MRSA questions (resistant staph) - General Health Message Board

emilysgk · 04-28-2005, 12:22 PM

I developed an infection in my belly after surgery. I had the surgery on March 3, and began to notice symptoms of infection on March 31 that were questionable of infection. (I had a post op infection after c-section in June '04, took 5 weeks to surface, was just strep that time) I attempted to go see my doctor the next day, but he was out of town, so I was going to wait the weekend out. It progressed rapidly and I barely made it through, probably shouldnt have waited, but hate the ER. He sent me to the ER on Monday anyways. I had a large abcess formed in there and on that Wed had to have my incision reopened and drained and left open to heal. We found out it was MRSA and I was put on Vancomycin on April 8 and been on it there after, still am. Problem being that a week later at a follow-up I has firmness and tenderness along the top edge of my 'wound' that is already wide open as to not trap infection in there. Well he says maybe the med hasnt kicked in fully yet (This was the 12, so 4 days of IV vanco) I go back a week later an its still the same, not better or worse. I had a CT done, well the tech didnt remove the packing from my wound so it was inconclusive. They extended my med, origanally to end on the 22 of April. I have been feeling a bit worse, and sure enough doc said the area is larger now, it goes up and off to the side instead of only being along to edge. He spen a great deal of time feeling the area, he cant determine if there is an abcess or just infected tissues there. So I am having a CT dont again on this coming Tue. Its starting to bother me more so now, and I am pretty sure it will be an abcess, if its not already.

When they done my cultures from surgery they grew well and they tested them fully and the Vancomycin should be effective against it. But obviously with infection spreading while on it still, its not working. What else could be done? I am on the highest dose, I started with 1.6gm twice a day, and had it lowered to 1.3 since my levels were too high, so I cant possibly have any more in my system without being toxic to me. There are some new meds I have read about for treatment of MRSA, maybe I need one of them? I am going to the Infectious Disease doc next wed and will see what he says. He is just overseeing my case, and controlling the meds, everything else is up to my other doc who is the surgeon and that has been following me since last years infection.

Sorry so long. Anyone have any ideas or advice for treating MRSA? I know its tough to beat. I also understand that its not so uncommon for it to return when people go off the IV antibioitcs, but in my case, im still on them. So why is it spreading still? This has me really concerned.

last1 · 04-28-2005, 05:19 PM

MRSA is a really prevalent, really nasty bug and, if you're not careful, could kill you. However, as bad as it is for you, I think going to an infectious disease physician is a really good choice. As someone who works in a hospital, I know that some patients, usually those who are immuno-compromised or elderly, can become septic as a result of this organism. Remember Pope John Paul II. The fact is that there are things that can be done and treating your wound is certainly high on the list. I know there are nurses out there who can provided some clinical support and will respond so good luck and let us know what happens. chris

emilysgk · 04-29-2005, 09:02 PM

Minor update. Not a whole lot has changed, except my belly is bothering me more, still not much redness that I can determine. Its hard to decide which redness is irritation from tape and what is not. I think there is some there, and its a bit warm, but not fully just yet. Last time, by time I went in there was absolutely no doubt. Right now im still in the beginning stages I think. Hopefully someone else can help me out? Please? Its such a hard topic to find information about. Most of the info I can find doesnt deal with situations like mine. I dont know if its an uncommon place and way to have the infection, or just not considered typical enough that people are writing info about it. In any case, im hoping some out there has something more for me.... With so many people here, I know someone has to know more about this.

Thanks

smithn · 04-30-2005, 07:39 AM

cflas is right - If you aren't seeing any progress in the healing of your wound, then you need to see an infectious disease specialist. Vancomycin is not your only option. You also have the right to obtain your culture report. On it lists the antiobiotic choices that are known to cure your particular growth species. Your antibiotic choice is dependant upon the current medications you currently take (to consider interaction) your allergies, weight, and whether or not you are a diabetic. Normally, you are placed on an antibiotic for a 6 week regimine but, by all means, if you aren't seeing progress within 3-4 weeks, then seek another opinion.

emilysgk · 04-30-2005, 12:49 PM

My problem isnt healing itself at all. I heal extremely fast actually. The wound is very small now and will soon not require any more packing and will be completely closed within a week I would think, maybe two. Last time I had an infection of this nature is was even larger, went fully down to the fascial layer over the organs, but not through it thankfully. And being a bit over weight also, it was so deep that not many seen something like it before(talk of the various docs and nurses who care for me) and even that one healed right up within a 4-6 weeks range, dont remember for sure right now. So the problem is infection that isnt in this wound, but more like beside it, but not connected otherwise. I am seeing a infectious disease doctor already, so far im on a every 2 week schedual with seeing him. I heard he was a good one, Micheal Lewis in Grand Blanc, Michigan. I dont know....time will tell I guess.