MRSA. Anyone with first hand knowledge or experience?

snortlegeist83 · November 2014

So I'm sitting here waiting for a call from the hospital on whether or not I need to be admitted along with my 3 week old daughter. It's in my lungs which apparently rare. Longest. Wait. Ever. Frankly, I'm scared shitless. For myself and my 3 week old baby girl. Anyone experience this? I'm no longer in the early stages. Its roughly been about 3 weeks in the making. Thanks in advance for any info.

SpaceGirlSpiff · November 2014

Yikes... no experience, but I hope you and your little girl will be OK

ferris0906 · November 2014

My son has had experience with MRSA. It was not in his lungs, which I have not heard of, but instead it was, quite unfortunately, on his testicle.

He ended up hospitalized for a bit, and he was quarantined within the hospital because it's an infectious disease. While we were in the hospital, he was often restricted on food and drink because there was always the possibility of surgery.

However, he ended up not needing that at all, and the worst parts by far were (a) he was almost two and could ask for food, but we couldn't give it to him, and (b) the medicine--it's the worst smelling thing in the world and is coined as "garbage juice" on many online forums.

The whole thing is a distant memory now, but I know it can be scary at the time. Again, while the circumstances seem very different, the cause is the same. If you have any other questions, I can try to respond.

snortlegeist83 · November 2014

greenbunny79 said:
What do you mean its in your lungs? Do you and LO both have MRSA pneumonia?

Hope you're ok

It's in my lungs. Started out at the site of my incision (c section) then moved to my lungs? Through my blood stream? They are doing a blood test on DD to see if she has it.

snortlegeist83 · November 2014

ferris0906 said:
My son has had experience with MRSA. It was not in his lungs, which I have not heard of, but instead it was, quite unfortunately, on his testicle.

He ended up hospitalized for a bit, and he was quarantined within the hospital because it's an infectious disease. While we were in the hospital, he was often restricted on food and drink because there was always the possibility of surgery.

However, he ended up not needing that at all, and the worst parts by far were (a) he was almost two and could ask for food, but we couldn't give it to him, and (b) the medicine--it's the worst smelling thing in the world and is coined as "garbage juice" on many online forums.

The whole thing is a distant memory now, but I know it can be scary at the time. Again, while the circumstances seem very different, the cause is the same. If you have any other questions, I can try to respond.

That had to have been terrible!! I was told that MRSA in the pneumonia form is very rare. Also gathered that from what I read. Then I stopped reading because the internet seems to think I'm on death's door. Not cool interwebz. I'm really really glad your son recovered well!

snortlegeist83 · November 2014

mcbenny said:
My DD had MRSA and was hospitalized. I have never heard of it in lungs.

This is all new territory for me. I never heard of it being in the form of pneumonia either until now. I was told it's pretty rare. So is winning the lottery. Damn it.

snortlegeist83 · November 2014

ScoutNumbers05 said:
My DD has had multiple occurrences, but hers are surface and just below. She gets abscessed that have to be lanced (though we've been outbreak free for awhile now).

I know it's different given that yours are in your lungs. For us, we are fanatical about bleaching towels after one use, weekly bleach baths, dial hand and body soap for the kids. This has kept it from spreading.

I'm so sorry, and I hope your docs are doing very thing they can.

Those are all really really good tips to keep it contained. 3 kids and I feel like I'm going to lose my mind. I'm really worried about my baby though. She was a month early at that, but seems to be doing good so far. I really need it to stay that way.

MrsT0514 · November 2014

I had a MRSA abscess on my stomach last year (such a weird random spot), but it was just that, just a surface skin infection. My dermatologist just drained the abscess and put me on antibiotics. I also had it in my nose (nasal impetigo- common place for it), which I was prescribed mupirocin ointment for. My son was about 6 mo at the time, so they're thinking I may have gotten it in the hospital and it just took awhile to become apparent. He never got it though, so that was a relief.

