To all those mitral valve veterans!! Question?

[nebtargh]

It's been 11 days since my mitral valve repair, and I have a qeustion in regards to infections. The doctor told me to take notice to fevers in the future because there could be an infection that could find it's way to the mitral valve. What am I suppose to do worry everytime I think I might of contracted a bacteria? How do I go through life on guard about everything I might come in contact with? This is all new to me, and I just want the right frame of mind if I have to overhaul my way of life. Any suggestions? Tips? Words of wisdom?

Thanks,

Al

 

[WayneGM]

Hi Al,

You've got to be a bit guarded right after the OHS, but once the healing from that is well underway, I think life can be pretty much get back to normal.

The only thing I'm doing differently from "normal" now is taking antibiotics before going to the dentist. Other than that I take the same common sense precautions as I always did to avoid catching a cold or the flu....proper hygene like washing your hands properly, dress appropriately in cold weather, avoid people with colds/flu, make sure I get enough sleep and eat properly so I don't get run down, etc.

Take care,

 

[Lisa in Katy]

It shouldn't be any different than it was before you had surgery. I always had to take antiobiotics before going to the dentist and always had to be aware that an infection could further damage my valve. However, I'm not paranoid and you shouldn't be either. If you get sick and it doesn't seem to be getting better after a few days, go to the doctor. Of course if your fever is high (over 101), don't wait a few days. I really don't think we're at any more risk than any other healthy person out there. I think that the doctors are just more cautious because of the history.

 

[Mb]

Hello!

I would also like to add, that whenever you have an open wound.....watch it for signs of infection. And, if you are anything like my husband, he has gotten two infections from needles. They treat with antibiotics. He got one in the hospital, and the second a couple of years later from a pneumonia vaccination. -Marybeth

 

[Adrienne]

My surgeon told me the first time I met him that repairing the mitral valve would reduce the risk of endocarditis significantly. Naturally, I still have to take antibiotics before going to the dentist since there is still a risk, but hopefully, as he told me before, the risk is less.

 

[marky]

Hi Al
glad to hear that you are home, and hopfully on the way to a nice recovery!
I see that you had Gammie do your surgery.. were you happy with him? I have some of his 'work of art' (his words) In me too!

I think that the the concern for fever 'now' is to rule out any post op infection.Once you are recovered then I think the precautions are as mentioned in the previous posts.
Make sure to get a flu shot this year.. and keep lots of hand sanitizer on around!

 

[geebee]

I agree with the others. Take your pre-meds for dental work or any other procedures. Take heed if you do get really sick but not any more than another person without a MVR would. Fevers for any length of time or very high fevers are always a concern for everyone.

Live your life - you will find the times to worry are few and far between.

 

[Karlynn]

Everyone needs to be mindful of fevers that may indicate infection in the first several weeks of recovery, not just mitral valve folks. Once you are recovered, it's just the usual precautions as the others have meantioned. Anyone with valve issues should premedicate prior to dental surgery and other invasive procedures. I spend no time worrying about valve infection.