My husband was recently diagnosed with infective endocarditis. The antibiotics did not work properly and we have now been told that he has heart valve leakage and still needs surgery. I am worried sick but have been too bust trying to support him to really inform myself regarding what may be next. I would very much appreciate hearing from any person who has any type of experience with heart surgery after infective endocarditis. What will the recovery period be like and what can I do, as his wife, to help him recover? His health is my absolute priority right now. I am hoping someone can give me more information.
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Bacterial endocarditis can be fatal. Yes, if the IV antibiotics did not work to satisfaction (a course can go on for around six weeks) or valve damage was sustained by the patient, then surgery is the answer. I am assuming that the surgery has already happened at this point. In general, doctors are very good at explaining everything you need to know about aftercare and when to check back in with them. The most important thing you can do is to start a separate diary in which you note all medical appointments, list symptoms and anything you are worried about, and note progress as well. This will keep you organized and will give you the chance to offer useful medical information to the doctors at a quick glance.
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