Infected or not.?

Hi, just had a pm put in 3 weeks ago. I had an aortic valve replacement 6 years ago. My concern is that my iinciscion site is still so sore and red. I was concerned that the site was infected and actually weat to an infectios disease md to see if it's infected. Cardiologists was clueless. I was told blood work came back ok, but doctor could not tell me defininatively that the site was not infected, or it was?????. I was put on IV antibiotics for three days and now on a continued regimen of oral antibiotics. I'm told that I can not be told conclusively that I'm infection free until after the regimen of antibiotics. What? Since I have an aortic valve an infection could be life threatening for me. So tired of being scared, don't know why I can't get a straight answer. I'm in Floridaand Sam even considering going to Boston or NY. Need answers, pls help,

4 Comments

Incision

by Bemarie53 - 2012-08-21 09:08:09

Hi Mrs. Fielden,
I had my pacemaker implanted 3 weeks ago as well. My scar is still red and sore. My pacemaker is in my abdomin, incision is about 6 inches between my breasts. It will take a while for the redness and soreness to go away. I am no doctor but it would seem if there was in infection, you would be running a fever and possibly have some drainage around the incision. Before my surgery they always pump me full of antiabotics. Also when I even go to the dentist to have teeth cleaned or other procedures, I have to take 2,000 mil. of antiabotics an hour before I go. I am new to this site, so I am sure you will receive more information from those who have been on here longer than I.
Good Luck and Prayers that everything is ok..
Belinda

PS...

by Tattoo Man - 2012-08-22 03:08:12

I'm seeing my Dentist and Hygenist today. I'll ask what the current thinking is regarding Antibiotic 'Cover'

TM

Aortic Valves / Meds

by Tattoo Man - 2012-08-22 03:08:33

Mrs Fielden . I really understand your " tired of being scared "comment. I went into aortic valve replacement , March '07 with a tooth infection and full of antibiotics. My dentist wrote to my surgeon explaining that it would be ok for me to go ahead with the op...much relief !!.

As Belinda says, dental health and cardiac health seem to be somehow linked. Now this I find interesting, because up to a couple of years ago I had to take a massive 3mg of Amoxicillin an hour before any dental treatment, even a visit to the Hygenist. About 2 years ago the rules,here in the UK were changed. My Dentist told me that basically a long standing difference of opinion between the Dental profession and medical insurers had been resolved, with the insurers agreeing that the antibiotic 'Cover' was indeed not essential.

I do ,hovever always have with me my 3g of Amoxi', especially when on holiday because I feel safe knowing that I can hit any infection hard should it occur. I'm by no means hypochondriac but I also have a 3 week course of low dosage Amoxi' as well.

I think the link between dental / cardiac is not generally known about....any one out there with a view ?

When I was in hospital for my new (tissue) valve there was a guy there hooked up to what I called his 'washing machine'..he'd had a wisdom tooth go bad on him and was so full of toxic stuff that they couldnt operate on him for his new valve. Now this is a bit extreme, but serves to demonstrate what can happen..

Mrs Fielden, this Forum is about knowledge sharing and support. I really think you'll be ok and if you are seeing your Doc and are on antibiotics then I'm sure that all will turn out well.

Dealing with a new PM is , for many difficult enough...a fear of infection just makes the early days that bit more difficult.

"tired of being scared"...you said it all there. Keep in touch with PM Club...you are not alone with your concerns

Tattoo Man

PS 2

by Tattoo Man - 2012-08-22 03:08:52

Appointment cancelled today by Dentist so was not able to get info. Rescheduled for next week

TM

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