Grandma has MRSA

fondreflections · Jan 7, 2008

Sonia,

I have had MRSA for the past 5 years!!! By looking at my picture, you most likely wouldn't even know it. My point is that ANYONE can get it, and it is VERY HARD to get rid of it, if ever!!! I can't shake it...

Honestly, it hasn't influenced my health one way for the other. I have been one of the more fortunate ones. When I was first diagnosed with it, my doctor tried to knock it out with lots of IV's but couldn't.

This are some of my experiences with MRSA. First off, I was told by my doctor that it is 3 feet airborne. I was also instructed to avoid contact with people with immunosuppression issues like HIV, AIDS, CF, CANCER and so on because I can give it to them. I could unknownly pass it and kill them. I lost my job at the Reading Hospital because of it so there rings some truth to it.

When I have a clinic appointment, I MUST wear a mask from the time I arrive to leave. Upon admission into the hospital, I am kept in a different area of the hospital so that the MRSA is kept contained. Also, ALL hospital staff (down to the housekeepers) must wear a full gown, mask, and gloves. This also applies to any visitors. When I am sick, I am about 5 feet airborne.

I must be doing something right since I have NOT passed it to my sister who also has CF. I was VERY CONCERNED that I did pass it to her since she is in the hospital right now, but I didn't. I haven't passed it in 5 years!!! It's a miracle!!!

When we are together, I keep a 3 feet rule. I do hug her but NEVER kiss her and make sure to keep my mouth as far away as possible. I NEVER touch her hands or face. We DO NOT share anything, except for the air we breathe. I DO NOT need a mask while around her as long as the 3 feet rule is applied.

While I am sick, she is NOT permitted to see my whatsoever. I don't care if a mask and gown is alright or not. I WILL NOT but her at risk. Also, I tell her to avoid our parents while I am sick so they DO NOT pass it to her. She will avoid them for my whole admission and for about 1 month beyond. We are EXTRA careful.

With all that being said, I honestly don't think your grandma will ever get over the MRSA bug. It sets up shop on frail people. When I worked in the cancer clinic in the Reading Hospital, it was only a matter of time. I should have used my head but never thought I'd "catch it". I was getting run down working full-time, well 30 hours, and BINGO! That choice will forever haunt me.

Anyway, I think you need to speak with your doctor first and foremost about contact with your grandma. Unlike me, she seems to be frail on a more constant note due to her age. She may be more likely to pass it to you than I am to my sister, if that makes sense. Also, you should discuss the possible consquences of contact with your parents while she is under their care.

I have no advice about the lesions that your Mom experiences and MRSA. It would make me weary, but again I would ask your CF doctor.

Also, I don't know how you and your CF are. Based on age, you may be more likely to pick it up than if you were 20. I'm only in the hospital every 2 years and on oral antibiotics twice a year. You may be in more need of urgent care than me putting you at a greater risk of picking it up.

I don't know, honestly. The idea of contact between you and your grandma makes me uncomfortable for YOU! IT IS HARD FOR ME TO AVOID MY OWN SISTER, BUT I DO. I ONLY SEE HER ON HOLIDAYS, BIRTHDAYS, AND SO ON, MAYBE 6 TIMES A YEAR. WE REMAIN IN CONTACT BY PHONE CALLS.

I'm sorry...Please call your CF doctor and see what he/she says. You can always PM me if you want to know more although I don't think I missed anything.

fondreflections · Jan 7, 2008

Sonia,

I have had MRSA for the past 5 years!!! By looking at my picture, you most likely wouldn't even know it. My point is that ANYONE can get it, and it is VERY HARD to get rid of it, if ever!!! I can't shake it...

Honestly, it hasn't influenced my health one way for the other. I have been one of the more fortunate ones. When I was first diagnosed with it, my doctor tried to knock it out with lots of IV's but couldn't.

This are some of my experiences with MRSA. First off, I was told by my doctor that it is 3 feet airborne. I was also instructed to avoid contact with people with immunosuppression issues like HIV, AIDS, CF, CANCER and so on because I can give it to them. I could unknownly pass it and kill them. I lost my job at the Reading Hospital because of it so there rings some truth to it.

