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Infectious Disease "Nocardia"

I was infected with Nocardia sometime during or after Heart Surgery May 26 -June 3. It's caused me major problems directly and indirectly including Kidney Failure, Dialysis, Loss of Appetite, Anemia, and just plain worry among other things. I was basically told it was on the new Heart Valve, which was later proved.

I saw Dr. Steven Crider, the Infectious Disease Specialist this morning 2-7-2012. I had already picked up a copy of the blood work last week and knew it was very good. He thinks the infection is probably gone. I had the option to either stop the anti-biotic and if my fever comes back to resume taking the high dose of Bactrim I'm on and to contact him. The other option was a reduced dosage called a suppresive dose. In six months I'll decide if I want to try it without the Anti-Biotic if the suppresive dose works. He said long term use wasn't a problem with the infection becoming resistant to Bactrim.

 

He said they could never find evidence that the infection was on the valve which I had questioned before because two different TEE's or Transesophageal Echo's showed nothing. Not even swelling or scar  tissue as would be left behind even when I was on Anti-Biotics. The many Echo's I've had showed nothing as well.


They were basing the valve being infected because an MRI showed spots on the back of my brain and said that's what would happen if it was on the valve. I asked the doctor how they knew the spots were Nocardia, and he said they were Embolism's and couldn't be sure what they were or when they got there. I told him I thought I had a mini Stroke in the Hospital a few days after surgery, and was thinking that's were they came from. He said it was possible.


I was taking two 800mg Bactrim Tablets at 6:00AM, 2:00PM and 10:00PM or six in one day. (4800mg) total. I can now take one at 6:00AM and 6:00PM (1600mg) total.  I'll be able to go to bed early for a change:-) Couldn't do that before 10:00PM with the big dosage.

 

I'm now only on the Bactrim, Blood Pressure Medicine and take Cholesterol Medicine at night. Most of what I take now are Non-Prescription drugs. 81mg Baby Aspirin, and Vitamin B-12, C, and Multi Vitamins. My stomach sure appreciates it. I was on about 9 different presription drugs for a while.


I was told it's possible for Nocardia to come back days weeks or months after treatment. The doctor said that may be the case with the wrong treatment, but the Bactrim probably killed the infection.


My Kidney function returned a few months ago. My Cardiologist thinks the Vancomycin Anti-Biotic caused it. The Infectious Disease Specialist says it was probably the Iodine in the Cat Scan. One of my Dialysis Techs at Glenwood also thought it was the Iodine. I say it was both back to back combined with a weak immune system. The Kidney Doctor thinks the infection caused it. The Infectous Disease Specialist I saw today said it was never in my Kidneys. I pretty much thought that.


I'm still convinced the infection came from the Central Line I had in my neck as do many others in the medical field. I don't care where it came from, I just want to get rid of it. Maybe I can pass it on to somebody I dislike like Poiticians:-)


February 7 2012

The Infectious Disease Specialist thinks the infection is gone. He gave me the option of stopping the Anti-Biotic and seeing what happens, or take a suppresive dose which I decided to do to avoid another hospital stay.


March 6 2012

I decided I couldn't wait six months on the supressive dose and then stopping it on my return visit to the doctor. I decided to stop it today and see if the fever returns.

May 10 2012

I've been off of the Anti-Biotic 66 days so far. Looks like it may really be gone. I'm not getting my hope up for at least six months.