MRSA Resources

My story… I’m a 40 year old female, active, happy, married 23 yrs to the same wonderful man that I met while in High School, we have (2) teenagers who are simply awesome and we (HAD) a very full/active life until January of this year (05′). Over the last year I’ve had trouble with cellulitis, one on my face, two on my hip & one on my shoulder. All have been successfully treated with IV (Cephazolin) until the one on my leg that came about from a shaving nick on my ankle. I cared for this nick as I would any other, antibiotic ointment, covered and kept clean with a regular band aid. No signs of infection until my leg started to hurt, then it became 3 + times it’s normal size from swelling. I have a wonderful Doctor (Internal Medicine) who sees me at the drop of a hat due to previous cellulitis infections. I called him and was in the next day. This was January 12th. 2005.. He took one look at me and my leg/thigh/hip and said “Peg, I’m sure this is MRSA and I must put you in the hospital immediately.” That was the start of my MRSA horror story. I spent 4-days in the hospital (isolation) with Vancomycin running via I.V. One the second day they inserted a PIC-Line IV, thank goodness for that because it was killing my hand/vein. My husband and I begged the Doctor in the hospital to drain it, but he refused! I was pretty upset knowing it would heal much faster and get the bad stuff out in the process. He only said “we wont for cosmetic reasons!” HUH? Okkkkk, go figure! I spent the next 5 weeks on home infusion w/ Vancomycin. As with everyone who has experienced or had MRSA, I was SURE I would die, actually I was afraid that I wouldn’t die, yes that is how bad you feel and how sick you truly are with this stuff. Anyway, my Doctor gave me a referral to a Infectious Disease Doctor who has put me on lifelong oral antibiotics, I use Phisohex to cleanse my skin and am VERY cautious with bug bites, scratches, cuts and even being out in public. I’m a “waterless/antibacterial cleanser” junkie! ha ha. Since the infection I’ve been battling severe fatigue and on-going problems with my leg and hip. I’ve had 2 Ultrasounds done to rule out DVT, both clear, and several x-rays taken of my hip. As of this writing: Sept. 15th, 2005 I’m currently waiting for a MRI and vascular surgeon appt. because of the continued swelling and pain within my leg and hip. While the fatigue (apparently common after this type of infection) has eased a bit, I still struggle to do my daily routine. Our life has come to a complete stand-still because of this infection. I only get 4-5 hrs a day on my leg before it starts killing me, I have a constant limp, it swells and the pain in my hip & leg is unlike anything I’ve ever had. My husband is my rock, he’s very supportive, caring and attends every appt. I have with these Doctors, most of all, he’s sooo frustrated, along with me! I’ll keep you posted as the appt’s materialize. Thank you so much for giving us a “outlet” to vent! It helps tremendously!
Hugs to all
Peg-

See Peg’s Story and any comments on the MRSA Forum