When I have a clinic appointment, I MUST wear a mask from the time I arrive to leave. Upon admission into the hospital, I am kept in a different area of the hospital so that the MRSA is kept contained. Also, ALL hospital staff (down to the housekeepers) must wear a full gown, mask, and gloves. This also applies to any visitors. When I am sick, I am about 5 feet airborne.

I must be doing something right since I have NOT passed it to my sister who also has CF. I was VERY CONCERNED that I did pass it to her since she is in the hospital right now, but I didn't. I haven't passed it in 5 years!!! It's a miracle!!!

When we are together, I keep a 3 feet rule. I do hug her but NEVER kiss her and make sure to keep my mouth as far away as possible. I NEVER touch her hands or face. We DO NOT share anything, except for the air we breathe. I DO NOT need a mask while around her as long as the 3 feet rule is applied.

While I am sick, she is NOT permitted to see my whatsoever. I don't care if a mask and gown is alright or not. I WILL NOT but her at risk. Also, I tell her to avoid our parents while I am sick so they DO NOT pass it to her. She will avoid them for my whole admission and for about 1 month beyond. We are EXTRA careful.

With all that being said, I honestly don't think your grandma will ever get over the MRSA bug. It sets up shop on frail people. When I worked in the cancer clinic in the Reading Hospital, it was only a matter of time. I should have used my head but never thought I'd "catch it". I was getting run down working full-time, well 30 hours, and BINGO! That choice will forever haunt me.

Anyway, I think you need to speak with your doctor first and foremost about contact with your grandma. Unlike me, she seems to be frail on a more constant note due to her age. She may be more likely to pass it to you than I am to my sister, if that makes sense. Also, you should discuss the possible consquences of contact with your parents while she is under their care.

I have no advice about the lesions that your Mom experiences and MRSA. It would make me weary, but again I would ask your CF doctor.

Also, I don't know how you and your CF are. Based on age, you may be more likely to pick it up than if you were 20. I'm only in the hospital every 2 years and on oral antibiotics twice a year. You may be in more need of urgent care than me putting you at a greater risk of picking it up.

I don't know, honestly. The idea of contact between you and your grandma makes me uncomfortable for YOU! IT IS HARD FOR ME TO AVOID MY OWN SISTER, BUT I DO. I ONLY SEE HER ON HOLIDAYS, BIRTHDAYS, AND SO ON, MAYBE 6 TIMES A YEAR. WE REMAIN IN CONTACT BY PHONE CALLS.

I'm sorry...Please call your CF doctor and see what he/she says. You can always PM me if you want to know more although I don't think I missed anything.

fondreflections · Jan 7, 2008

Sonia,

I have had MRSA for the past 5 years!!! By looking at my picture, you most likely wouldn't even know it. My point is that ANYONE can get it, and it is VERY HARD to get rid of it, if ever!!! I can't shake it...

Honestly, it hasn't influenced my health one way for the other. I have been one of the more fortunate ones. When I was first diagnosed with it, my doctor tried to knock it out with lots of IV's but couldn't.

This are some of my experiences with MRSA. First off, I was told by my doctor that it is 3 feet airborne. I was also instructed to avoid contact with people with immunosuppression issues like HIV, AIDS, CF, CANCER and so on because I can give it to them. I could unknownly pass it and kill them. I lost my job at the Reading Hospital because of it so there rings some truth to it.

When I have a clinic appointment, I MUST wear a mask from the time I arrive to leave. Upon admission into the hospital, I am kept in a different area of the hospital so that the MRSA is kept contained. Also, ALL hospital staff (down to the housekeepers) must wear a full gown, mask, and gloves. This also applies to any visitors. When I am sick, I am about 5 feet airborne.

I must be doing something right since I have NOT passed it to my sister who also has CF. I was VERY CONCERNED that I did pass it to her since she is in the hospital right now, but I didn't. I haven't passed it in 5 years!!! It's a miracle!!!

