strep throat and aortic valve

[janelle]

Hello, I am a 31 year old female, and  it's been some time since I visited the heart forum, but in the months leading up to my surgery, it was a terrific source of support and information.  I had AVR with a homograft in Feb 99 for severe aortic insufficiency.  In general my recovery went very well and I have enjoyed more energy and better health since the surgery.  However, I have recently had a bad bout with strep throat with about a month of fatigue preceding the infection.  I attributed the fatigue to moving and starting a new job, but in the back of my mind, I wondered a little about my valve. Now with this strep infection, I wonder if there is reason to see my cardiologist before my next scheduled check-up (in March or April), or if I should just not worry about it.  I am on antibiotics, and am feeling better.  The Dr. in the walk-in clinic I went to gave me a shot of antibiotics in addition to the prescription, and cautioned me about the dangers of strep throat. Are there any special concerns with this infection and a new homograft?  I don't want to be a worrier, but I do want to make sure I protect my new valve.  Any comments would be appreciated.

Sincerely,
Janelle

[Brenda]

I just turned 39 years old.  Since 1995 I have been recieving Bi-Cillin injections to treat an elevated ASO Titer level.  Now, after an injection in September I ended up with Phuemonia and they refuse to give me the shots, as this phuemonia was triggered by an allergic reaction to the Bi Cillin.  I have been taking them every month for almost 5 years.  
When my ASO Titers are elevated I know it.  All my joints hurt and I take Vioxx the Dr gave me for the arthritis.  Funny I dont have arthritis until Titers are elevated.  The more active I become when they are elevated the more my leggs, face and hands retain water...I have the fatigue and cant sleep well at nite and during the day am exhausted,sleep 4 hours naps and am still tired.  Also when the Titers are elevated I break out when the fevers start under my arms, buttocks with small cysts, boil like.  When I was in the hospital with Phnuemonia and they ran IV Levaquin through me for 8 days I had developed a hug cyst that covered my abdomen, and drained so bad..it was nasty. I think this is the way the infection is trying to leave my body.
My heart is fine and so are the valves we did the testing.  I am getting wary of Drs cause for years I walked around telling them I did not feel well and it turned out that I had to have a kidney removed due to cancer..(renal cell carcinoma) ..why Im writing all this cause I am wondering if anyone knows why I have elevated titers and what to do a bout them or if Im alone in this...It is very frustrating....Grrrrr  
I congraduate all of you that are recovered and doing well from your surgeries and illnesses.  Medicine in the RIGHT Docs hands is magnificent Im sure you all agree
My email is ***@**** if any of you want to contact me
thanks for letting me share my woes with you...
swollen and perturbed in Ohio..(lol)

[Lorraine Lorette]

I'm a 56 year old female. I recently had an echocardiogram and
have been diagnosed with severe aortic valve insuffiency.
The reason I had this test is because of the class-action suit
for Phen-Fen whic is now in progress. Had it not been for this I
wouldn't have had the it done. I took this drug for over two years. Do you think this could have caused my problem?  Also
could you comment on Phen-Fen and aortic valve disease.
I sure would like to hear from others that are going through
this.  Thank you.

[anita yasevich]

question: I,am 57 yr old female , in reasonably good health,I take no meds accept hormone replacement using herbal supplements. I have had recently had in a few months left sided chest pain after eating, also palpatations, and pounding heart even at complete rest. I don,t drink caffine or smoke or alcohol. I exercise moderately, and try not to overeat. I am some what overweight.I have not.. seen a dr. for this, but it seems to be increasing.I try to ignore it and take antacids several times a week. I try to avoid fatty foods.Is it nothing to worry about?

[brian]

my last message belongs on AP after pacemaker 1-2-2000

[brian]

Yes they are both streptococcus bacteria, Group A hemolytic streptococcus to be exact.The danger is in that this bacteria can cause inflammation of the inner lining of the heart (endocarditis), scaring the edges of the valves. Making it difficult to close.

[Cleveland Clinic, MD]

I don't think you need to see your cardiologist any earlier unless you are having problems.  I guess I would have a lower threshold for seeing a doctor if I were you.  Howeever, most 'sore throats' are viral so if the throat culture is negative no antibiotics are needed.

[Robert]

Hi Janelle,

I am glad to hear that you have been doing well since your surgery.  I am planning to have the same operation done in February of 2000 and I was hoping to be able to chat with someone who had a homograft (I've been lucky to get to chat with some who have had a mechanical valve or had mitral repair and have learned a lot from their experiences).

I too have more regurgitation that stenosis.  I wondered how you came to choose the homograft and root replacement over a mechanical valve and if you are happy with that decision.  I'd be curious to know how your recovery went?  Maybe you did too much too soon if you were starting to get fatigued late this year.

As for strep.  I'm no expert, but I think that is the same bacteria that can cause rhumatic fever so you definately want to treat it aggressively with a new valve.  I'll be curious to see what the doc on this forum says.

Best of luck to you.  And if you have a chance you could write mw at ***@****.

Thanks