Ain't Nobody Here Posted November 25, 2008 Share Posted November 25, 2008 My dad's nursing home has told me that he has an MRSA infection where his catheter goes in. The sister has said it's nothing to worry about and it's being treated with antibiotics. Not being medically trained at all, I had a moment of panic when I heard "MRSA" as all you ever hear in the press is that it is very dangerous, especially in the elderly. I know if I tell my mother (which I actually don't plan to do) she would completely flip and immediately assume he's going to die. Can anyone tell me the actual facts about MRSA - I'm not worried because the home have told me there's no need (and I'm very trusting!) but I wouldn't mind knowing the facts so I'm armed in case mum finds out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geoid Posted November 25, 2008 Share Posted November 25, 2008 It depends on what strain of MRSA he has. Some strains can be treated with antibiotics. It could cause a blood stream infection... More info here Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted November 25, 2008 Share Posted November 25, 2008 There is a useful website **here**..... one of many on 'tinterweb. There is a booklet that you can send for. Even though the site belongs to one of the big drug companies, it might be quite useful. I hope your dad will be OK. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted November 25, 2008 Share Posted November 25, 2008 Ask which GP diagnosed it and then have a word with that GP. That's what we did if were concerned about anything we were told. I know that feeling of being helpless and just having to have faith and trust that they know what's best for your dad. I've a shed full of homemade pear wine and a strong shoulder if you ever feel like a visit xxxxxxxxxxxx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowy Posted November 25, 2008 Share Posted November 25, 2008 MRSA is one of those bugs that is naturally present in the nasal passages of most people. It only becomes a problem when it gets somewhere it shouldn't - namely in an open wound, hence it is a major problem post operatively. When it's on intact skin it can be removed effectively with soap and water. The trouble with it being at a catheter site is that it has the potential to ascend the urinary tract and cause urinary tract infection. Good hygiene should control it, and there are some antibiotics that will control it if required. Hope this helps. xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aaronmusgrove123 Posted November 25, 2008 Share Posted November 25, 2008 hi how old is he? my grandad is 94 and has MRSA for a few months he cought it in hospital and ive not noticed any difference's with him he seems fine, the nurses are awful they never tell us anything so we dont even know if he still has it Aaron p.s i would'nt worry to much just go on the nhs website and talk to your doctor Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joojoo Posted November 25, 2008 Share Posted November 25, 2008 I don't know any details about MRSA but I just wanted to say that I hope he recovers as quickly as possible. Best Wishes Jue Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted November 25, 2008 Author Share Posted November 25, 2008 Thanks for your reassurance & good wishes everyone . Those websites are interesting. I think I'll try & find out which strain it is so I can be sure of my facts! Aaron, my dad is 88 and in a nursing home. I hope your grandad gets it cleared up soon but it's good that he's not ill with it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Couperwife Posted November 25, 2008 Share Posted November 25, 2008 my dad had MRSA when he was in hospital, they gave him a body scrub and some nose cream stuff and he was fine. I hope your dad is ok Vicki, I dont think that you need anymore rubbish do you? (((hugs))) cathy x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SarahJo Posted November 25, 2008 Share Posted November 25, 2008 I am a staph nasal carrier (or was ) - studied the old superbug as part of my Honours at Glasgow Royal Infirmary. Try to find out exactly which strain - and always have hygeine awareness on visits, and where he is staying. Nasal cream/alcohol gels etc for him, you and all staff are a good way forward in the meantime. Nothing much else to add, others have already said. Hope he gets rid, and recovers soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted November 25, 2008 Share Posted November 25, 2008 Just asked my husband who is a nurse about this as he looks after lots of elderly patients and he has said that the antibiotics are likely to be fairly strong ones and will probably make your dad feel (and even be) pretty sick but not to worry as its the antibiotics doing that not the MRSA. Hope your dad gets better soon x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freddie Posted November 25, 2008 Share Posted November 25, 2008 pm'ed you before coming on here. sorry re yr dad, please try not to worry. Mum was in hspl for 12 weeks and several patients had or had had mrsa. (2 yrs ago)the drugs have improved so much to eliminate it even since then. Best wishes to you all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cam1 Posted November 26, 2008 Share Posted November 26, 2008 Hi have to say that MRSAis rife in the community now, the antibiotics should help if he's on the correct one with regards to the sensitivity of the MRSA (which he should be if they have been able to tell u hes got it as the sensitivity will be included on the report). Hope he soon improves. Cam mya velma Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
