Just got back from appointment with the Cardiologist, who also called in the infectious disease specialist.
All incisions and healing is good. Seem to be no problems.
Regarding the infection, it was NOT Staph after all.
It is something called Actinomyces Israelii. It is called one of the most misdiagnosed infections. My Dermatologist originally diagnosed it as staph, and the other doctors assumed that's what it was, until the last day I was there and one of the nurses said that although she didn't have an order for it, she was doing a culture. Since I left the next day, apparently nobody bothered to follow up on the culture until I told the doctor today that they had done it. He called and got the results, saving me going through a biopsy!
It will take long-term treatment with antibiotics and possible surgical draining. We're trying the drugs first.
Remember, it was there BEFORE all the heart problems came up.
I'm considering this really good news and I am much more optimistic about the future now!
Thanks again for all your concern, good wishes and most of all prayers.

Great News Don...little by little you'll be back in shape...I'm glad to hear it my friend. Take it day by day.

This is fantastic news Don, it's great to hear you're progressing really well.

Don ... that really is GREAT news ... I can almost feel your elation in your message ...
We are very happy for you, Susan and the family, who all remain in our prayers on a daily basis ...
Be well, my brother ...
BTW ... there are a whole LOT of us who are interested ...

Well, now that they know what it is, they can treat it properly. Hats off to the nurse that did the culture and sensitivity - smart gal. Go back and give her a big hug and kiss for that one, Don. She's a rare breed in these days of medicine.

Good luck old friend,

Gary

Boy what Gary said in spades.

We're all pulling for you Don.

Bill G

Ditto Gary ... continued get well wishes.
Ciao,
Jerry

May God bless you richly my friend. Many of us will continue to pray for complete recovery and a peaceful return to the way things were before these recent health concerns.

Canada/Don

Thank you, but I can't return to the way things were! Have to be much wiser as far as eating and exercise,
I will start PT in a couple of weeks. I've lost 20 ponds already, but need to lose about 30 more.
It will happen!

We are very happy for you Don. Drew has Barrett's Disease, he is Anemic and last week they found a Tumor in his Stomach. The Doctor said he's never seen this stomach condition in a young 34 year old man before.

All of this in the last three months. This stuff has all of us worn down. I know exactly where you've be, where you're at and hopefully to better things friend.
Take care.
Love ya boo