Infection is back - I am weary

[Kathy M]

I am so frustrated!  After 3 surgeries, a PICC line in February, mega oral antibiotics, wound debriedment (?), and lastly a titanium plate, the wound started to open up and the nastiness ensued a few weeks before Thanksgiving.  My neurosurgeon's office called yesterday and said that the culture is an exact match of the February staph infection.   I'm not on mega doses of Augmentin and am awaiting the 2nd test results to tell us what specific antibiotic address this type of staph.  I am so over it, I can not begin to tell ya. 

So, today was the breast biopsy and next Tuesday will hear the results of this next hurdle.  I never was a track and field player, but I feel like I should get some kind of trophy for hurdles jumped in a given year!!  I fully intend to keep leaping over them and not let them knock me down, but geez, I kinda tired of all this......

A few good things - 2 days after my antibiotics started, I was fever free and feeling pretty darn good!  My husband's family from Kentucky (all 14 of them) come to our house tomorrow for an early Christmas and I love them all dearly, so that will be a wonderful distraction. They all came to Cincinnati the night before my original surgery in January...we played games til the wee hours of the morning, and they stayed with my husband and kids until I was finally in recovery.  Never dreamed that almost a year later, we would still be talking about my health issues, but it's not like I've got much of a choice here, right?

Have any of you heard of this stubborn staph infection that just won't go away?  How can it not be detected in multiple blood tests over the past months?  I don't read much about infection on this site - and from me to all of you, I'm glad most of you don't have this to contend with...but any experiences with this crap over this long period of time that might be informative would be appreciated - kinda feeling a little bit alone here.

Frustrated in Ohio,

Kathy

[Jackie]

Hello Kathy,

I am so sorry for all the problems you have had and continue with and I will be praying for your relief of all of it so you may go on and enjoy life again! Your spirit is strong and you will get through it, just wanted you to know that we care and you are not alone in this journey! Sending my very best for a quick solution, so you can enjoy your loved ones!
Prayers have begun,
Jackie

[pjb]

My prayers are with you, you have gone through so much in a year I wish I had an answer for the staph infection but the internet has so much information I hope you find a site or maybe some of the nurses on the AN forum may be able to help you and now you also have to deal with the breast biopsy !  Thank goodness family is coming to help you and also help to keep your mind off things which I can imagine will still be very difficult for you.  Please keep us posted there will be more replies to your post and also more prays.

My thoughts and prayers again are with you,

Pat

[mssophy]

Hi Kathy,

I am a newbie and completely understand your frustration with the hurdles in 2009. In June my husband and I moved in with my in-laws to save money to buy a home and 2 days after we moved in, my mother in-law died unexpectedly from a heart attack. In July, my husband decided that he wanted a separation. In August, I found out my father has lung cancer. Lastly, in October I was diagnosed with a freakin' brain tumor! Really? Are you kidding me? I feel ya.

But....while we may not be earning a trophy, we sure are showing our kids how to make lemonade when you're handed lemons! I focus all the negative energy and get down on the floor and play with my 20 month old daughter until we both laugh til it hurts!

You are blessed to have your family there with you during this journey (that seems to never end...lol). Live in the present and the rest will fall into place.

Best wishes and my prayers are with you.

Sophia

[opp2]

http://kidshealth.org/teen/infections/bacterial_viral/staph.html

try looking here for some answers. We all have staph on our bodies, all the time. Unfortunately with a serious wound such as yours, it becomes harder to avoid infections from such an abundant flora supply.

I feel for you. This must be just so frustrating for you.

Nikki

[leapyrtwins]

Kathy -

this is so unbelieveable after all you've been through 

I hope they find a solution to this problem soon and you can get on with other things.

We're thinking of you and praying that this infection will be gone fast.

Enjoy your early Christmas.

Best,

Jan

[lori67]

Kathy,

I can't believe it!  You definitely deserve some sort of large award for all you've been through this year!

Did the doctor give you anything topical to put on the area?  I know bactroban works well on some of the tougher forms of staph in addition to the antibiotics.  I don't know if you have any open areas though and I'm not sure you could use it on an open area.  You'd have to check with the doctor on that one.  I'm not well versed on "skin things" as they are not my favorite thing to deal with. (yes, even nurses can be squeamish about some things!).

I don't really have any other advice.  Have you seen anyone other than your neuro?  Like maybe an infectious disease doc?

I hope this round of antiobiotics takes care of it for you and that next year is smooth sailing for you.  Sounds like you've been through enough to last a lifetime!

Lori

[Sobes]

Hi Kathy,

So sorry to hear that you are having trouble...please know that I've said a prayer for your healing and will continue to pray for you! You will be in my thoughts

Bren~

[Jim Scott]

Kathy ~

If anyone has a right to be weary, it's you!  I'm so sorry to learn of this latest infection you're dealing with, along with your other health issues.  You certainly have our collective sympathy, virtual hugs and good vibes along with the prayers of many.  I hope your family Christmas celebrations are both fun and comforting.    You sure deserve a respite. 

Jim

[texsooner]

Kathy, sorry I can't help with the staph infection. You've definitely had more than your fair share to deal with in the last year or so. You have proven however that you can handle and overcome tough circumstances. I'll be praying that continue to come out on top of these medical issues. Have a great Christmas with family.

Patrick

[CHD63]

Kathy .....

I am so sorry you are having such an awful time with the staph infections.  They can be miserable things to get rid of sometimes.  First thought I had was:  is there a wound clinic nearby?  This is really a specialized field that often can work wonders with resistant infections.

Donnalynn .....  I have a friend who has total faith in colloidal silver.  He has severe and deforming rheumatoid arthritis and has great difficulty with sores healing.  My father was a proponent of the healing qualities of honey, as well.  (Must be a northern thing!   )

Kathy, I hope and pray that you will have relief from all of this soon!

Clarice

[msmaggie]

Kathy, I am so sorry you are having to deal with this again!  I know staph infections can be very stubborn and hard to get rid of, but this is ridiculous.  You most certainly qualify for sainthood, but I am very sure you would rather be just normal and healthy.  My prayers go out to you.

Priscilla

[sgerrard]

I will take the blame for this, I haven't sent you a hat. 

Keep munching on those antibiotics like they were candy, this staph deal needs to go. And infection or not, 'tis the season to be jolly, so try to keep smiling. 

Steve

[Pooter]

Kathy my friend,

I'm so sorry that the infection is back. You've definitely been through the wringer this year!!  Now, that's enough already.

I pray the latest round of antibiotics do the trick.

Let me know if you need anything. 

Regards,
Brian

[Tricia (horsekayak)]

Am sending you lots of good wishes...hope this clears up and FAST...