• Registered: Sun, 28 Nov 2010
  • Posts: 139

Topic: Freaking out about MRSA Staph

My husband has had a strange looking rash on his knees, elbows and wrists for awhile.   Hospice couldn't identify and gave us several creams to try and nothing seemed to work.  After a week or so of this I made an appointment with a dermatologist and she diagnosed MRSA.

He's been using bactroban for a week now and the rash on the knees, elbows and ankles and wrists is drying up and flaking off.
However today noticed some new marks on his feel that look like scratches.
Not sure if this is the Mrsa spreading or not.

has anyone had MRSA?  How long did it take to clear up?
It's been hard to care for Dan because he's so concerned about passing the infection to me that he won't let me touch him. Yet he's not capable of caring for himself.

I'm at a loss , should he go into the hospital until it clears up.

Any insight would be helpfull.

Laurie

  • Lainy
  • Lainy
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  • From: Phoenix AZ
  • Registered: Fri, 13 Jan 2006
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Re: Freaking out about MRSA Staph

Aw, Laurie, I want to yell out for you, enough all ready!  I would take him in to ER not just because of the rash but because of it combined with the CC and now something new on his feet. In the meantime I would get some kind of disposable gloves at CVS/Walgreens. I used to wear them when dealing with Teddys external drains. Please let us know what happens and it would be up to ER if they kept him. I know Dan wants to be home but this needs their attention as you don't know what it could become.  Stay Strong! P.S. Google MRSA and see if it matches pictures.

Teddy ~In our hearts forever~ATTITUDE is EVERYTHING
Any suggestion I offer is intended as friendly advice based solely on my own experience. Please consult your doctor for professional guidance.
  • Registered: Fri, 12 May 2006
  • Posts: 8,176

Re: Freaking out about MRSA Staph

Peony....This is what I think: it is likely that Dan contracted the bacteria while in the hospital. It is rampant in these facilities.  I would call the physician and ask for advice. As Lainy has mentioned, wearing gloves is a must, as is sterilization of anything Dan comes in contact with.   
Hugs,
Marion

THIS INFORMATION IS NOT INTENDED NOR IMPLIED TO BE A SUBSTITUTE FOR PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD ALWAYS SEEK THE ADVICE OF YOUR PHYSICIAN OR OTHER QUALIFIED HEALTH CARE PROVIDER
  • ilias
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  • From: Australia
  • Registered: Wed, 03 Oct 2012
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Re: Freaking out about MRSA Staph

Hi Laurie,

don't mean to scare you, but mum was so ill on Sunday night.  Dad called and by the time I got there she had collapsed.  We called an ambulance and they took her srtaight to the ER at Epworth.  She had bloods done on Sunday and we only got the results yesterday.  They found that she has staph and more than likely contracted this through the hospital.  She is on a very strong course of antibiotics and we are hoping she starts to feel better.

In addition the oncologist decided to do an ultrasound of the liver and found a lesion.  He said it may be part of the infection and was going to have it drained/biopsied.

Mum has had a real hard time with her Gem/Cis and the oncologist has now stopped it.  I am hoping it can start once her infection clears up.

Take care and best wishes
Ilias

  • Lainy
  • Lainy
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  • Registered: Fri, 13 Jan 2006
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Re: Freaking out about MRSA Staph

Dear Ilias, I am so sorry about Mum. Teddy had developed an E Coli infection between his aborted Whipple and the real Whipple. He never had a rash but he lost bodily functions and we called the ambulance. His BP when we got to the ER was 55/45. They started an IV of antibiotics immediately and he was in the hosiptal 9 days. On the 10th day he had his real deal Whipple. The Hospitals today can work wonders and then I guess you can get 'things' from them that you don't ask for! Just want to say, Teddy's E Coli was coming on for about 10 days but we thought he was healing from the aborted Whipple. Perhaps the Gem/Cis will work easier for Mum when the infections is healed. Sending you my best wishes and please keep us updated.

Teddy ~In our hearts forever~ATTITUDE is EVERYTHING
Any suggestion I offer is intended as friendly advice based solely on my own experience. Please consult your doctor for professional guidance.
  • Registered: Sun, 28 Nov 2010
  • Posts: 139

Re: Freaking out about MRSA Staph

Hi ilias,  sorry to hear about your mom.  I hope she can get back to her  chemo regimen soon.

We went back to the dermatologist this morning because of the new rash and she diagnosed eczema as the underlying condition.  Eczema rashes often develop into staph.  So now he is on a topical steroid as well as the Bactroban.  We ran it by hospice and we are on the right track.

I'm feeling a little less freaked out about it after talking to the doctor. 

Just another obstacle to overcome while waiting for the next one sad

  • Lainy
  • Lainy
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  • Registered: Fri, 13 Jan 2006
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Re: Freaking out about MRSA Staph

Hey, Laurie, the ONLY constant and true thing about CC is that it keep everyone on their toes! I am happy that at least you know now what it is. I hope you have a quieter weekend!

Teddy ~In our hearts forever~ATTITUDE is EVERYTHING
Any suggestion I offer is intended as friendly advice based solely on my own experience. Please consult your doctor for professional guidance.
  • Registered: Fri, 12 May 2006
  • Posts: 8,176

Re: Freaking out about MRSA Staph

Great news, Laurie. 
Hugs,
Marion

THIS INFORMATION IS NOT INTENDED NOR IMPLIED TO BE A SUBSTITUTE FOR PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD ALWAYS SEEK THE ADVICE OF YOUR PHYSICIAN OR OTHER QUALIFIED HEALTH CARE PROVIDER