Jont pain and swelling

[jdl]

I have a friend who is experiencing low grade fever,exteme joint pain and swelling, we went to the emergency room the blood test indicated an infection with rheumatoid ?in quuestion.

The family physician indicated he heard a mumer and had more blood test done to see if there is an infection in the heart valves.

we are very concerned....can these two conditions be related and if so how.

thank you

[Will Scarlet]

I had the inflammation and extreme pain for years.  Kept getting steadily worse and more often.  Finally, was diagnosed wiht a blood culture as having endocarditis.  I had THREE serious bacterias.  They put in a port and I received daily 3 hour IV treatments for 7 weeks.  When culture was free of infection, I had the bad heart valve replaced.  Now, 2 months later, the inflammation and pain is with me daily again.  I am trying to find SOMEONE that can figure it out and help me.  Get a Dr. to grow a culture for you.  That will tell them what infections you have.  Good luck!

[CCF-M.D.-CRC]

Dear jdl,
Acute rheumatic fever is due to a strep infection and has characteristic findings which may include inflammation of the heart, joints, fever, rash, small nodules beneath the skin, and elevated blood markers of inflamation.  The acute condition may cause damage to the heart valves which can be a chronic problem.  Another possibility that the family physician is concerned about is called bacterial endocarditis which is an infection of the heart valves which can cause similar symptoms.  Both of these are treated with antibiotics and in serious conditions valvular heart surgery may be required.  In addition to the blood tests his doctor may want to order an echocardiogram to evaluate the heart valves.