I had rheumatic fever when I was 11 years old. The doc put me on a daily dose of penicillin for about a year. I was diagnosed with a heart murmur and could no longer play any competitive/ contact sports . During that time …. no PE in school and had to take a nap / period of rest during the day.

I remember tiring easily and my joints ached. After a year I was released from med and could exercise and be involved in sports again.

Having had RF did not keep me out of the army… easily passed a physical.

It’s been many, many years since I had it and the only problem I’ve had is when I’m really sick a slight murmur can be detected.

Has anybody ever had rheumatic fever?

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Posted by jdaute2

lafayette, LA

Member since Nov 2012

2319 posts

Posted on 7/25/23 at 7:30 pm to George Dickel

It can screw up your heart valve later in life. Particularly the mitral valve. Can make the leaflets thickened and cause the valve to leak or not open properly. Or both.

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Posted by George Dickel

Member since Jun 2019

2247 posts

Posted on 7/26/23 at 9:12 am to jdaute2

Yep…. I’m familiar with all those potential problems. This happened back in the early 60s …apparently after I had strep throat. My case was mild to most.

So far I’ve been fortunate. I retired from the military (20 years) having never flunked a physical.

I was wondering if anybody else has experienced RF or had a relative that has had it.

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Posted by roadkill

East Coast, FL

Member since Oct 2008

2128 posts

Posted on 7/26/23 at 1:52 pm to George Dickel

I had it when I was 3-4 years old. Got a shot (penicillin?) every day for a month or two - restricted as much activity as possible for kid my age. Had a residual murmur for about 10 years, then it resolved and have been fine for the past 55+ years.

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Posted by George Dickel

Member since Jun 2019

2247 posts

Posted on 7/26/23 at 4:29 pm to roadkill

Thanks for the info. Glad to hear you’re doing fine. That all sounds familiar.

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