When we are together, I keep a 3 feet rule. I do hug her but NEVER kiss her and make sure to keep my mouth as far away as possible. I NEVER touch her hands or face. We DO NOT share anything, except for the air we breathe. I DO NOT need a mask while around her as long as the 3 feet rule is applied.

While I am sick, she is NOT permitted to see my whatsoever. I don't care if a mask and gown is alright or not. I WILL NOT but her at risk. Also, I tell her to avoid our parents while I am sick so they DO NOT pass it to her. She will avoid them for my whole admission and for about 1 month beyond. We are EXTRA careful.

With all that being said, I honestly don't think your grandma will ever get over the MRSA bug. It sets up shop on frail people. When I worked in the cancer clinic in the Reading Hospital, it was only a matter of time. I should have used my head but never thought I'd "catch it". I was getting run down working full-time, well 30 hours, and BINGO! That choice will forever haunt me.

Anyway, I think you need to speak with your doctor first and foremost about contact with your grandma. Unlike me, she seems to be frail on a more constant note due to her age. She may be more likely to pass it to you than I am to my sister, if that makes sense. Also, you should discuss the possible consquences of contact with your parents while she is under their care.

I have no advice about the lesions that your Mom experiences and MRSA. It would make me weary, but again I would ask your CF doctor.

Also, I don't know how you and your CF are. Based on age, you may be more likely to pick it up than if you were 20. I'm only in the hospital every 2 years and on oral antibiotics twice a year. You may be in more need of urgent care than me putting you at a greater risk of picking it up.

I don't know, honestly. The idea of contact between you and your grandma makes me uncomfortable for YOU! IT IS HARD FOR ME TO AVOID MY OWN SISTER, BUT I DO. I ONLY SEE HER ON HOLIDAYS, BIRTHDAYS, AND SO ON, MAYBE 6 TIMES A YEAR. WE REMAIN IN CONTACT BY PHONE CALLS.

I'm sorry...Please call your CF doctor and see what he/she says. You can always PM me if you want to know more although I don't think I missed anything.

fondreflections · Jan 7, 2008

Sonia,

I have had MRSA for the past 5 years!!! By looking at my picture, you most likely wouldn't even know it. My point is that ANYONE can get it, and it is VERY HARD to get rid of it, if ever!!! I can't shake it...

Honestly, it hasn't influenced my health one way for the other. I have been one of the more fortunate ones. When I was first diagnosed with it, my doctor tried to knock it out with lots of IV's but couldn't.

This are some of my experiences with MRSA. First off, I was told by my doctor that it is 3 feet airborne. I was also instructed to avoid contact with people with immunosuppression issues like HIV, AIDS, CF, CANCER and so on because I can give it to them. I could unknownly pass it and kill them. I lost my job at the Reading Hospital because of it so there rings some truth to it.

When I have a clinic appointment, I MUST wear a mask from the time I arrive to leave. Upon admission into the hospital, I am kept in a different area of the hospital so that the MRSA is kept contained. Also, ALL hospital staff (down to the housekeepers) must wear a full gown, mask, and gloves. This also applies to any visitors. When I am sick, I am about 5 feet airborne.

I must be doing something right since I have NOT passed it to my sister who also has CF. I was VERY CONCERNED that I did pass it to her since she is in the hospital right now, but I didn't. I haven't passed it in 5 years!!! It's a miracle!!!

When we are together, I keep a 3 feet rule. I do hug her but NEVER kiss her and make sure to keep my mouth as far away as possible. I NEVER touch her hands or face. We DO NOT share anything, except for the air we breathe. I DO NOT need a mask while around her as long as the 3 feet rule is applied.

While I am sick, she is NOT permitted to see my whatsoever. I don't care if a mask and gown is alright or not. I WILL NOT but her at risk. Also, I tell her to avoid our parents while I am sick so they DO NOT pass it to her. She will avoid them for my whole admission and for about 1 month beyond. We are EXTRA careful.

