antibiotics or not?

[jan]

(Originally posted 12/15)Today my ep told me I had mild mvp and mild mr and tr. That it was up to me whether or not to use antibiotics, because it was "really mild". I don't like being stuck with making that decision. Afterward, I saw my urologist, he wanted to catherize me, but hesitated because he knew he was supposed to use the antibiotics for a cystoscope but wasn't sure about for catherization. I don't recall the guidelines including catherization. So, my questions are: 1. Do I go with the antibiotics or not? 2. Would I need them (if I do opt to go with antibiotic proph.) for a catherization?                (Originally posted 12/15)

[CCF CARDIO MD - DLB]

If I hear a murmur due to MVP, I recommend antibiotics. If I hear no murmur, I generally do not recommend antibiotics, unless the echo shows significant MVP.

[jan]

Even with regurgitation?  And maybe, my ep wouldn't, but then my urologist is concerned about it(and my pcp and I guess my dentist will be), so I guess sometimes it won't even be up to me.

[CCF CARDIO MD - DLB]

I advise antibiotics with MVP if I hear a murmur, or if the echo shows true MVP with a structurally deformed valve and/or more than a minor amount of leakage. In your case, because of your concerns, I think your doctors are going to use antibiotics anyway, to be on the safe side.

[jan]

I am not sure what you mean by true mvp with a structurally deformed valve... He said I had mild mvp, with mild mr and tr. The 1st echo report said I had thickening of the anterior leaflet, no evidence of mvp and then the posteriorly directed jet was mentioned.  When you say they will use antibiotics because of my concerns, you don't mean they'll use them just because I am worried about it, do you?  I am concerned because my cousin died at 37 from an infection of her heart, however if I don't need antibiotics...  It seems that dr.s disagree when it is necessary and that adds to my confusion and makes it's a little scary,too.  Thank you for your patience.

[CCF CARDIO MD - DLB]

If the valve is thickened on echo, I would recommend antibiotic prophylaxis.

[jan]

Do I need the antibiotics for a bladder catherization?  Also, since it is supposed to be my decision (I am going with your recommendations for the antibiotics)do you think he, my ep, will fill out a antibiotic proph. card or maybe it doesn't actually have to be filled out?  Thank you for your help.

[jan]

I hope you don't mind answering, yet, another question.  I could really benefit from an antihistamine right now, but someone told me I couldn't take decongestants because I am taking atenolol for IST and it looks like every antihistamine is combined with decongestants!  Can you tell me something I can take, allergy or cold med.( I just,basically, want an antihistamine, not one of those meds that list everything possible).  Thanks, again.

[Sandy]

I know this is way late in getting to you, and you probably already figured it out, but there are antihistimines out there that don't have decongestents built in.  Actifed is one.  I don't kow if it's contraindicated with the atenolol or not, though; check before you take it.

  -Sandy