I have no experience beyond that, but as far as preventing the spread of it, we jjust made sure to wash all clothes/bedding/towels on hot cycle, lysol everything thoroughly, and stay on top of handwashing.

Sorry you're dealing with a scary bout of it. Best of luck and hopefully the docs can get you on some meds and get you out of there quickly!

lizzybeth13 · November 2014

I don't go here, but my legal assistant had MRSA/pneumonia last year. She was in the hospital for about a month, and it was a tough road, but she ended up being just fine. After she got out of the hospital, she had to stay at home for another 3 weeks before she as strong enough to come back to work. Just try to rest as much as you can - she relapsed twice because she wasn't resting enough. Hope the doctors get things figured out quickly!

2chatter · November 2014

A colleague had it move from an abscess into his blood stream. He ended up in the hospital in isolation and was down for a few weeks. Initially they thought he was fine. He and I were on a call and he explained that he was concerned about the tissue looking weird, and the fact that he felt really unwell. He went into the ER after I insisted (he was waiting on a call back from his doctor, who it later turned out was on vacation or something) it was not something to mess with - and they said it would have impacted his heart permanently had he delayed.

Moral of the story: If you do not know what is going on, and they are not giving you answers, can your DH take the baby while you head in? Time is of the essence with MRSA in my only experience to date.

Beevol · November 2014

Never had it but I work in healthcare and have had patients with it. The most important thing is be fanatical about the instructions your doctor/nurses give you. I've seen so many people in and out of the hospital like it's a revolving door because they get lax following their discharge orders. Bleach everything. Wash hands constantly. Clorox wipe down your life. Whatever they tell you to do, do and do it to the letter.

From what I've seen, it's not that it's so much worse than any other bug that makes it scary, it's just that we can't do anything about it other than clean.

T&Ps for you and your family!

snortlegeist83 · November 2014

greenbunny79 said:

snortlegeist83 said:

greenbunny79 said:
What do you mean its in your lungs? Do you and LO both have MRSA pneumonia?

Hope you're ok
It's in my lungs. Started out at the site of my incision (c section) then moved to my lungs? Through my blood stream? They are doing a blood test on DD to see if she has it.
So do you have a lung abscess? Or pneumonia? How did they find out it's in your lungs? Did they do a chest x ray or ct scan? Were blood cultures taken? Is that what you're waiting on to determine if you need to be in the hospital?

Mrsa can cause a lot of different infections, usually in the skin but can get into the blood stream, cause pneumonia, abscess, infect the heart valves or other things. It can be anything from mild to severe and can be treatable with appropriate antibiotics. It's not really clear to me what is happening with your infection though. I think you need to ask your doctors to explain better what's going on.

It's pneumonia apparently. I'm getting no help at all from doctors. They did a sputum (Sp?) test and that's what it came back as. I asked about a blood test and I'm told to just take the antibiotics (clindamycin). I always thought a blood test was involved as well. I'm scared to death and no one with a medical degree seems interested in explaining this to me. I was informed by one of the doctors to take the antibiotic and if I don't feel better let them know. I read it can spread and get into your heart. I'm so less than thrilled.

snortlegeist83 · November 2014

lizzybeth13 said:
I don't go here, but my legal assistant had MRSA/pneumonia last year. She was in the hospital for about a month, and it was a tough road, but she ended up being just fine. After she got out of the hospital, she had to stay at home for another 3 weeks before she as strong enough to come back to work. Just try to rest as much as you can - she relapsed twice because she wasn't resting enough. Hope the doctors get things figured out quickly!