With all that being said, I honestly don't think your grandma will ever get over the MRSA bug. It sets up shop on frail people. When I worked in the cancer clinic in the Reading Hospital, it was only a matter of time. I should have used my head but never thought I'd "catch it". I was getting run down working full-time, well 30 hours, and BINGO! That choice will forever haunt me.

Anyway, I think you need to speak with your doctor first and foremost about contact with your grandma. Unlike me, she seems to be frail on a more constant note due to her age. She may be more likely to pass it to you than I am to my sister, if that makes sense. Also, you should discuss the possible consquences of contact with your parents while she is under their care.

I have no advice about the lesions that your Mom experiences and MRSA. It would make me weary, but again I would ask your CF doctor.

Also, I don't know how you and your CF are. Based on age, you may be more likely to pick it up than if you were 20. I'm only in the hospital every 2 years and on oral antibiotics twice a year. You may be in more need of urgent care than me putting you at a greater risk of picking it up.

I don't know, honestly. The idea of contact between you and your grandma makes me uncomfortable for YOU! IT IS HARD FOR ME TO AVOID MY OWN SISTER, BUT I DO. I ONLY SEE HER ON HOLIDAYS, BIRTHDAYS, AND SO ON, MAYBE 6 TIMES A YEAR. WE REMAIN IN CONTACT BY PHONE CALLS.

I'm sorry...Please call your CF doctor and see what he/she says. You can always PM me if you want to know more although I don't think I missed anything.

fondreflections · Jan 7, 2008

Sonia,

I have had MRSA for the past 5 years!!! By looking at my picture, you most likely wouldn't even know it. My point is that ANYONE can get it, and it is VERY HARD to get rid of it, if ever!!! I can't shake it...

Honestly, it hasn't influenced my health one way for the other. I have been one of the more fortunate ones. When I was first diagnosed with it, my doctor tried to knock it out with lots of IV's but couldn't.

This are some of my experiences with MRSA. First off, I was told by my doctor that it is 3 feet airborne. I was also instructed to avoid contact with people with immunosuppression issues like HIV, AIDS, CF, CANCER and so on because I can give it to them. I could unknownly pass it and kill them. I lost my job at the Reading Hospital because of it so there rings some truth to it.

When I have a clinic appointment, I MUST wear a mask from the time I arrive to leave. Upon admission into the hospital, I am kept in a different area of the hospital so that the MRSA is kept contained. Also, ALL hospital staff (down to the housekeepers) must wear a full gown, mask, and gloves. This also applies to any visitors. When I am sick, I am about 5 feet airborne.

I must be doing something right since I have NOT passed it to my sister who also has CF. I was VERY CONCERNED that I did pass it to her since she is in the hospital right now, but I didn't. I haven't passed it in 5 years!!! It's a miracle!!!

When we are together, I keep a 3 feet rule. I do hug her but NEVER kiss her and make sure to keep my mouth as far away as possible. I NEVER touch her hands or face. We DO NOT share anything, except for the air we breathe. I DO NOT need a mask while around her as long as the 3 feet rule is applied.

While I am sick, she is NOT permitted to see my whatsoever. I don't care if a mask and gown is alright or not. I WILL NOT but her at risk. Also, I tell her to avoid our parents while I am sick so they DO NOT pass it to her. She will avoid them for my whole admission and for about 1 month beyond. We are EXTRA careful.

With all that being said, I honestly don't think your grandma will ever get over the MRSA bug. It sets up shop on frail people. When I worked in the cancer clinic in the Reading Hospital, it was only a matter of time. I should have used my head but never thought I'd "catch it". I was getting run down working full-time, well 30 hours, and BINGO! That choice will forever haunt me.

Anyway, I think you need to speak with your doctor first and foremost about contact with your grandma. Unlike me, she seems to be frail on a more constant note due to her age. She may be more likely to pass it to you than I am to my sister, if that makes sense. Also, you should discuss the possible consquences of contact with your parents while she is under their care.

I have no advice about the lesions that your Mom experiences and MRSA. It would make me weary, but again I would ask your CF doctor.

