MRSA Support Group
Staph infections are infections caused by the bacteria Staphylococcus. They include skin infections, pneumonia, blood poisoning, toxic shock syndrome, and food poisoning. Infection can happen through contact, especially if you have open wounds. Most infections are treatable with antibiotics. If you have been infected with staph, join the group for support and advice.
Hello,
I check in here once in awhile. My daughter has had MRSA in her lungs for 10 years now, as well as VRE carrier. I am her primary caregiver. My knee is bone on bone and I need knee replacement. Will I be ok or at higher risk.
I hate to tell the surgeon cause he might cancel me and leave me in pain.
Many Drs. have shut her out of their practice; discreetly of course. I have heard horror stories about implants and MRSA. My daughter is on her second portacath now. The first one lasted 4 years. They are contraindicated for her. Surgery is a little over a week away. Maybe i could go to rehab for a few days so not to be here sharing a bathroom with her. But she is nonverbal, fragile and I am her only voice.
Thank you
I check in here once in awhile. My daughter has had MRSA in her lungs for 10 years now, as well as VRE carrier. I am her primary caregiver. My knee is bone on bone and I need knee replacement. Will I be ok or at higher risk.
I hate to tell the surgeon cause he might cancel me and leave me in pain.
Many Drs. have shut her out of their practice; discreetly of course. I have heard horror stories about implants and MRSA. My daughter is on her second portacath now. The first one lasted 4 years. They are contraindicated for her. Surgery is a little over a week away. Maybe i could go to rehab for a few days so not to be here sharing a bathroom with her. But she is nonverbal, fragile and I am her only voice.
Thank you
It sounds to me like you have to make sure to take care of yourself not only for you, but because you have a precious daughter who needs you very much. I know the thought of having surgery is very scary. My plan after I had my second child was to have plastic surgery to help get my body back (I need all the help I can get after two pregnancies!). Now that I am MRSA+ there is no way in the world I would even think about cosmetic or any elective surgery. I won't even get a tubal ligation now. So I really do understand your dilemma.
I don't think that the dr.s would cancel your surgery because your daughter has MRSA. It is imperative that everything that goes into your body is sterilized and then sterilized again to make sure you don't get infected, and worse, reinfect your daughter who is already so fragile. You shouldn't have to live in the type of pain you are in now and usually a hip replacement wouldn't be so scary. Just be honest with your doctors even though it is hard. Good luck to you.
It is hugely important you tell your surgeon, Libby. He must know in order to take all necessary precautions in your care & in the care of his other patients.
God Bless.
Absolutely tell your physician about your daughter's MRSA. You should have been screened for MRSA prior to your surgery (at most places now). Most orthopedic doctors will have you shower with hibiclens once or twice before your surgery. You will no doubt be given antibiotics during the surgery too. Your biggest challenge will be to watch the hands of the people who care for you after your surgery. The doctor who changes your dressing without washing his hands or putting gloves on...the nurse who gives your IV medicine without cleaning the port with alcohol first... Keep hand sanitizer on your bedside table and use it frequently. Remember that each person who comes into your room potentially brings bugs from wherever else they have been. Make sure you insist that each health care person cleans their hands BEFORE and after providing any care for you. I hope your surgery goes well, and you have no complications. By the way, my guess is that you'll say "my daughter has MRSA", and the staff will say "that's OK, we probably all have it".
I came up with these things on my own.