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Hi Denise,
I'm so sorry to hear how your children are suffering with the MRSA. I've dealt with MRSA since 1994. The difference between now and back then is there is A LOT more information these days than there were when I was first diagnosed AND the treatments offered are more effective.
MRSA is a tricky bug. Most of us carry it on our bodies and in our nasal caveties, but not everyone who has an open wound or surgery will get it. Research shows that some of us are genetically predisposed and it also depends on the body's immune system. Children - especially with chronic ear infections - are particularly prone to acquiring MRSA.
I wish (and I don't know what is being done) that hospitals and medical facilities maintained stricter policies about controlling MRSA. But, like any bug, perhaps that's why we (our society) is in the state it is. Each time we fight bugs with antibiotics, they don't necessarily die - they go through a metamorphis and change into something stronger. It reminds me of a science-fiction horror flick - the mutation of bugs!
There are some very knowlegable people on this list - I know meganchofae has a son who was infected with MRSA (community acquired) and she has a website. I'm hoping she sends a link to it because it's chock full of information. (I have it bookmarked somewhere and will see if I can find it). I also have a website but my links on the MRSA haven't been checked for a couple of years.
Btw, it appears that I've been MRSA free for approximately 5 years. However, because of the numerous surgeries and my illness, my immune system has been affected (not permanently, so I'm told) and I'm still quite susceptible to other bugs which I take (on occasion) antibiotics for. Hopefully through diet and exercise I can change that.
I will do anything I can to help get you information, Denise. But it sounds to me like you're doing everything in your power to stay on top of this situation. Chilldren are resilient - they have an amazing zeal for life that we as adults lose sometimes. I have every confidence that your daughters will come out of this healthy with long futures. But know that we're here to support you through this time.
Here's the link to my site: http://www.geocities.com/suealcorn/
And (oops!) that didn't take long - here's Megan's website: http://www.caercoork.com/orsa/orsa.html
(I'm more organized than I thought! - Who knew!?! - LOL)
Regards,
Sue
----- Original Message -----From: DeniseSent: Thursday, March 24, 2005 11:15 AMSubject: [MRSA] Confused and Overwhelmed
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
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