MRSA - Staph infection. Share your experiences.

[Powerbuilder333]

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/mrsa/DS00735

I was diagnosed with MRSA today.
Tuesday I had what I thought was a zit or ingrown hair on my upper inner thigh. It got bigger so I thought it was a boil. It got huge (bigger than my hand) and I thought it was a karbunkle.
So I went to the Quick Care and found out it's a serious anti-biotic resistent staph infection.
The doctor cut it open and drained some of it - but he couldn't get very much of it. I have to go back tomorrow for some more fun. I'm supposed to keep a warm moist towel on it and take 3 different types of anti-biotics.
Doctor said he see's this type of infection everyday now, where 3 years ago it was rare.
Nurse says staph bacteria is wide spread in Gyms.

I'd appreciate any first hand knowledge EF's can offer on this subject.
Thanks.

 

[crazyjoe]

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/mrsa/DS00735

I was diagnosed with MRSA today.
Tuesday I had what I thought was a zit or ingrown hair on my upper inner thigh. It got bigger so I thought it was a boil. It got huge (bigger than my hand) and I thought it was a karbunkle.
So I went to the Quick Care and found out it's a serious anti-biotic resistent staph infection.
The doctor cut it open and drained some of it - but he couldn't get very much of it. I have to go back tomorrow for some more fun. I'm supposed to keep a warm moist towel on it and take 3 different types of anti-biotics.
Doctor said he see's this type of infection everyday now, where 3 years ago it was rare.
Nurse says staph bacteria is wide spread in Gyms.

I'd appreciate any first hand knowledge EF's can offer on this subject.
Thanks.

Damn bro! Thats strange because my buddy just got over the exact same thing in the exact same spot. He had to spend a day or two in the hospital because they could not figure it out.

 

[pappad]

Never experienced anything like that but you will be in muy prayers!!!

Get well soon!

 

[Powerbuilder333]

Never experienced anything like that but you will be in muy prayers!!!

Get well soon!

Thank you.
EF won't let me give you prayer K, until I spread K around

 

[Powerbuilder333]

I need a doctor in the house (bump).

 

[rnch]

stapf infections have increased big time here in post-katrina new orleans. perhaps because what all was exposed with the flood water, what all was put in the air when old buildings were demolished or because of what all was brought in by south of the border workers.......who knows.

i've had 4 in the last 2 1/2 years.

mine never got as advanced as yours; always caught them early. mine started as pimples/skin blemishes on my upper lip/chin that didn't look "quite right".

a freind of mine had one on his left glute like yours; he procrastinated so long he had to be admitted to a hopsital for 10 days before it was minimized.

 

[Powerbuilder333]

Four? Damn!
Thinking back, I've had other boils and tiny spider bites that eventually went away.

 

[rnch]

Four? Damn!
Thinking back, I've had other boils and tiny spider bites that eventually went away.

yeh, NONE all my life until nov 2005..then 4 in a couple of years...

 

[guest username]

Although MRSA is increasing in the community, you cannot be definitively diagnosed with MRSA until it is culture proven. If they took a culture and are using those results to diagnose you with MRSA, then you truly have it. If they just looked at your abscess/cellulitis and said you have MRSA, then you only have about a 20-40% chance of having it (depending on your community; although some communities have 70% MRSA rates).

MRSA is diagnosed when a culture grows Staph aureus, and when antibiotic testing indicates resistance to methicillin/oxacillin/penicillins. From that point, you will need either vancomycin, Bactrim/Septra, or rifampicin to treat MRSA infections.

If you do indeed carry MRSA, you should also be treated nasally with Bactroban since MRSA is carried in your nose.

Finally, people are alarmed by this "superbug," but in all reality, this has been a problem in public health for the past 25 years. It has only now emerged in the community, but it has been one of the few resistant bugs (MRSA, VRE, etc.) that are rampant in hospitals. The only problem with CA-MRSA (community acquired-MRSA) is that some of the strains seem to be more invasive than others.