Also, I don't know how you and your CF are. Based on age, you may be more likely to pick it up than if you were 20. I'm only in the hospital every 2 years and on oral antibiotics twice a year. You may be in more need of urgent care than me putting you at a greater risk of picking it up.

I don't know, honestly. The idea of contact between you and your grandma makes me uncomfortable for YOU! IT IS HARD FOR ME TO AVOID MY OWN SISTER, BUT I DO. I ONLY SEE HER ON HOLIDAYS, BIRTHDAYS, AND SO ON, MAYBE 6 TIMES A YEAR. WE REMAIN IN CONTACT BY PHONE CALLS.

I'm sorry...Please call your CF doctor and see what he/she says. You can always PM me if you want to know more although I don't think I missed anything.

jodijp · Jan 7, 2008

I got my MRSA from the hospital when I had my lung surgery in 2000. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-sad.gif" border="0"> It didn't really cause me any problems until this last year and boy has it taken over.

Your concerns about seeing your Grandma are valid. Wear a mask and keep a distance, surely she will understand.

But also, we are exposed to MRSA everywhere we go. Normal people have it in their sinuses, it just doesn't bother them. It's on surfaces, and in the air, it's becoming harder to avoid MRSA. The hospital or clinic and all healthcare workers are probably the biggest threat of catching it. Wear a mask to clinic for your own protection, always! <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

jodijp · Jan 7, 2008

I got my MRSA from the hospital when I had my lung surgery in 2000. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-sad.gif" border="0"> It didn't really cause me any problems until this last year and boy has it taken over.

Your concerns about seeing your Grandma are valid. Wear a mask and keep a distance, surely she will understand.

But also, we are exposed to MRSA everywhere we go. Normal people have it in their sinuses, it just doesn't bother them. It's on surfaces, and in the air, it's becoming harder to avoid MRSA. The hospital or clinic and all healthcare workers are probably the biggest threat of catching it. Wear a mask to clinic for your own protection, always! <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

jodijp · Jan 7, 2008

I got my MRSA from the hospital when I had my lung surgery in 2000. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-sad.gif" border="0"> It didn't really cause me any problems until this last year and boy has it taken over.

Your concerns about seeing your Grandma are valid. Wear a mask and keep a distance, surely she will understand.

But also, we are exposed to MRSA everywhere we go. Normal people have it in their sinuses, it just doesn't bother them. It's on surfaces, and in the air, it's becoming harder to avoid MRSA. The hospital or clinic and all healthcare workers are probably the biggest threat of catching it. Wear a mask to clinic for your own protection, always! <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

jodijp · Jan 7, 2008

I got my MRSA from the hospital when I had my lung surgery in 2000. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-sad.gif" border="0"> It didn't really cause me any problems until this last year and boy has it taken over.

Your concerns about seeing your Grandma are valid. Wear a mask and keep a distance, surely she will understand.

But also, we are exposed to MRSA everywhere we go. Normal people have it in their sinuses, it just doesn't bother them. It's on surfaces, and in the air, it's becoming harder to avoid MRSA. The hospital or clinic and all healthcare workers are probably the biggest threat of catching it. Wear a mask to clinic for your own protection, always! <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

jodijp · Jan 7, 2008

I got my MRSA from the hospital when I had my lung surgery in 2000. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-sad.gif" border="0"> It didn't really cause me any problems until this last year and boy has it taken over.

Your concerns about seeing your Grandma are valid. Wear a mask and keep a distance, surely she will understand.

But also, we are exposed to MRSA everywhere we go. Normal people have it in their sinuses, it just doesn't bother them. It's on surfaces, and in the air, it's becoming harder to avoid MRSA. The hospital or clinic and all healthcare workers are probably the biggest threat of catching it. Wear a mask to clinic for your own protection, always! <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

ladybug · Jan 7, 2008

Thanks for the great info. everyone. I kinda feel the same that my grandma will probably never be MRSA free and with me biting my nails and not always remembering to wash before I touch my face or something, i just don't want to "slip up" when I'm with her, ya know? It breaks my heart though if I wouldn't be able to go to her house cause I couldn't touch the couch, table, door handles, etc. But, I think she'll understand. I'll just call her A LOT from now on. We live long distance, so I don't think its a huge issue as I usually only see her once a year anyway.

