See doctor or not?

[Randy & Robyn]

As you all know, I will be up for aortic valve surgery (hopefully a repair) very soon.

I have a question concerning a minor health issue I have had for the past few years.

In 1999, my wife and I vacationed in Costa Rica. Within two weeks of returning, I came down with an infection in the lymph nodes in my neck. This was the first time in my life I ever had swollen lymph nodes. I am not sure if it was something I picked up on vacation or something else entirely. My doctor tested me for strep which came back negative. He put me on an antibiotic that cleared it up within two days.

Since then, I have had recurring infections. They occur once or twice a year. Most of the time they disappear on their own after a week or two of suffering with a sore throat. A couple of times I've needed antibiotics which eradicates it very quickly.

Is this something I should have checked out further before my surgery? Is it true that your valve is more susceptible to infection imediately after surgery?

I would much rather not worry about this right now but I don't want to put my chances for a complete recovery at risk either.

Randy

 

[Karlynn]

I would have it checked out. Best of luck.

 

[twinmaker]

You should definitely let your doctor know about this before the surgery. I had been having trouble with my wisdom teeth flaring up before my surgery, and the surgeon made me get them extracted before the OHS just so there would be no infection coming from them during the time right before the surgery or after.

 

[Johnny Stephens]

Howdy- does your doctor actually know conclusively what this "infection" was? If it were me, I would get a concrete answer that they know what it was and have resolved it. Valve surgery (or any surgery) + "infection" is not a recipe for fun.

You are asking all the right questions, and taking the "informed medical consumer" approach - you've got that going for you.

Best of luck, Randy -

 

[hensylee]

It might one of those little tropical bugs that's hard to get rid of. My son-in-law used to fly into/out of Central American countries every week. he eventually picked one up and it was hard to get rid of. Be sure to talk this over w/your dr - give him all the details. He might want more info on this before surgery. Don't take chances.

 

[jax3172]

Antibiotics after surgery

Antibiotics after surgery

Another stupid question from Jack, but why wouldn't every surgeon, perhaps during but especially after BAVR surgery, give us huge prophylactic doses of real good antibiotics? I know I'll request it!

 

[Randy & Robyn]

I took your advice and made a quick trip to my pcp. He didn't seem too concerned. He said if I come down with another infection before the surgery I should seem him. Otherwise there are no tests that would indicate anything.

Just to be sure I will definitely tell my surgeon about this. I would trust his opinion much more.

I would think for a procedure like this that they would put everyone on antibiotics for awhile to help guard agsinst infections. I'm sure there must be a reason if they don't.

Thanks, everyone.

Randy

 

[Georgia]

I was on antibiotics prior to and after surgery - I can't imagine that my experience was unique.

 

[Granbonny]

Forein Countries?

Forein Countries?

When my daughter came home with their 2 Russian Blessins...(Note my Avatar)... Getting in a litle braggin she also brought home a Russian Bug... for 6 weeks..coughing, congestion, ect...On many Antibiotics....It went away....and has now come back. A mild case now, thank goodness..but has to sleep on Living room sofa to keep kids from waking up..with her coughing....Back on antibotics...cough med.......Her doctor was confused the first time..said, she must have a forein bug... .....I pray this round of antibotics will kill it. .....That is why..We have chosen to spend our Vacations in America ( and our money).....Mainly because of my Mech valve....but also..America is so beautiful...with our beautiful Oceans beaches, Mountains, ect.....Plus, not to flame anyone..but forein countries really could care less for Americans..Just want their Green stuff..$$$$$$.Granson is in Cancun for 3 weeks..1 down and 2 to go before he gets back.. (With his Mom's family)..no say so...but will be glad when July 14th is here.... and back with me. Bonnie

 

[Nancy]

Oh, they DO give you some huge doses of heavy duty antibiotics (injected). How do I know?? Joe developed serum sickness from Ancef. He had had it many times before, but this one time, he had a horrible reaction and landed up in the ICU for 10 days, and was in very bad shape.

No one could have predicted this kind of reaction. He must have built up a resistance to it somehow.

Now, it's on his BAD drug list along with any cephalozolins or cephalosporins.