MRSA & Reactive Arthritis - Infectious Diseases Message Board

NJTW · 10-13-2003, 07:25 PM

Being the lucky person I am, I underwent 2 ortho surgeries within 4 months involving a severely broken ankle in November and a torn rotator cup in May. Neither recovery went well resulting in peripheral nerve damage to my foot from one, and MRSA infection from the nerve block cathetor inserted near my clavicle from the other proceedure. I was treated with IV Vancomycin for 14 days, along with oral Tequin. Tequin was continued for an additional 30 days. While receiving home IV Vanc, I felt as though I had a complete melt-down of basically all my joints. Swelling, heat, PAIN, flu-like symptoms had me to the point I could barely walk. I also had what appeared to be an inflamed gallbladder as no stones were discovered. I was referred to a Rheumatologist who thinks I now have Reactive Arthritis. I've had several joint flares, and last week, developed upper left side abdominal pain radiating around to the middle of my back, lasting about 3 days. After that, another flare accompanied by intense itching on my palms, wrists, ankles, and feet. I'm concerned this may be more than Reactive Arthritis and am worried about Lupus from the MRSA infection. Can anyone help? Will I always have chronic infections from the staph?

tryingtofeelgood · 10-13-2003, 10:02 PM

I believe you need to get the MRSA under control and perhaps you need to be on IV antibiotics a LOT longer than anticipated. Did the Infectious Disease doctor do a biopsy to know to use Vanco? I am SO terribly sorry about your luck and pain. Do a search on google type in Lupus and MRSA. Most importantly, get the infection erradicated.

Hope this helps,

pandagirl · 11-09-2003, 03:36 AM

Hi

Usually, if MRSA ends up in the joints, the treatment is usually an oral antibiotic (not sure which one) but it is taken for 6-8 weeks, to to ensure total eradication of the bacteria. Sounds like you've been through a lot recently, you don't want to be plagued by MRSA for ages. Make sure that the microbiologist reviews your case regularly.

Bruce · 11-10-2003, 08:43 AM

It looks like you had a Systemic Staph aureus infection according to your message. Staph can get into the joints and also cause a septicemia. The treatment is iv vancomycin for 6-8 weeks. If you get the infection cleared up it isn't likely the Staph will pop up again.

As far as i know, Staph does not cause lupus.

Bruce