I'm having a hard time finding the specific information about my friends' particular situation. He is a 22 yr. old male smoker with no known pre-existing heart conditions or given risks of heart disease.
He's been diagnosed with Acute Infective Endocarditis caused by an abscess tooth. He is 400 miles from me and I am having a hard time getting exact information, but here is what I know.
His symptoms showed on Jan 1st, though, stubborn as he is, he didn't visit the ER until his fingers turned black on the 10th. On the 11th he was told he would have to have a valve replaced, I don't know which one. By the 17th the infection was still unresponsive to all antibiotics thrown at it, and he was told a 2nd valve was now damaged and he would have to have them both replaced with prosthetics. I am unsure whether or not they know what is causing the infection (staph, strep, salmonella etc), but it's my understanding that they do not.
Yesterday (20th) he was shipped to a 3rd hospital (Ann Arbor University of MI) and told the infection had spread to his lungs and brain. This entire time they have been unsure of when the surgery would be scheduled. It is still currently unknown.

Several questions.
-Can surgery be performed before the infection is responding to treatment?
-What are the immediate risks of the spread to his lungs/brain?
-What are the chances my friend is going to live?
-What else can I try to find out to be of more service to the forum?
-Is he in pain?

Thanks in advance for any input. My best friend, my "little brother" seems to be going downhill fast, and I feel trapped in limbo, helpless and confused. Any input will be much appreciated.