Re: Endocarditis: Any way to avoid?

Posted By Michael L. on April 24, 1999 at 10:09:22
I am due for valve replacement surgery in about a month at the Cleveland Clinic, and I am going to go with a homograft, because I am very active and do not wish to take coumadin. My age is making my decision difficult, because I am only 31 and it is almost guarenteed tht I will need another surgery someday, but I feel as if the homograft is the right choice. I was wondering if there is any way to help prevent endocarditis? I know that you must take anti-biotics before dental visits and invasive procedures, but what about your diet and/or lifestyle? I was curious to know if there were any specific steps to help prevet this from happening and causing the life-span of your replacement valve to be reduced?

[Hank-Eyring]

Posted By Hank Eyring on April 24, 1999 at 14:51:54
Hello Michael L.,
My name is Hank Eyring,  I am 32 years old and had my aortic valve replaced on April 2nd with the St. Jude mechanical valve.  I am still in the recovery process and living with quite a bit of pain.
I can tell you one thing, I would rather take coumadin the rest of my life than go through that surgery again!  I too was quite active until I got endocarditis 6 months ago and it destroyed my valve.  I plan to be active again as soon as the pain goes away and don't think the coumadin will be a limiting factor.  As long as my coumadin levels are kept in the proper range, there should should not be a whole lot that I cannot do because of it.
I opted for the mechanical because I have worked in the medical field for the past ten years and seen the surgery done before.  I never want to go through that again no matter what the cost.
Weighing all of this out is a tough decision, I hope this helps...
Hank Eyring
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Endocarditis: Any way to avoid? CCF CARDIO MD - DLB 4/24/1999
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