BUT, what do ya'll think about her coming and staying with my parents (I don't live with them) and then me being there, say a week later or something? Or, could my parents get it while she's there and then when I'd hug them or something a few weeks later, they'd give it to me and not know? The whole thing about my mom actually caring for her freaks me out a little, but I do want her to feel loved and get good care. I just dont' know if my mom should do it, ya know???

ladybug · Jan 7, 2008

Thanks for the great info. everyone. I kinda feel the same that my grandma will probably never be MRSA free and with me biting my nails and not always remembering to wash before I touch my face or something, i just don't want to "slip up" when I'm with her, ya know? It breaks my heart though if I wouldn't be able to go to her house cause I couldn't touch the couch, table, door handles, etc. But, I think she'll understand. I'll just call her A LOT from now on. We live long distance, so I don't think its a huge issue as I usually only see her once a year anyway.

BUT, what do ya'll think about her coming and staying with my parents (I don't live with them) and then me being there, say a week later or something? Or, could my parents get it while she's there and then when I'd hug them or something a few weeks later, they'd give it to me and not know? The whole thing about my mom actually caring for her freaks me out a little, but I do want her to feel loved and get good care. I just dont' know if my mom should do it, ya know???

ladybug · Jan 7, 2008

Thanks for the great info. everyone. I kinda feel the same that my grandma will probably never be MRSA free and with me biting my nails and not always remembering to wash before I touch my face or something, i just don't want to "slip up" when I'm with her, ya know? It breaks my heart though if I wouldn't be able to go to her house cause I couldn't touch the couch, table, door handles, etc. But, I think she'll understand. I'll just call her A LOT from now on. We live long distance, so I don't think its a huge issue as I usually only see her once a year anyway.

BUT, what do ya'll think about her coming and staying with my parents (I don't live with them) and then me being there, say a week later or something? Or, could my parents get it while she's there and then when I'd hug them or something a few weeks later, they'd give it to me and not know? The whole thing about my mom actually caring for her freaks me out a little, but I do want her to feel loved and get good care. I just dont' know if my mom should do it, ya know???

ladybug · Jan 7, 2008

Thanks for the great info. everyone. I kinda feel the same that my grandma will probably never be MRSA free and with me biting my nails and not always remembering to wash before I touch my face or something, i just don't want to "slip up" when I'm with her, ya know? It breaks my heart though if I wouldn't be able to go to her house cause I couldn't touch the couch, table, door handles, etc. But, I think she'll understand. I'll just call her A LOT from now on. We live long distance, so I don't think its a huge issue as I usually only see her once a year anyway.

BUT, what do ya'll think about her coming and staying with my parents (I don't live with them) and then me being there, say a week later or something? Or, could my parents get it while she's there and then when I'd hug them or something a few weeks later, they'd give it to me and not know? The whole thing about my mom actually caring for her freaks me out a little, but I do want her to feel loved and get good care. I just dont' know if my mom should do it, ya know???

ladybug · Jan 7, 2008

Thanks for the great info. everyone. I kinda feel the same that my grandma will probably never be MRSA free and with me biting my nails and not always remembering to wash before I touch my face or something, i just don't want to "slip up" when I'm with her, ya know? It breaks my heart though if I wouldn't be able to go to her house cause I couldn't touch the couch, table, door handles, etc. But, I think she'll understand. I'll just call her A LOT from now on. We live long distance, so I don't think its a huge issue as I usually only see her once a year anyway.

BUT, what do ya'll think about her coming and staying with my parents (I don't live with them) and then me being there, say a week later or something? Or, could my parents get it while she's there and then when I'd hug them or something a few weeks later, they'd give it to me and not know? The whole thing about my mom actually caring for her freaks me out a little, but I do want her to feel loved and get good care. I just dont' know if my mom should do it, ya know???

Aspiemom · Jan 7, 2008