Hi! I had rheumatic fever when I was 6yo (now 58). When I was 21, I had some arthritis, muscle spasms, fatigue and fever, which subsided after about a year. When I was 40, I had the same symptoms, but more severe, could not walk for a month, and spent a year recuperating. Also, had occasional flutter for over 30 years. Diagnosed with afib 5 years ago, had 2 cardio ablations which have not worked, been told I have mild mitral regurgitation (test done 2007), but heart valves not considered damaged otherwise.
My question is: could those other episodes have been recurrences of rheumatic fever? At the time, they were diagnosed and treated as some type of arthritis. Has anyone else experienced rheumatic fever after having an earlier episode, or long-term after-effects?
Any advice appreciated! Many thanks!