From what I've read and come to understand, this is standard practice with MRSA. People are hospitalized. Not that I'm dying to pack my bags but why am I out walking around? Go figure.

snortlegeist83 · November 2014

I've def

2chatter said:
A colleague had it move from an abscess into his blood stream. He ended up in the hospital in isolation and was down for a few weeks. Initially they thought he was fine. He and I were on a call and he explained that he was concerned about the tissue looking weird, and the fact that he felt really unwell. He went into the ER after I insisted (he was waiting on a call back from his doctor, who it later turned out was on vacation or something) it was not something to mess with - and they said it would have impacted his heart permanently had he delayed.
Moral of the story: If you do not know what is going on, and they are not giving you answers, can your DH take the baby while you head in? Time is of the essence with MRSA in my only experience to date.

I've definitely made a mental note of this in my mind. This is really frustrating.

snortlegeist83 · November 2014

greenbunny79 said:
Op I am sorry you aren't feeling well and feel scared. But your story is confusing and I don't get the sense you understand what is going on with your health. You're not going to get the answers you need from internet strangers talking about their personal experiences. You need to talk to your doctor or go to the ER.

Thanks, I know you are right about this. It's frustrating after trying to talk to two different doctors and getting nothing. Thinking about maybe starting at my family doctor this time. Maybe there is just too many people in the mix (including 3 OB's). My family doctor is pretty good about explaining things to me. It can't hurt. Thank you.

MesmrEwe · November 2014

I had the "fun" of dealing with it because of chronic sinus infections, and to complicate things post-op - IMO it's just because they weren't treating them with the right antibiotic long before the sinus surgery... Eventually I did a couple different courses of antibiotics - two for 21-day stretches and that knocked it mostly down. Now it's a sinus rinse with a solution of antibiotic ointment to keep it at bay but the doc wants me now to go off and see what it does over the next two months. The worst part IMO about treating it - the <alphabet soup verbs> yeast infection that developed after being on antibiotics for so long!!!

DS was "blessed" to get a boil that tested positive for MRSA - which cleared up with Sulfa-based antibiotics. (I'm allergic so that method of treatment wasn't an option for me)...

As others have mentioned clean/disinfect surfaces, rest, follow your doc's instructions, etc. Stressing out only makes things worse!

snortlegeist83 · November 2014

golfergirl08 said:
Also, I could be wrong about this as well, but I think the only different course of action if the bacteria was in your blood would be IV antibiotic (which would require admission) instead of oral.

That was the initial dose of antibiotics I received. At least I know that would likely knock it out

snortlegeist83 · November 2014

greenbunny79 said:
Wait. You have an ob managing your Mrsa pneumonia??

Yes. The lack of available health care where I live is pretty terrible. I'm trying to get referred to whomever I would need to see but that's not happening yet. I was told if I didn't get better from all the antibiotics I would be referred to "someone". Oh. Ok. The doctors brush
it off, Google tells me I'm as good as dead. Going in circles is getting old.

snortlegeist83 · November 2014

greenbunny79 said:

snortlegeist83 said:

greenbunny79 said:
Wait. You have an ob managing your Mrsa pneumonia??
Yes. The lack of available health care where I live is pretty terrible. I'm trying to get referred to whomever I would need to see but that's not happening yet. I was told if I didn't get better from all the antibiotics I would be referred to "someone". Oh. Ok. The doctors brush
it off, Google tells me I'm as good as dead. Going in circles is getting old.

How are you feeling? Do you feel sick or mostly ok? Its been almost a week that you've been on antibiotics hasn't it?

I'm actually feeling better. I was feeling pretty terrible, even flu like with muscle weakness and pain but none of that now. Sometimes the stuff I cough up is clear, sometimes bright yellow but not bright green anymore (sorry tmi). There are days that suck but I'm hoping the clindamycin is really doing the job.
My biggest worry is contagiousness because of the baby. I've been told I am and I've been told I'm not. It has been about a week now so that is giving me some hope that I'm on the mend.
The incision site is all but healed but I did find a place on my leg that looked staph like. I think it's healing though.

snortlegeist83 · November 2014

golfergirl08 said:
I had a question that is irrelevant to your question, but I am going to ask anyway. Are you sure that the MRSA moved from your incision site to your lungs? Is that what you were told by the doc? I think it would have had to go through your bloodstream to get to another site, and at that point they probably would have taken blood cultures. It doesn't sound like you had that done. I realize I am talking in circles because i had mentioned it earlier.