Regardless, there are still antibiotics that treat it, and there are antibiotics available that can keep you from being a carrier. 30% of the population carry Staph in their nose, and those that do who have documented MRSA should receive Bactroban to eliminate it.

 

[rnch]

Although MRSA is increasing in the community, you cannot be definitively diagnosed with MRSA until it is culture proven. If they took a culture and are using those results to diagnose you with MRSA, then you truly have it. If they just looked at your abscess/cellulitis and said you have MRSA, then you only have about a 20-40% chance of having it (depending on your community; although some communities have 70% MRSA rates).

MRSA is diagnosed when a culture grows Staph aureus, and when antibiotic testing indicates resistance to methicillin/oxacillin/penicillins. From that point, you will need either vancomycin, Bactrim/Septra, or rifampicin to treat MRSA infections.

If you do indeed carry MRSA, you should also be treated nasally with Bactroban since MRSA is carried in your nose.

Finally, people are alarmed by this "superbug," but in all reality, this has been a problem in public health for the past 25 years. It has only now emerged in the community, but it has been one of the few resistant bugs (MRSA, VRE, etc.) that are rampant in hospitals. The only problem with CA-MRSA (community acquired-MRSA) is that some of the strains seem to be more invasive than others.

Regardless, there are still antibiotics that treat it, and there are antibiotics available that can keep you from being a carrier. 30% of the population carry Staph in their nose, and those that do who have documented MRSA should receive Bactroban to eliminate it.

thanks to scripts and doc samples, i have started using a small dab of bactroban nasally each am as a precautionary measure.

 

[buffut1]

As SWATDOC said MRSA can only be diagnosed through a culture, which generally takes 48 hours to get results. If you told you that it is MRSA without culture results, he is assuming it is.

Most superficial MRSA infections can be treated with topical Bactroban, but the 3 antibiotics is overkill in my opinion. Most of the time MRSA can be effectively treated with Bactrim or Clindamycin.

Overuse of antibiotics is partially what has led to the prevelance of MRSA today. It originated in hospitals, but now (a slightly different strain) has spread into the community.

My guess is he is empirically treating you for MRSA without a clear definitive culture result. If he has culture results he should have a specific antibiotic that will treat this infection without having to use 3. Also if the wound is left open, you can be taught how to change your dressing and pack the wound properly in order not to have to keep returning to his office for extra charges.

 

[Powerbuilder333]

Thank you swatdoc, and buffet1.
You're correct in assuming that my MRSA was visually diagnosed.
I'm taking Rifampin, Sulfameth/Trimethoprim, and Mupirocin ointment applied to my nasal passages, 2x10 days - I should have most of the tube leftover, should I save it?
Bactroban as a preventitive measure seems tempting. Would there be future complications from using this? Or could I use the leftover Mupirocin as a preventive measure?

 

[rnch]

a tube goes a long way...a tiny drop on a q-tip is more than enough for prevenative maintanience.

 

[guest username]

I doubt I would have prescribed rifampicin to someone who hasn't had documented MRSA before or isn't very ill (which means I would have probably admitted that patient to receive intravenous vancomycin).

Rifampicin is full of side effects.

 

[buffut1]

Thank you swatdoc, and buffet1.
You're correct in assuming that my MRSA was visually diagnosed.
I'm taking Rifampin, Sulfameth/Trimethoprim, and Mupirocin ointment applied to my nasal passages, 2x10 days - I should have most of the tube leftover, should I save it?
Bactroban as a preventitive measure seems tempting. Would there be future complications from using this? Or could I use the leftover Mupirocin as a preventive measure?

Mupirocin = Bactroban.

Rifampin??? WTF? Overkill. Rifampin is often used in combination with Antibiotics such as Vancomycin for synergy. I personally don't think it has much use in this situation. The Bactrim and Batroban should take care of it.

