Endocarditis

I am 31 yr old male with no risk factors for heart disease, however for the last few months I have been experiencing odd pains in my chest and poor circulation to my left arm and leg. I am very weak and fatigued with pain in my left abdomen. I have lost over 20 lbs in the last 6 months, 10 of it in the last month. A tonsillectomy was performed 13 months ago and had several throat infections. I went to ER after having a bad nights sleep and was afraid. The Doc told me that I may have Endocarditis but it wasn't "immediately life threatening" and to see a Cardiologist if I was concerned. My chest x-rays didn't show anything, EKG was "perfect", blood pressure "normal", and my white count was only slightly elevated. I have pilonidal cyst and the medication seems to help my Cardio situation some when I am on it, and my symptoms come back within a few days of completing. I also took some leftover meds from a staph infection and it also seems to help me feel better. Does this sound like Endocarditis? Am I doing damage to my heart valves? I plan on seeing a Cardiologist this week but I have yet to receive my COBRA paperwork and I am concerned about insurance coverage. What should I do?

[whineyhiney]

just take ASA and wait it out............do not take any antibiotics.........actually, if you take them as directed, you should never have "left overs"...........you might need an echo.......good luck, this is treatable.  let us know.

[FLBrat]

Just curious how people have left over meds.  If you are prescribed to take the meds for 7 days, then take them for 7 days.  That is how long the treatment is to last.  Saving 5 pills for if you need them later only messes up your system.  Not criticizing you in particular 31, my husband is the worst about doing this.

[FLBrat]

and if someone knows...  don't you run a risk taking meds that were prescribed say, six months ago.  pills expire just like food.  can the chem composition change and possible become toxic?
Oh and 31, make sure your get portability papers re your current conditon and call your former employer about the COBRA paperwork.  Dont want a "lost in the mail" excuse to cause later problems.