I just wanted to point out that the MRSA could have come from another external source instead of emigrating from the incision. You probably already know that.

Not entirely sure no. I was told this "likely" happened and that was all the explanation I got. That concerned me though because I'm pretty sure if it's in the blood it can be much worse. They never did do a blood test. They confirmed there was MRSA at the incision site and with the sputum but that was it.
Can you explain the external source deal to me though? I don't believe I've read or heard about that.

Update as well, the nurse at my DH's work also works with CDC and investigates these things and is looking into it for me. Not sure what that means. She said if it's hospital acquired, which she insists it is, that they have to pay for any treatment regarding it.

snortlegeist83 · November 2014

greenbunny79 said:

golfergirl08 said:

I had a question that is irrelevant to your question, but I am going to ask anyway. Are you sure that the MRSA moved from your incision site to your lungs? Is that what you were told by the doc? I think it would have had to go through your bloodstream to get to another site, and at that point they probably would have taken blood cultures. It doesn't sound like you had that done. I realize I am talking in circles because i had mentioned it earlier.

I just wanted to point out that the MRSA could have come from another external source instead of emigrating from the incision. You probably already know that.

This is a really good point. Or the sputum culture could even be a result of contamination or colonization.

So then it could be possible that it's not MRSA in my lungs? Seriously that would be awesome.

RondackHiker · November 2014

You really need to call your ob and request a second opinion, ideally with an infectious disease specialist, but with an internist if that's not possible.

Your ob should NOT be treating this, even if there aren't many doctors where you are.

This is likely hospital aquired so you shouldn't pay, but MRSA is everywhere. You can get it anywhere.

Right now, call your OB and demand an immediate referral. I'm glad you're feeling better, but with the shit you're coughing up and a spot on your leg, you have got to see someone who can tell you if you need to be isolated. stop asking them for information and demand a specialist. The OB's treatment for you may be perfect, but you may need isolation and you may be entitled to compensation.

snortlegeist83 · November 2014

RondackHiker said:
You really need to call your ob and request a second opinion, ideally with an infectious disease specialist, but with an internist if that's not possible.

Your ob should NOT be treating this, even if there aren't many doctors where you are.

This is likely hospital aquired so you shouldn't pay, but MRSA is everywhere. You can get it anywhere.

Right now, call your OB and demand an immediate referral. I'm glad you're feeling better, but with the shit you're coughing up and a spot on your leg, you have got to see someone who can tell you if you need to be isolated. stop asking them for information and demand a specialist. The OB's treatment for you may be perfect, but you may need isolation and you may be entitled to compensation.

Thank you. Seriously, I couldn't even get them to tell me who I would be referred to if I "didn't feel better". I get that some of the doctors don't feel it's a big deal, but I do. I've wanted concrete answers all along and haven't gotten shit. Now I know exactly who to ask for. Trying to learn about this and fight with these doctors while taking care of a newborn is for the damn birds.

RondackHiker · November 2014

snortlegeist83 said:

RondackHiker said:
You really need to call your ob and request a second opinion, ideally with an infectious disease specialist, but with an internist if that's not possible.

Your ob should NOT be treating this, even if there aren't many doctors where you are.

This is likely hospital aquired so you shouldn't pay, but MRSA is everywhere. You can get it anywhere.

Right now, call your OB and demand an immediate referral. I'm glad you're feeling better, but with the shit you're coughing up and a spot on your leg, you have got to see someone who can tell you if you need to be isolated. stop asking them for information and demand a specialist. The OB's treatment for you may be perfect, but you may need isolation and you may be entitled to compensation.

