After dual course of antibiotics, now have mrsa

[kitmus]

just out of the hospital after six days:ybatty::ybatty: with this new development. Had incision, drainage, iv antibiotics until I left the hospital. Now on oral Doxycycline and was taken off of Cipro and Flagyl (for my fistula and abscess and mild inflammation.) I think I need to talk to my Mayo GI guy about the fact that I am now longer on the Cipro and Flagyl. Has anyone had a similar experience with MRSA or staff infection as a Crohn's patient? Secondly, if you have had the experience what specific precautions did you take when you went home to others. My docs said the obvious, clean hands, don't share linens, washclothes, towels, etc and wash my own in hot water. The also said regular soap was fine and Purell type products. These were Infections Disease docs (3 different ones) and one surgeon' s instructions. My roomate has RA and is rather concerned, as am I, that this is not enough. Again, any thoughts?
Until this clears up, I cannot make a decision about treating my fistula, possible resection (4 cm to be removed) and OR BIOLOGICS. Frustrated.

 

[Samboi]

Hi Kitmus
I have MRSA - courtesy of a low neutrophil count.
I'm taking Humira which doesn't help.
When my immune system dips - I end up with big boils on my hands and up my forearms. Sometimes on my legs.
I keep all the sores covered and when they are very bad and cover a large area, I wrap them in a light bandage so others aren't infected.
I don't share towels etc anyway.
And I take extra Neupogen shots to boost my immune system.
That helps clear them up.
They're pretty gross though.

 

[rollinstone]

Sorry for my ignorance but what is mrsa?

 

[Samboi]

Staph infection that is resistant to antibiotics.
Highly contagious.
Usually starts as a little red mark, then before you know - within a couple of days - your infected area is covered in large pustules that are hard to get rid of.
They weep, and look pretty awful.

 

[rollinstone]

Shame hope you guys get better

 

[prettykitty]

I've read that using chlorhexidine gluconate antiseptic (Hibiclens) to clean the skin has been effective in reducing MRSA colonization (i.e. carriage of MRSA without having any ill effects). Don't know if it has been demonstrated to be effective for treatment of infection, but you might want to google it and see what you can find -- or discuss with your doctor.

 

[Ihurt]

Have you tried anything natural? I mean what are they giving you to treat it with? I know there is a worm therapy that they use. I know it sounds disgusting, but it has been proven to cure MRSA. I am not sure what it all entails, but they use maggot type worms, they apply them to the infected area and cover with a bandage. The worms actually will eat away the infection and cure it. I saw this on the news not that long ago about a woman who was cured of her infection this way. Not sure where you are from or if they offer this treatment there. Also some have said that by using colloidal sliver topically it can help cure MRSA infections. It is very contagious. I mean you cannot touch the infected area and then touch something ( door handles, utensils, etc...). You have to be very diligent about washing your hands. Hand sanitizer is NOT enough. You have to wash your hands very thoroughly after touching the wound. Are you taking any immuno-supressents like prednisone or biologics? These would also interfere with you getting rid of the infection as they lower the immune system.

 

[kitmus]

Thanks for the discussion, tips, etc. Will get some physohex (spelling, oops) soap. Don't think I can handle maggots, though, and it has not been suggested. My healing is going well. Would like to hear from folks who had MRSA and got rid of it. Thanks.

 

[Samboi]

I haven't got rid of it per se.
Every time my immune system dips - the lesions appear.
I get rid of them by boosting my immune system with shots of Neupogen.

I was recently in China on holiday and missed about two shots of Neupogen.
A lesion just appeared on my hand and started to fester.
As soon as I got home - Neupogen shot cleared it up within days.

 

[PsychoJane]

I've read positive results regarding the use of manuka honey on MRSA infection sites. Have you ever gave that a try Samboi? If so, was it of any help?

Might be an option to consider on your side Kitmus.

 

[Samboi]

Hi PJ
I have tried Manuka honey with very high UMF and it had no effect.
It was worth a try though!
I also worry about infections thriving with the sugar.
These days - I will try just about anything at least once though.
Thanks for your suggestion.

 

[kitmus]

Thanks again. Will check these things out. I wish my lesions were on my hand....that would be helpful! Mine was in the lowest part of my abdomen and packing the incision is complicated to say the least, but I do have help for one of the two dressing changes a day.

 

[charK63]

I don't have crowns but I have MRSA in my stoma site after colonoscopy takedown. They had me apply a wet wound dressing soaked in diluted bleach and I have heard a guy say as soon as he gets an eruption he soaks in a tub of diluted bleach. That is 1T to 16 oz water.
The penicillins won't touch MRSA. I was on bactrim for 2 rx the first time but am having a second breakout rite now. Bactrim again. The other option was tetracycline but Obamacare didn't cover it.

 

[JaimeM]

I had Mrsa when I first got married, so like 10 years ago. It still haunts me, everytime I have a procedure done I have to prove that I've been cleared of MRSA. However, I did my antibiotic, it cleared up and I've never seen any evidence of it since. Just keep it clean, and make sure if you touch it that you wash your hands. Your family shouldn't be that susceptible to it if they are healthy. But definitely take precautions just to be safe.

 

[charK63]

They told me I wouldn't get a retest first because she said we know results from being in antibiotic and the second time she said the results will always be positive because I'll be a carrier. Doubletalk is what I get. And denial too. She didn't test for mrsa for TEN months when stoma scar wouldn't heal. I want to get full dentures and I need to know the impact of this infection. My regular doc said to get on antibiotics prior to extractions. I'm having a third breakout right now. We're not supposed to take so many antibiotics are we? They surely have something that kills it don't they? Is it an insurance issue? I got it from hospital. Don't they have some kind of liability to correct it? I don't mean lawsuit, I mean correct a problem.