I was diagnosed with Mycobacterium Chimaera about 5 months ago. I had open heart surgery 4 years ago to replace my aortic valve. There was a heating/cooling unit in my surgery room that was spewing out the bacteria and this is how I got it. The bacteria laid dormant in my body for 3 and 1/2 years. The M. Chimaera is located on my heart, in my spine and on my liver. My team of doctors put me on the "big 3" antibiotics about 3 months ago. I was recently put on an antibiotic by the name of Amikacin which is administered through a port. I will be on this for 3 weeks prior and 3 weeks after my heart valve replacement surgery. The thought now is to remove the infective valve ASAP and then hope the antibiotics keep it from growing on the new valve. My surgery is scheduled for Oct. 31st.