What is MRSA?

MRSA is an acronym for Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (and is sometimes referred to as MERSA), and it is an antibiotic resistant Superbug bacteria that grows in clusters, multiplies very rapidly and can cause many different kinds of infection, ranging from simple skin infections (boils, furuncles) to septicemia (infection of the bloodstream) and toxic shock syndrome, and is spreading rapidly in the United States and worldwide.

Staphylococcus bacteria are extremely common in the environment (and a third of humans world-wide are estimated to carry it on their bodies and are not harmed by it), and is usually not a problem to healthy individuals. Historically, staphylococcus infections begin only after the individual has suffered a skin break or open wound. Recently, due to institutional overuse of antibiotics, strains of staphylococcus aureus have developed drug resistance. If an individual has a weak immune response to the bacteria, a MRSA infection can result even with no apparent open wound. The symptoms can range from skin boils to necrotizing fasciitis, popularly known as "flesh-eating disease". MRSA infections are typically combatted with vancomycin; however, vancomycin-resistant staphylococci have recently appeared.

MRSA cases chiefly emanate from institutions such as hospitals and gymnasiums. Many professional athletes have developed MRSA infections from exposure in locker rooms. Artificial grass playing fields are another place where MRSA is frequently contracted.

For more MRSA information please see http://MRSAResources.com

June 25, 2005
Reprinted with permission from Yahoo Group MRSA

Hi! I am new to the group, having been diagnosed with MRSA April of
this year. I was sick home in bed with flu-like symptoms for over a
week when my right leg swelled up. I could not walk or get out of bed.
I was in Dallas, TX far away from family & had no way to get to the
Doctor. I called an ambulance for the first time in my life and was
reprimanded for wasting their time and told since I had stable vital
signs they could not transport me, I needed to just rest and the "flu"
would go away.

Three weeks later my conditioned had worsened. I had swelling in my
testicle also was getting pneumonia. I once again called the ambulance
and a second time they did not want to transport me. I talked them
into taking me after about 30 minutes of pleading with them.
The Emergency Department at Presbyterian discovered I had several
abscesses throughout my body. Right thigh, Left testicle, Pelvis, Both
lungs and one which had attached itself anteriorly to my spinal cord
in the T-9 to T-11 area.

The ED doctors first told me most likely this was an AIDS related
illness, then they thought it was most likely cancer since the HIV
test came back neg. They did an emergency Laminectomy and spinal disc
decompression, inserted 3 chest tubes to evacuate the pus. They
discovered this was MRSA and put me on IV Vancomycin. I was in the
hospital for 6 weeks (the standard 42 day IV treatment for MRSA) , had
5 drains and a total of 4 chest tubes. They also opened my chest and
evacuated the pus in my right lung and I was able to be released to go
to my Mothers home in SD to continue my recovery.

I have been back here since May 13th, was on ZYVOX for the first 30
days. I am getting around fairly well now with a walker and back
brace. I saw an ID doctor this past Tuesday, and so far no further
sign of MRSA. I am hoping I will continue to be MRSA free as I need to
have reconstructive done on my spine before I will be without so much
pain. I am taking morphine and hydrocodone which has controlled the
pain well, but have been cutting way back on those in an attempt to
not be so narcotic dependant.

Now for my question. Has anyone had any experience with Social
Security Disability and MRSA? Presbyterian had me apply and I have
heard nothing back so far. I had no insurance when this all happened.
I can only imagine my bill at Presbyterian must be into the 100's of
thousands. I am concerned about finding a neurosurgeon willing to do
the reconstructive if I do not at least have Medicaid. I do have an
appointment to see one in August in Omaha, NE. I am so looking forward
to getting this back brace off after wearing it so long.
Thanks,
Shaun