Thank you. Seriously, I couldn't even get them to tell me who I would be referred to if I "didn't feel better". I get that some of the doctors don't feel it's a big deal, but I do. I've wanted concrete answers all along and haven't gotten shit. Now I know exactly who to ask for. Trying to learn about this and fight with these doctors while taking care of a newborn is for the damn birds.

Did you actually ask for a referral before?

Because they're not supposed to try and prevent or delay you from getting a second opinion. If you want a second opinion, you should be able to get a referral that day.

"If you don't feel better" is BS. I'm wondering if the OB is just too inept or arrogant to know better or if he or she is trying to heal you because they worry they'll be blamed for the infection or what.

snortlegeist83 · November 2014

RondackHiker said:

snortlegeist83 said:

RondackHiker said:
You really need to call your ob and request a second opinion, ideally with an infectious disease specialist, but with an internist if that's not possible.

Your ob should NOT be treating this, even if there aren't many doctors where you are.

This is likely hospital aquired so you shouldn't pay, but MRSA is everywhere. You can get it anywhere.

Right now, call your OB and demand an immediate referral. I'm glad you're feeling better, but with the shit you're coughing up and a spot on your leg, you have got to see someone who can tell you if you need to be isolated. stop asking them for information and demand a specialist. The OB's treatment for you may be perfect, but you may need isolation and you may be entitled to compensation.

Thank you. Seriously, I couldn't even get them to tell me who I would be referred to if I "didn't feel better". I get that some of the doctors don't feel it's a big deal, but I do. I've wanted concrete answers all along and haven't gotten shit. Now I know exactly who to ask for. Trying to learn about this and fight with these doctors while taking care of a newborn is for the damn birds.
Did you actually ask for a referral before?

Because they're not supposed to try and prevent or delay you from getting a second opinion. If you want a second opinion, you should be able to get a referral that day.

"If you don't feel better" is BS. I'm wondering if the OB is just too inept or arrogant to know better or if he or she is trying to heal you because they worry they'll be blamed for the infection or what.

No I asked them what I need to do, where I need to go and such. She blew me off basically saying to just take the antibiotics and let her know. I am calling tomorrow and demanding a referral. On top of the awesome advice on here, I discovered a large spot on the under side of my breast now. Thank you ladies for your help.

snortlegeist83 · November 2014

greenbunny79 said:

snortlegeist83 said:

greenbunny79 said:

snortlegeist83 said:

greenbunny79 said:
Wait. You have an ob managing your Mrsa pneumonia??
Yes. The lack of available health care where I live is pretty terrible. I'm trying to get referred to whomever I would need to see but that's not happening yet. I was told if I didn't get better from all the antibiotics I would be referred to "someone". Oh. Ok. The doctors brush
it off, Google tells me I'm as good as dead. Going in circles is getting old.

How are you feeling? Do you feel sick or mostly ok? Its been almost a week that you've been on antibiotics hasn't it?

I'm actually feeling better. I was feeling pretty terrible, even flu like with muscle weakness and pain but none of that now. Sometimes the stuff I cough up is clear, sometimes bright yellow but not bright green anymore (sorry tmi). There are days that suck but I'm hoping the clindamycin is really doing the job.
My biggest worry is contagiousness because of the baby. I've been told I am and I've been told I'm not. It has been about a week now so that is giving me some hope that I'm on the mend.
The incision site is all but healed but I did find a place on my leg that looked staph like. I think it's healing though.

If you're receiving appropriate treatment then you should not be getting new sites of infection popping up. Did you talk with your PCP like you mentioned you would? Did you get the referred for infectious disease? Do you know where the nearest one is? You should try to find one near you on your insurance website. You may not even need a referral depending on your insurance

I haven't yet but I will be asap as in tomorrow. I'm calling and demanding it with no shit taken. As I posted above, along with the advice I've gotten here I now have a large place under my breast. The closest infectious disease specialist is about 45 minutes away. Hopefully they will get me in very quickly. Thank you for all the advice here. I finally was pointed in the right direction.

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