Hi, everyone! I am the mother of 2 girls, ages 3 an 5. Both have
been diagnosed with MRSA. Both girls had ear tubes put in and have
had MRSA infections in their ears. I am so frustrated with the
conflicting information I receive and the lack of knowledge I am
encountering in my area (Long Island, New York) Emily, 5, was
diagnosed in July 2004, after having been sick for the better part
of two years with active drainage from both her ears and 2 sets of
ear tubes put in. Emily was successfully treated with a 5 week
course of Zyvox and has been MRSA-infection free since Oct. 2004.
My entire family was exposed to the MRSA for a long time before it
was diagnosed. Ear infections are supposed to not be contagious,
right? After the diagnosis, I was tested and my daughter, Jeanne,
was tested. Neither of us was colonised with MRSA. ( a miracle, in
my opinion) At our ENT's advice, we had ear tubes put in Jeanne's
ears after Emily was infection free in Oct. By January, Jeanne had
a horrible, bloody, pussy ear infection that was, of course, MRSA.
I had been told that Emily's MRSA was community acquired due to the
sensitivity cultures from the lab report. Although Emily had been
hospitalised many times, I foolishly believed that that particular
strain didn't come from healthcare settings. I checked with our PID
specialist, the ENT, and our pediatrician who all said Jeanne
wouldn't be at increased risk for contracting MRSA if we had the
tubes put in. I did do some research about it, but obviously not
enough. Emily has been infection free since Oct. but she still
seems to get sick more frequently than other kids her age. Jeanne
was infection free for about a month but it's back. I seen to get
so much conflicting information about this. I am a very frightened
mother with so many questions that I don't know where to begin.
Sorry for the length of this story. I actually feel numb as I
recount the chain of events. But I have really appreciated all the
information and opinions I've read from you all and I wanted you to
know my girls' stories. I could use all the support I can get and I
am already including many of you in my prayers. Thanks if you took
the time to read this. Regards, Denise