Blood infection

I got a temporary pm on the outside of my chest. They won't put in a permanent one because of this infection.

I can get three negative cultures in a row but then 4th always comes up positive. This has been happening since the second of December

They have me on three antibodies. Did anyone else here ave this problem. Any thoughts on what can be done. I am in a large teaching hospital in CA. I have been here since November 25

I originally came in for an septal alcohol ablation. This is going on three weeks and they can't figure out how to fix the blood

3 Comments

treating infection

by Tracey_E - 2013-12-12 10:12:01

My understanding is it takes a minimum of 4-6 weeks to completely treat a systemic infection. They can't take ANY chances you still have infection when they put the pm in because the infection will latch on to the metal and they'll have to take it back out and start treatment over again. It's frustrating, but patience and caution are key right now. Prayers for you.

Be patient

by Theknotguy - 2013-12-12 11:12:35

Just attended a meeting last night where several people talked about infections and heart infections. It takes a very long time to make sure the infections are gone.

Also heard some horror stories about heart people needing to have two surgeries because they hadn't gotten all the infection. So they'd install the part, the tissue would be infected, the part would get ripped out, they'd have to go through surgery all over again.

So, be patient for a while longer. Hopefully it will get better soon.

Theknotguy

Prayers for you

by Grateful Heart - 2013-12-13 12:12:47

But like the others said, it's important to get this right the first time.

It sounds like your Doctors are working hard and looking out for you.

I'll keep you in my prayers.

Grateful Heart

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