(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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I have read all this and feel compelled to write, I am 39 years old and had bypass surgery in October,2008, after being out of the hospital for 4 days I was barely able to lift myself up, I went back to the surgeon where I was told I might have a small infection, and was given some sort of wash for my incision and some low grade antibiotic, 2 days later I couldn’t take it anymore and went to my primary doc, who sent me immediatly to the er, where they told me I had a HUGE abscess and that my white count was 26k they transported me back to the heart hospital, and while my friends and family were in the room he made the first of 7 incisions, I have been in the operating room 3 times and 4 other times been cut open with only the assistance of lidocane, I have had a picc line and a wound vac for almost 6 months, I live in constant pain, and currently have said no more, I have had no antibiotics for 2 weeks and now have split open in 3 areas of my chest, I have pus coming out of all three areas, but I now feel like there is no point to all of this, I continue getting more sick and they do nothing to help me, I am sick, I am tired, and they did this to me! I have been in the hospital at least 75 days in the last 6 months, and even though they knew I had mrsa, no gloves were worn, they had me out walking the halls, etc, I wonder how many more people gained mrsa, because of this? As for the healthcare workers commenting let me tell you, when you have been where I am, then talk, for now maybe you all should LISTEN, and research and for God sakes stop spreading this infection!
i’m pretty sure i got mrsa from my histerectomy,i had a histeremtomy july29th .2009 a couple of weeks later my inceion was open i went to the hospital they cleaned it started to go to wound care sept.9they scheld me for surgery again went for surgery on sept.11the was put on a medivac getting wound care 3 days a week i got sick again was sent back to the hospital again they did a culture i had mrsa again.I don’t get it I’ve been on a lot of antiobotics even one that cost $2,600.00,now i’m on levaquin,they told me i need to be on bactrim i’m off the medivac going back to wet to dry dressing and still going through wound care 3 days a week.. I’m tired of the smell,hurting and pills what can i do??
Oh Please someone help, My stepfather to the date had surgery 7 weeks ago to remove cancer 9 hours long. Filled with all kinds of tubs and lines. after 6 days he was put through another surgery.. Its been a living hell for him, my mom and us as well. He is in NY in a hospital that were my parents live. They havent located the infection now its in his blood. He hasnt made hardly any progress at all. They had to trake him after 3weeks. Like I said Friday was 7 weeks. Saying they are still trying to figure out what infection he has they have removed thing , put new lines in O My Gosh I swear my step father has MRSA.. My mom asked today if it could be staph.. OF course No was the reply.. But heart rate is effected, low blood pressure, kidney’s , he is filling up with fluid and yes he has caths too.. Oh did I mention he cant talk and barely makes eye contact when he is awake. But it got so bad the second surgery he went into septic shock.. almost died 5 weeks ago.Please help me help them.. Thank you