Question 1

can someone tell me how serious a staph infection in the heart is?

Accepted Answer

Endocarditis: Staphylococcal endocarditis is very aggressive and is very serious. It is one of the worst forms of infective endocarditis.

Question 2

explain what is meant if you have a heart valve infection with normal cbcs?

Accepted Answer

Not much: Valvular endocarditis is an infection needing systemic antibiotics and possible surgery. A normal CBC does not have any relationship to the infection. It may be normal or high WBC or low wbc. There may be anemia or not. Same with platelets. If there is an abnormality of CBC with onset of endocarditis a normal CBC may reflect the pt is responding to treatment.

Question 3

what is the healing time with staph infection after open heart surgery?

Accepted Answer

Depends: It depends on how deep the infection is; a superficial infection can often be cleared in a couple of weeks.  The deeper the infection, the longer the antibiotic course/risk of complications.  The other variable would be if this is a mssa or a MRSA infection, and the choice of antibiotic.

Question 4

how long should it take to get over open heart surgery with a staph infection?

Accepted Answer

It really depends: A staph infection can include so many things.  This can range from a surgical wound infection, a lung infection (pneumonia), a urine infection, and even skin where no surgery was done.  The worst case would probably be an infection of the breast bone.  This often requires multiple surgeries to treat and will prolong your recovery several months.  Fortunately, this is a rare complication of surgery.

Question 5

is novocain dangerous for someone w/ a leaking heart valve? they need to have a tooth extracted but are worried about the shot. if someone has a history of having a leaking valve in the heart but needs there tooth pulled out due to an infection and cavity

Accepted Answer

"Novacaine" : "novacaine" is no longer used in dentistry.  There are other anesthetics that are available.  After your complete medical history is reviewed, it will be evaluated and a proper way to procede will be formulated.  Make sure you bring your medical history from your cardiologist so your dentist can review it.

Question 6

staph infection on scalp. just heard it has been there for months. trouble breathing, dizziness, unusual heart rate, chills.is it in bloodstream?

Accepted Answer

Mgt.: I would suggest an evaluation to rule out a lung infection. It is possible that the current symptoms may be related. Monitor your temperature, rest and drink fluids. 
Has the scalp infection been cultured to better determine the cause?

Question 7

my father-in-law has a staph infection from a "fixed" artificial hip replacement,  congestive heart failure and needs dialysis? recovery?

Accepted Answer

Hard to predict: Very difficult situation caused by stress of infection on weaker organs such as heart and kidneys. I think you have to play this out carefully but taking advantage of every treatment such as dialysis and treatment for the chf.

Question 8

how possible is it that i will need a new heart valve?

Accepted Answer

New heart valve: If your valves are normal then very low probability you'll need a new valve. If you have a seriously malfunctioning valve causing hemodynamic problems, you have a high probability of needing a new valve

Question 9

can i have a heart valve replacement if i have dental implants?

Accepted Answer

Possibly: It is very possible, but you must consult with your cardiologist first!

Question 10

what are the risks of hip replacement surgery if i have an artificial heart valve? would you recommend it?

Accepted Answer

Discuss w/ ORS: Discuss w/ your ORS.Artificial heart valves are fairly common and do not represent a contraindication for hip replacement.Active skin lesions, dental caries and urinary tract infections are the most common reasons in my experience for cancellation of elective joint replacement surgery.Hip replacement surgery performed well provides pain relief and greatly improves quality of life. Best of Luck!

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Doctor answers about:

Staph infection heart valve

A member asked:

Can someone tell me how serious a staph infection in the heart is?

A member asked:

Explain what is meant if you have a heart valve infection with normal cbcs?

A member asked:

What is the healing time with staph infection after open heart surgery?

A member asked:

How long should it take to get over open heart surgery with a staph infection?

A member asked:

Is novocain dangerous for someone w/ a leaking heart valve? they need to have a tooth extracted but are worried about the shot. if someone has a history of having a leaking valve in the heart but needs there tooth pulled out due to an infection and cavity

A member asked:

Staph infection on scalp. just heard it has been there for months. trouble breathing, dizziness, unusual heart rate, chills.is it in bloodstream?

A member asked:

My father-in-law has a staph infection from a "fixed" artificial hip replacement, congestive heart failure and needs dialysis? recovery?

A member asked:

How possible is it that i will need a new heart valve?

A member asked:

Can i have a heart valve replacement if i have dental implants?

A member asked:

What are the risks of hip replacement surgery if i have an artificial heart valve? would you recommend it?

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