My gram's in the hospital again and I'm not allowed to visit :(

GuitaristsGirl · January 2011

Crying

I'm so worried about her, but selfishly heartbroken for me!!

I posted a few weeks ago that she had been hospitalized - it, thankfully, ended up not being as serious as we thought, they diagnosed it as an infection superimposed on something else (that they still haven't figured out) - but they were able to treat the infection with antibiotics and send her home.

Well, she got worse and worse and worse, but with different symptoms . . . ended up in the emergency room last night and they just diagnosed "severe c diff" -- ??? Apparently its a MRSA-like infection caused by antibiotics and hospital stays - ?? (anyone with more info on this is invited to chime in). Mom said that there's a sign on her door keeping people out, and everyone who does go in has to have mask/cap/gown -- her doctor said she's "toxic."

Sigh.

So, she (mom's) still waiting for official word from the dr., but she basically told me not to bother coming in town as I most likely won't be allowed to visit (because I'm pregnant) -- although, after googling now, maybe that's not so. . . ???

This sucks.

oct11bride03 · January 2011

I don't know much about c-diff but I think if the doctor says she's toxic you should probably steer clear. Not the answer you want, but why risk it?

You can always call the OB and find out what they think.

I hope she gets better soon!

browneyedgrl4282 · January 2011

My grandfather had this when I was pregnant with Brady. I was not told I could not visit but was warned that I didn't want to contract this and it would be best not too. They do require anyone visiting someone with MRSA to wear a gown some require masks as well!

DavezWife · January 2011

from what I remember about C-Diff, it's not so much that SHE is toxic, it's that she's one contagious little monster right now. That bug sticks to ANYTHING, and it's super gross. the WORST nasty smelling poop you have EVER delt with. Blech!

Skype? (but use a disposable computer, or one wrapped in plastic, lol. seriously. ga-ross!)

jds0521 · January 2011

I'm so sorry - that's so horrible. Your poor gram...she must be so scared. My grandma got some sort of really bad infection from being in the hospital too (not sure of the name it was years ago). Sending T&P that she recovers quickly.

emmyloustu · January 2011

I am sorry she is so sick. Hard as it is, I would steer clear. Not worth the risk of infection. Wishing her well soon!

GenRN45 · January 2011

Nonsense.

As long as you wear a gown and gloves and booties on your shoes, and don't play with her poop, you should be fine.

I'd double check with your OB, but i see no reason why you can't go see your grandmother.

navyandviolet · January 2011

GenRN45:

Nonsense.

As long as you wear a gown and gloves and booties on your shoes, and don't play with her poop, you should be fine.

I'd double check with your OB, but i see no reason why you can't go see your grandmother.

I would listen to your medical team first, but I sort of agree with this poster. When I was pregnant with DD I was sitll working in a hospital setting. I still worked with c-diff patients often and I am an OT so it included toileting practice if that was what they needed. I would have to gown up, including a mask and any therapy equipement I brought in was there's and was sanatized or tossed when therapy was over. I just made sure to scrub down before I got there and when I left. I also took off my clothes at the end of the day put them in the wash and took a shower before doing anything else. I am sure I was not the only pg person who worked with people with very contagious illnesses before.

ETA I am very sorry about your grandma. It is a tough illness and really takes it out of them to battle. I hope she beats it soon. And you can visit her gown free!

ladychicago · January 2011

I am so sorry...what an awful situation. :-(

GuitaristsGirl · January 2011

Thanks, ladies. What you're saying makes a lot of sense to me. I suspect it was just a knee-jerk response from my mom -- It must be scary to see my little gram in the hospital bed and everyone walking around all suited-up around her!

And I do think she's in bad shape (sounds like it's pretty "progressed," if that's the right word), but it doesn't sound like visiting would put me or the baby in any real danger. I really appreciate your thoughts/ input.

navyandviolet · January 2011

GuitaristsGirl:

It must be scary to see my little gram in the hospital bed and everyone walking around all suited-up around her!

I had one patient. A very sweet, frail, old woman with no family. When I would go in there I would remove my mask and talk to her. ( Pg and all those extra clothes do not go well together). She would always comment how nice it was just to see someone smile. I can imagine how hard it would be to see everyone trying so hard not to come into contact with you, when a gentle tough is probably just what the Dr ordered.

firsttogo · January 2011

Talk to Million$$Baby, but I had D-Diff right after Linc was born. My family managed to remain safe through universal precautions of good hand washing ect. I agree with GenRN, but talk to your OB.

It is NASTY, and icky, and painful, and stinky, and all of those things!! It is pretty contagious, but moreso IF you have been on multiple antibiotics, (namely ancef) and you do not have the right flora in your gut from taking these antibiotics.

j11skate · January 2011

I'm sorry. C-diff is terrible. My MIL contracted it after a cruise. She also works at a hospital. It was really terrible and you don't want it. I wouldn't play around with it. I would stay home.

sweetpea18 · January 2011

navy&violet:
GenRN45:

Nonsense.

As long as you wear a gown and gloves and booties on your shoes, and don't play with her poop, you should be fine.

I'd double check with your OB, but i see no reason why you can't go see your grandmother.

I would listen to your medical team first, but I sort of agree with this poster. When I was pregnant with DD I was sitll working in a hospital setting. I still worked with c-diff patients often and I am an OT so it included toileting practice if that was what they needed. I would have to gown up, including a mask and any therapy equipement I brought in was there's and was sanatized or tossed when therapy was over. I just made sure to scrub down before I got there and when I left. I also took off my clothes at the end of the day put them in the wash and took a shower before doing anything else. I am sure I was not the only pg person who worked with people with very contagious illnesses before.

ETA I am very sorry about your grandma. It is a tough illness and really takes it out of them to battle. I hope she beats it soon. And you can visit her gown free!

All of this! The only reason I would avoid my patients with c-diff is because the smell is horrific and I couldn't stomach it, especially in the first tri. Poor thing probably feels horrible, c-diff takes a lot out of people, especially the elderly.

perry7285 · January 2011

i'm sorry sweetie. that sucks. you definitely don't want to get sick with this while your LO is cooking, though!

i hope you can find some way to stay connected with her while taking good care of yourself.

Want a personalized experience?

My gram's in the hospital again and I'm not allowed to visit :(

Re: My gram's in the hospital again and I'm not allowed to visit :(

Choose Another Board

Search Boards