Important article for those with mitral stenosis

[Nancy]

This is a very comprehensive article on Mitral Stenosis, Acquired (from rheumatic fever).

It answered many questions I had regarding Joe's medical conditions. I think you will find this useful.


http://www.emedicine.com/ped/topic2868.htm

If that doesn't work try this

http://www.emedicine.com/ped/byname/mitral-stenosis-acquired.htm
You will have to do a free registration in order to get the BIG article, and may have to "become" a medical professional to see the technical version. It printed out to 26 pages for me.

 

[bvdr]

Thanks Nancy, you are always so helpful.

 

[MarciaB]

Nancy,

Thanks for the article. I sure would have liked to have had it two years ago to slap in the face of my old cardiologist (esp. the part about chest pain). Also, I will relate the genetic component to my parents, who have suffered much guilt over it. My rheumatic fever was "silent", but they've always felt they didn't take me to the doctor when they should have.

Marcia

 

[Nancy]

Hi Marcia-

I think you will find that many people have had "silent" rheumatic fever.

I even worry about my little grandson who is prone to strep. His mother is very aware of the dangers, and takes him to the doc fast, and my grandson can tell when he has a strep type throat infection. But the pediatrician is sometimes skeptical when my daughter calls because sometimes he doesn't have any fever. That scares me because she has to battle to get the test done. My grandson was right the last time, no fever, just a sore throat. He tested positive. So I can see how some cases get too far before help can be gotten.

Unfortunately, my husband spent a year in the hospital when he was a young teen. No penicillin for him, just sulpha drugs. They didn't work. His heart was severely damaged.

 

[bvdr]

Marcia,

I have never told my mom the cause of my valve problems because I'm afraid she would feel guilty about not doing something right when I was a child. She is in her 80's, living in an assited living facility due to being very handicapped with Parkison's disease. I think I was misdiagnosed when I was in high school as having had mono when I probably had rheumatic fever but that wasn't my mom's fault. I would hate to cause her any dismay.