 

[Powerbuilder333]

I doubt I would have prescribed rifampicin to someone who hasn't had documented MRSA before or isn't very ill (which means I would have probably admitted that patient to receive intravenous vancomycin).

Rifampicin is full of side effects.

I've noticed my urine turns almost orange for several hours after taking Rifampicin. Even my BM's have a orange hue to them.

No I didn't really feel sick, but damn, I had a small football sized infection in my leg (almost groin area) I want that shit knocked out!
Swelling is down a bit, and I stopped taking Lortab. Never had much drainage though, and on my second visit the doctor took the wick out.
Took the week off from work, and the Gym

 

[rnch]

buffut, what is your medial background/experience?

 

[guest username]

I've noticed my urine turns almost orange for several hours after taking Rifampicin. Even my BM's have a orange hue to them.

No I didn't really feel sick, but damn, I had a small football sized infection in my leg (almost groin area) I want that shit knocked out!
Swelling is down a bit, and I stopped taking Lortab. Never had much drainage though, and on my second visit the doctor took the wick out.
Took the week off from work, and the Gym

Rifampicin will turn every bodily secretion orange. People who wear contact lenses often will need to wear glasses instead of their lenses while they are taking the rifampicin.

I had to take it once after an exposure to Neisseria meningitis while working overseas. Freaked my girlfriend out when I sneezed, wiped my nose, and had this bright orange stuff on the Kleenex.

 

[Cutiebaby]

I have taken care of patients who have mrsa so bad that their lower extremities are swollen, red, and raw. It is a nasty infection, although depending where the location is it is some what not as bad as people make it out to be.
Do as the dr said, and keep it clean. Last thing you want is a mrsa wound that ends up infected and what not. WASH YOUR HANDS constantly, you dont want to spread it or end up with another infected area.
Sounds as though you have a mild case. What type of meds are you on?

My best friend is in rehabilitation currently as she received a staph infection that became an abscess on her spinal column which then turned into osteomyelitis. Just becareful and keep an eye on it. Do not forget to take the meds, and do not miss a dose.

Mrsa is common. We all have staph on us, it just waits and finds a wonderful entry point where it feeds and goes nuts. The more populated the place the higher the risk..Very common to find it in a gym, nothing out of the ordinary.

 

[marybrown13]

I was diagnosed with it too. It freaked me out at first because I haven't had any of those disgusting boils in a few years. I had 3 about 3 or 4 years ago. They were horrible, painful and gross. I cried and cried and still have a scar on my thigh from the last one. So last fall when I went to the dr with a cold- she tested me for strep and it was neg but she called to tell me I had MRSA. She said I always need to let doctors and nurses know I have it so they can wear gloves or whatever- but she said honestly, at this point- I probably have it too with as many people seem to have it these days. I was worried for about a day and then I realized it really didnt matter. I took all the meds she gave me- but in the meantime I still kiss my daughter and husband- so do they have it too? Does it matter if no one is sick, or hurt, or dying or getting boils? I dont think so. We're all full of germs... This one just recently got a fancy name. Thats just my opinion though. Best wishes- and I have a feeling you'll be just fine.

 

[Pat_McCrotch]

Did he swab i for a culture to see if it was in fact MRSA? It is no longer a hospital acquired infection and is out in teh community as you have experienced. So a lot of MDs just assume thats what it is and call it that.

Jamie

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/mrsa/DS00735

I was diagnosed with MRSA today.
Tuesday I had what I thought was a zit or ingrown hair on my upper inner thigh. It got bigger so I thought it was a boil. It got huge (bigger than my hand) and I thought it was a karbunkle.
So I went to the Quick Care and found out it's a serious anti-biotic resistent staph infection.
The doctor cut it open and drained some of it - but he couldn't get very much of it. I have to go back tomorrow for some more fun. I'm supposed to keep a warm moist towel on it and take 3 different types of anti-biotics.
Doctor said he see's this type of infection everyday now, where 3 years ago it was rare.
Nurse says staph bacteria is wide spread in Gyms.

