(Find an update to this post: MRSA, Victimization and Shooting the Messenger)
(And a further update, posted 8 months later: MRSA: Patient Ignored, Left to Die — Redux)
In the past two days, I have heard three stories, all related to MRSA and other hospital acquired staph infections, and all relating to heinous — even (in my not-so-humble-opinion) criminal acts on the parts of healthcare providers or politicos.
One story came from a colleague who visited a woman in the hospital. The woman contracted an infection after surgery almost a year ago. She is still in the hospital, on life support, not because of the surgery, but because the infection has just consumed her.
But she is the better story — she is, at least, being treated.
The second story came from a woman I’ll call Maxine. Maxine had surgery last fall, and noticed spots as soon as she got home. Her husband then contracted the infection, and then her son. Her husband was diagnosed with MRSA and given an antibiotic which, of course, did nothing for him. Now NONE of the three can find anyone willing to give them a test for MRSA — because, she tells me, in her state, if they are diagnosed with one of these superbug infections, then that doctor must, by law, treat them. No doctor wants them as patients. She has reached out to me asking what can be done.
The third story is probably at the root of the other two, regardless of the fact that it comes from somewhere else. A man named Jeff thought he might have picked up an infection while at his gym. He went to the emergency room where they began checking him — with no gloves on. When he asked the doctor to wash his hands (you go, Jeff!), the doctor looked at him like he was crazy. The doctor laughed! then told him “that stuff about infections has all been blown out of proportion.” Jeff was given an antibiotic which has done nothing (more than two months later) — but wonders, too, what about the next patient that doctor treated?
And let’s not forget the federal government! It’s has come up with its own unique way of killing off its citizens. At least this is a place we can take action… link to learn more.
Is there some deep, dark conspiracy to make sure these infections continue to kill people? Why is it that providers are, on the one hand, pretending they aren’t dangerous — but on the other hand, they are making sure patients don’t get the treatment they need?
I really just don’t get this one…. and except for harping on the hand-washing advice for my readers, I just don’t know what else we patients can do.
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(Find an update to this post: MRSA, Victimization and Shooting the Messenger)
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The article was interesting and scary to read but the original writer referred to the infections “staff” infections. I believe that even though the infections may be “staff” infections the correct term is “staph”.
You’re right Bobbie — it was corrected earlier today, but Fox News picked it up with the error….
That’s what happens when I blog before I drink my morning coffee.
Thanks for the correction.
Trisha, I am sure these people are frustrated. But I think it would be wise of you to try to sort through their stories first, so they aren’t colored by misperceptions or misinformation. I mean, we only have Jeff’s word for it that this was the conversation he had with the ER doctor. I most certainly am not trying to imply that he’s lying, just pointing out that this is only one side of the story.
The first rule of reporting: Take nothing at face value.
I appreciate what you’re trying to do here, I really do. But it strikes me as irresponsible of you to grab the ball and run with it on the basis of unverified anecdotes, and then to fan the flames with words like “heinous” and “criminal.”
JMHO, of course.
My mother passed away at the age of 67 from mrsa which was contracted in the hospital through a wound on her foot. She spent 6 weeks in the hospital and then was sent to a nursing home where she passed away one week later. I do believe hospitals should be held accountable for this type of thing. To make matters worse this happened in a world renown medical facility in Minnesota.
Fresno, CA – Illegal altering of sewer lines is leaving a trail of lung/respiratory, asthma and of course, infections – including staph. Reporting this to the City of Fresno resulted in lies, threats, name-calling and finally, committing perjury to discredit their own records! There are documents, photographs and witnesses as further evidence of what is taking place.
Upon seeing the escalation in staph they added more medical coverage for themselves, specifically, to cover staph! While instructing the public to “wash our hands.” MRSA is also airborne – how dare they do this to us.
Is this nothing less than bioterrorism or even attempted murder!?!