Update on Tooth Abscess

[KimC]

Hello,

Last time I posted, I mentioned having a large, yucky tooth abscess. I've been treated with antibiotics and am feeling better than I have in over two years: no chest pain, SOB, night sweats or fatigue. I'm still taking antibiotics and will have further dental surgery on Friday. I'll know the extend of the damage at that time.

My cardio said that it's possible the infection spread to my blood/heart given its severity. If the symptoms return after surgery, then we'll move to further testing for "subacute endocarditis:"

Subacute endocarditis ? This form of endocarditis most often is caused by one of the viridans group of streptococci (Streptococcus sanguis, mutans, mitis or milleri) that normally live in the mouth and throat. Streptococcus bovis or Streptococcus equines also can cause subacute endocarditis, typically in patients who have some form of gastrointestinal cancer, usually colon cancer. Subacute endocarditis tends to involve heart valves that already are damaged in some way, and it usually is less likely to cause septic emboli than acute endocarditis. If untreated, subacute bacterial endocarditis can worsen for as long as one year before it is fatal.


I have a two-week post-op window before my doctor will consider further testing, and will post again at that time. If anyone experiences the symptoms I posted above, then you may want to go see a dentist!!!

Best,

 

[Marguerite53]

missed your first post on the problem

missed your first post on the problem

Hi Kim. What an amazing thing! Is it possible that you've just had this low grade infection for so long and it was getting you down? It is wonderful to hear that you are feeling better than you have in 2 years. Grr. I would just be, well, infuriated, I think, if it were me!! That it was all hiding in your mouth!!

I hope you are thinking positive. Your cardio only said that subacute endocarditis was possible. He did not suggest that it was probable. I remember reading many accounts here about the rages of endocarditis and your descriptions do not match those. Enjoy the freedom from the symptoms!! Think carefully and deeply about how well you feel and wake up each morning reminding your body that it is going to feel just like this all day long!! You are young and this just may be the real beginning of a new strength for you!!! I am optimistic!! How are you?

Marguerite

 

[Nancy]

Kim-

I am so glad that abcess was taken care of. What a terrible thing.

Joe just finished a 6 week course of Cipro. He developed a gram negative infection which became bacteremia while in the hospital. His doctors were very, very concerned about endocarditis. So far, so good. The cultures that have been taken after the Cipro was done, have tested negative, hopefully it's totally gone. But it was scary.

I'll never forget the seriousness with which his Infectious Disease doctor told us what he had found, and the possibility of endocarditis.

Joe is allergic to the family of cephalosporins which are the preferred antibiotics. But Cipro did the trick.

 

[Karlynn]

Gosh, Kim, that is very strange - and wonderful. Have you been on a course of antibiotics prior to this, but after the start of your heart symptoms?

So are you saying that if the symptoms return after the surgery and after you've finished the antibiotics you'll test for the endocarditis?

Keep us posted...and rock on!

 

[KimC]

Marguerite, yes ... I'm trying not to over-analyze and just FEEL WELL!! Re whether or not my symptoms were due to a tooth abscess, it's hard to say. When I asked my cardio this, he said my cardic cath was abnormal. Did the infection cause the abnormality? DK (don't know).

Nancy, great to hear from you again but not great to hear about your scare! I'm glad Joe was treated agressively.

Karlynn, hey girl! Yes, if the symptoms return after antibiotic therapy and surgery, then my cardio will consider blood cultures for endocarditis.

Bottom line, I'm feeling better. My brother, (el doctor) said give it a few more weeks before throwing out the nitro.

Best,

 

[KimC]

From WebMD

From WebMD

"Gum disease is associated with systemic inflammation and a growing list of diseases and conditions including heart disease and preterm birth," Savard says. But if you have a spare moment or two, "pull down your lower lip and pull up your upper lip and check your gum line in the mirror," she says. Look for signs of redness or bleeding, which can mean infection. "If you notice these signs, talk to your dentist, it could save your life and your smile!"

 

[hensylee]

Dear Kim - thanks for coming back to update us. I have been wondrin about how it went. Sounds like you've been through the mill but it's really good news that you are doing so well.

My daughter always has a terrible time at the dentist. Her roots are so near her sinuses and she ends up with a sinus infection. I told her she ought to take antibiotics before any dental visits to avoid possible heart problems - so she discussed it with the dentist who agreed with her. She still has a rough time, but does not get infections now.

Y'all listen to what Kim said.

 

[aussigal]

OH GOODIE ...I was wondering how you were going and iftheyd done something about your sore tooth .

Isnt amazing how much better you are feeling with it being treated now?!...I know I was stunned when I had my yukky (same as yours) tooth removed at how much better I soon felt with all those germs gone .

All the best for Friday...are they giving you a root-canal or or is it too far-gone? I know I have had a few root-canals go-bad on me after a few years and had to have the tooth extracted after all that hard expensive dental work!

 

[KimC]

I won't know if they can save the tooth until tomorrow AM! They just called and moved-up my appointment to an earlier slot. I am a wee bit nervous. Of course, dental surgery is NOTHING compared to OHS.

The symptoms returned yesterday, unfortunately. The endodontist said they might. I'm not sure what this means re further testing for endocarditis. I have been diagnosed with small vessel disease via intercardiac cath, so the symptoms could be related to that. As usual, I'm looking for answers or a cure.

I'll let everyone know how it goes tomorrow!

All the best,

 

[aussigal]

good luck today at the dentist Kim...

hope to see that beautiful smile again real soon...not the likely frown on your face at the moment from fear or pain or both...
dont worry lovey look forward to the relief you will get really quickly if it is the rotten tooth.
\
it'll be sooo much better once its fixed trust me I had 5 done that is no typo 5 teeth done yep!..been there done that for sure..: