Is This Endocarditis?
Hello everyone, I'm a 29-year-old male, standing at 170 cm and weighing just 105 lbs (thank you to the hospital for my lack of meals, resulting in some weight loss). Last August, I underwent a wisdom tooth extraction and was prescribed antibiotics. The recovery was prolonged because I dealt with dry sockets that were neglected for nearly a week due to my dentist undervaluing my discomfort. Fast forward to September, I began experiencing intense chest pain. After a visit to the emergency room, I was told that both the EKG and routine blood tests returned normal results. Chest X-rays were clear as well. Ultimately, I was diagnosed with GERD and sent home with Teva Sucralfate; my symptoms subsided for a few months but later resurfaced. At the end of May, I had a routine colonoscopy (related to IBS), and everything came back clear. Shortly after, I experienced severe headaches and dizziness that persisted for over a month. My general practitioner referred me to an ophthalmologist, who identified a Roth spot and immediately advised me to go to the emergency room. They performed various tests, including blood cultures (four vials), additional blood tests, an EKG, a chest X-ray, and a CT scan. All results appeared normal. I received IV antibiotics for a day, but once blood cultures came back negative, treatment was halted. After two days, I was discharged; however, I now find myself on an extensive waiting list for a crucial echocardiogram. This situation is quite distressing. While my symptoms have improved somewhat—less severe headaches before my admission and occasional chest pain that isn't persistent—I'm still anxious and left without a clear diagnosis. The presence of the Roth spot is particularly concerning for me. Any insights would be greatly appreciated!
Answers (1)
7/15/2025, 1:40:49 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing a lot of uncertainty and distress due to your symptoms and the recent medical findings. Your concerns about endocarditis, especially in light of having a Roth spot identified, are valid, but it's important to approach this step by step.
Main Points:
- Roth spots can indicate several conditions, sometimes associated with endocarditis, but they're not exclusively diagnostic of it.
- Your recent test results (blood tests, cultures, imaging) were normal, which is a reassuring sign that serious infections are less likely at this time.
- Continuing to monitor your symptoms while waiting for more definitive testing, like the echocardiogram, is crucial.
Explanation:
A Roth spot is a white spot on the retina and can be associated with systemic conditions, including endocarditis, but is not by itself diagnostic. Your previous health interventions (wisdom tooth extraction, GERD treatment) may explain some of the other symptoms you described. It’s good that the CT scan and chest X-rays are clear, as this points towards a lower likelihood of serious acute conditions.
Next Steps:
- Monitor Symptoms: Keep a detailed diary of your symptoms, including the frequency and severity of headaches and chest pain. Note any patterns or triggers.
- Stay Hydrated and Eat Well: Make sure you're maintaining good nutrition and hydration, especially since you've experienced weight loss. This helps your overall recovery and well-being.
- Follow Up on Echocardiogram: Understand that waiting for tests can be anxiety-provoking. If your symptoms worsen or you have new concerning symptoms (like shortness of breath or severe chest pain), consider contacting your healthcare provider to express the urgency.
- Reach Out for Emotional Support: It's normal to feel anxious during this process. Consider talking to a counselor or supportive friends/family about your feelings.
If you have further questions or new symptoms arise, it’s important to communicate openly with your healthcare team. You're taking the right steps by seeking information, and this proactive approach will serve you well.
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