Endocarditis and mitral valve replacement

[SMS454]

I recently was hospitalized with Endocarditis, the offending bacteria being Streptococcus gordii. I also have MVP in the 3+ range. I am currently about 1/4 of the way through 4 weeks of Rocephin IV's. MY TTE showed either a vegetation or a ruptured chorda tendinea on the posterior mitral valve leaflet, and normal left ventricular function.Upon having a TEE, vegetations were observed on the posterior valve leaflet. I am due to follow up with my Cardiologist next week, but this whole episode has me really shaken up. I feel FINE! My discharge summary stated "The patient will likely require a mitral valve replacement." I am definitely getting a second opinion from Cleveland Clinic before submitting to surgery. MY question is, is surgery necessary when I feel the same as before the Endocarditis? There is no going back with a decision like this. Thanks

Steve

[kenkeith]

A heart surgeon associated with Mayo Clinic comments the major problem he sees is the patient waited too long before operation.  A decision shouldn't be made based on a lack of relevant symptoms, but it should be based whether or not, if and when there may be progression of the disorder.  A surgeon would be the best source for that information, and an option of repair rather than replacement may be an option.  

[SMS454]

I kind of had a feeling that doing the surgery while my heart is still relatively healthy could be the right decision, It's just so easy to go into denial about the whole thing. This is the first major health issue I have had in my 45 years. We will see how it all unfolds.