I'd appreciate any first hand knowledge EF's can offer on this subject.
Thanks.

 

[Pat_McCrotch]

Although MRSA is increasing in the community, you cannot be definitively diagnosed with MRSA until it is culture proven. If they took a culture and are using those results to diagnose you with MRSA, then you truly have it. If they just looked at your abscess/cellulitis and said you have MRSA, then you only have about a 20-40% chance of having it (depending on your community; although some communities have 70% MRSA rates).

MRSA is diagnosed when a culture grows Staph aureus, and when antibiotic testing indicates resistance to methicillin/oxacillin/penicillins. From that point, you will need either vancomycin, Bactrim/Septra, or rifampicin to treat MRSA infections.

If you do indeed carry MRSA, you should also be treated nasally with Bactroban since MRSA is carried in your nose.

Finally, people are alarmed by this "superbug," but in all reality, this has been a problem in public health for the past 25 years. It has only now emerged in the community, but it has been one of the few resistant bugs (MRSA, VRE, etc.) that are rampant in hospitals. The only problem with CA-MRSA (community acquired-MRSA) is that some of the strains seem to be more invasive than others.

Regardless, there are still antibiotics that treat it, and there are antibiotics available that can keep you from being a carrier. 30% of the population carry Staph in their nose, and those that do who have documented MRSA should receive Bactroban to eliminate it.

Thank you!!!! I am an ER RN and this one doc always Dxs mrsa w/o swabbing it. We always go round and round but because he is the MD he is right. lol

 

[lanky]

some hospitals in nj are requiring nasal swabs on ICU/CCU admission orders now....f'n isolation gowns are hot as hell,,major swamp ass

 

[guest username]

some hospitals in nj are requiring nasal swabs on ICU/CCU admission orders now....f'n isolation gowns are hot as hell,,major swamp ass

Our ICU swabs for MRSA and VRE. Nothing like a "welcome to the ICU" nasal swab and rectal swab.

 

[rnch]

buffut, what is your medial background/experience?

again i "aks" this question

 

[Mathiastheok]

As a MRSA sufferer for over 6 years, I have no less then 48 individual scars from this scourge. Doctors ask if I'm an iv drug user as my forearms look as if I shoot up on a regular basis .

Having had this for so long, Ive been through EVERY supposed cure, remedy and snake oil treatment out there. I invite anyone to PM me before you try something to get my opinion. There is no "cure" but some things do help considerably.

MRSA is polymorphic... meaning it is a virus and a bacterial infection all in one. The viral "shell" of the bacterial protein allows it to survive the assaults by antibacterial agents, and only when it beings it division, does it shed its viral armor to begin digesting your epithelial and adipose tissue like a starved vulture.

 

[kx250rider]

Luckily, it's a bacterial infection, and you can prevent getting it at the gym by wiping down the bench and bars before you touch them. A sweaty bench pad with cracks or holes, shared by a bunch of guys who haven't had their shower yet that day, is a perfect place for MRSA or any bacteria to live and grow. Just carry a can of Lysol spray, or B-D alcohol swabs, or least some of those wet paper towels that they have now in plastic cans, that you use to wipe phones and door knobs, etc. You probably will have to defend accusations of being a Wuss, but you can defend yourself against that a lot better than against MRSA. The lame spray cleaners that a lot of gyms have, isn't enough to kill an ant, let alone bacteria or viruses. Also, if you DO HAVE a cut, razor burn, or scrapes, rashes, or whatever, wear clean, thick clothes and maybe even take a couple extra shirts and change during your workout. NEVER NEVER jump on a machine or bench that some other dude just got off of without at least wiping it down with cleaner. You're not a wimp or a germophobe to do so; you're being intelligent.

Charles