8 Months now...Is it Endocarditis?

Posted By Debbie on April 18, 1999 at 15:09:45
I am a 29 year old white female with a functional flow murmur.  I was initially treated for endocarditis  about 5 years ago after having a fever, nail splinters and fatigue for a while.  After 5 days of IV antibiotics my cutlures came back negative and I was sent home with no further treatment.
Approx. 8 months ago I found a lump under my left jaw/neck in a lymph node a little smaller than a marble.  It is perfectly round and is mobile under the skin. I also noticed that I had a slight fever (99.5).  Over the next few months I developed 2 more lumps in the same spot on the right side, then two smaller ones, one on my jawline, and one in my neck near my ear.  I have run a fever from normal to 100 on and off throughout.  I've also had some episodes of chest pain.  I've been tired, but am active and certainly have not had what I would consider serious symptoms.  Without the fever and Lymph node lumps I'd assume that I was fine.
I had a CBC, HIV, Sed rate, and something that tests for leukemia I think in December/January.  All was normal except for mild anemia.
I had an echo that showed a definite vegetation an a valve.  The drew bloods for endocarditic culture.  I was sent for a TEE which was normal.  one of the cultures came back positive, but it was contaminated.
The symptoms have remained the same, but another lump has showed up. I've had a 3 nail splinters show up. My Doctor reordered all blood tests, but still suspects endocarditis.  I'm going for a chest CAT this week.
He is considering beginning treatment for (empirical trial I think he called it) endocarditis if all else comes back normal.  
Does this sounds like endocarditis?  Any other ideas?  Any input would be appreciated.  Thanks!
Debbie















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Re: 8 Months now...Is it Endocarditis? CCF CARDIO MD - MTR 4/21/1999
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