Word of Advice

Overview

When reading this section about my advice, please remember that it is just that -- my advice. These are not things that need to be done, just things that might help you to know.

When visiting the dentist

1. Get your prescription for your preventative antibiotics from your cardiologist, not your dentist. Your cardiologist knows the latest research on drugs used for this purpose better than anyone else.
2. If you have a sensitive stomach, do not take Erythromycin (unless it's the enteric-coated kind). This drug is very strong and is hard to tolerate.
3. Discuss with your cardiologist the latest research on preventative antibiotic treatments. It may be possible to get your treatment with a shot instead of having to take multiple pills.
4. Know that the three main medications used for preventing bacterial endocarditis are Amoxicillin, Erythromycin and Clindamycin. Read your prescription carefully, as most require the pills to be taken an hour or so before your appointment.
5. Make sure to alert your dentist before your appointment if you would like to avoid Epinephrine. Some dentists use Novacaine with Epinephrine to control bleeding; however, Epinephrine can cause severe palpitations and a variety of other unwanted side-effects. There are Epinephrine-free medications. If bleeding will be an issue, ask about a topical gel that can be used instead to help control bleeding.

Avoiding problems when taking antibiotics

• Take the antibiotic on an empty stomach to increase absorption in the stomach.
• If you experience stomach upset, nausea or vomiting when taking Amoxicillin, you can take it with a little food or milk -- but check with your dentist first.
• Do not take antacids with antibiotics as they decrease the absorption of the drug.
• Alert your physician, pharmacist and nurse as to other medications you're taking. Many drugs interact with antibiotics.
• You can avoid diarrhea by taking lactobacillus tablets, or by eating 4-8 ounces of yogurt per day. Make sure the yogurt says, "Live cultures" on the container.

Choosing a Cardiologist

The right doctor can make the difference between feeling confident in your medical care, and feeling like you have no say in what happens to you. It is very important to find a doctor that really listens to you and respects your feelings and beliefs. The first doctor I saw about my symptoms actually laughed when I told him I thought something was wrong with me. This is not the way to get a patient's respect. It may take a little bit of searching to find that one special doctor (and long waits before visits), but once you find someone who fills your needs you will realize it was well worth the wait.