looking for info on strep infection

[LoraW30]

Okay, everyone here knows how dangerous strep throat is for someone with heart problems. I have been extremely careful my whole life to keep from getting it and have been successful up until spring 2002. I guess I got it at work handling money, or maybe a child left germs, who knows? I had a very bad case of it and it took over a week to get rid of it. A month later I developed what I think was probably pnemonia(sp?). My primary doctor, being the ***** that he is, said my lungs were fine. I got better and in December my cardiologist discovered a whole new set of problems. High lung pressures, Cardiomyopathy caused by a stiffening of my left ventricle. What I'm trying to find out is if maybe the strep throat had a little to do with this, as the doctors seem mystified. I'm trying to research the affects of strep, but am not having much luck. Any thoughts or suggestions?

 

[fyrfytr]

You might try www.WebHealthCentre.com and click on the cardiac corner and acquired heart diseases. I don't know if this will help any or not. I hope everything turns out OK for you. Take Care

Dave
_________________________________
Surgery: 4/21/03
Aortic Aneurysm Repair
AVR, with a St. Jude Mechanical 27mm
Heart Center of the Rockies

 

[Ross]

From your description, it sounds like it may have turned into Rheumatic Fever which could cause problems. Rheumatic is untreated Strep that affects the heart valves. I know you got treated, but did you get treated properly? That's the question. I'm assuming not since you got pneumonia a few weeks later.

 

[LoraW30]

Thanks for the website Dave,

So far it's been more informative than a lot of sites I've looked at. I'm not sure that the strep infection had anything to do with what's going on now, but it's a question that's been at the back of my mind for months now and before I flat out ask my cardiologist about it, I want to gather as much information as I can.


Lora

 

[LoraW30]

Ross,

I'm thinking the strep did go into my lungs. When I was treated for strep throat, my doctor gave my penicillin for a week or maybe two. I finished the meds completely, rested, gargled with salt water, all that good stuff. I felt great for some time afterward before my lungs filled up.


Last spring I had a transplant evaluation and I noticed in all the lab results, mention was made that the bacteria causing strep was found in my bloodstream. That's what's got me on my little mission for info. I go back to see my cardiologist next month and plan on asking her some direct questions about it.