon's office. Getting answers for the issues you brought up is important for a successful surgery. If you cannot talk with the surgeon, they usually have a PA or NP who can address your concerns. Do not let these things go. They are important.

 

[tobagotwo]

What you're going through is no good, obviously. I was relieved to send my granddaughter back after 8-1/2 hours (i love her, but she was kind of a pill today). That's nothing like 30 hours with a surgery schedule and everyone else's care to handle as well. I wish I knew some way to take some of that load from you.

Some possibilities...

- Remember that you are likely dealing with the hospital's bureauocracy, rather than those who will eventually be a part of your direct care. See if you can get one person there into your corner, so they might help you more.

- Also, you might want to check with your insurance company to see if they can assign a case manager to you, as they will sometimes assist to smooth things out (so I'm told, although it didn't really work for me).

- Lean on your PCP harder. They usually have an insurance requirement to help organize the other doctors. Maybe someone in his/her organization will help with some of these unruly planning details

Basically, it seems you need a friend on the medical side. I wish you well in gaining one.

I can't help but think this surgery is a blessing - you need the rest!

 

[Nancy]

Leighanne-

There are several threads on the post surgery phase, just after you come home. Thought you might like to read them. It'll give you some ideas of what you have to prepare for.

http://valvereplacement.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1691

http://valvereplacement.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2197

http://valvereplacement.com/forums/showthread.php?t=991

http://valvereplacement.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1909

 

[Granbonny]

Hi Leighanne

Hi Leighanne

Ask around your neighborhood for a good dentist who lives nearby. Go in person to schedule a cleaning and tell them to give you a script for Amoxicillin 500 mg..You will have to take 4 ..1 hour before your cleaning.When you go in..tell them right away you will be having heart surgery in 2 weeks and you need a cleaning ASAP. Bonnie

 

[Nancy]

Hi Leighanne-

Here is one more thread about the post surgery phase at home.

http://valvereplacement.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5957

 

[Leighanne]

Dental work

Dental work

Went to BACH yesterday, saw head of unit at Childrens and they said I have good teeth so not to worry, does this sound right? The docs I met this time were more personable and very kind, affectionate and listened and ordered and did more tests to check for lung probs, finally!
Leighanne

 

[Bryan B]

Sounds great Leighanne. It sounds like you finally got the right people's attention!

 

[tobagotwo]

Good. No gum issues, lungs finally being looked at properly. Sounds like you're on track again. This is good news.

Now if you can just get some rest...

 

[Leighanne]

no rest but no pneumonia

no rest but no pneumonia

What the CAT scan showed was a healed broken rib (did not know that happened) and scar tissue from a previous pneumonia, so lungs are fine, left side of heart showed no damage on MRI. cant sleep but figure that would get worse the closer to surgery date. thanks for help, support, advice
Leighanne