MRSA

I had my pre-op testing done on Tuesday for my knee replacement this coming Tuesday, and they called me today to tell me that the MRSA swab came back positive and that I needed to get to the Pharmacy ASAP to pick up the cream  they called in so I can get in all but one of the required treatments prior to surgery.

They did the same swab before I had the first knee done and it was positive for MSSA but negative for MRSA.  They didn't do anything other than some extra antibiotics.

They also told me to expect the hospital staff to be taking extra precautions against spreading it (extra gowns, etc.****il they could swab me again on Wed morning to make sure it shows negative after the treatment. I have absolutely no symptoms whatsoever, but was sharing food and drinks with family on vacation two weeks so, so I warned them.

i am just really surprised.  guess I need to do some of the dreaded Googling of a medical condition.  Cannot wait to read all sorts of disgusting terrifying things about MRSA... Pfft.

anyone else come up positive on pre-op testing?  Anyone else even to HAVE a MSSA/MRSA swab??  The first time I had it was when I had the first knee replacement, so I'm not sure whether this is new for the hospital or if they are more cautious with joint surgeries. (I have to have showers 3 times in the 36 hours before surgery with a special soap, too.)

Lora

I forgot until you mentioned it but they swabbed me before my rny because I had a history of mrsa in my sinuses. No one ever told me anything and no special protective gear in hospital so I guess it came back negative

Wow it is a sneaky sucker. That must have been what i was swabbed for before my surgery.

I forgot to mention... On the insert for the antibiotic cream the surgeon prescribed, it specifically says to keep it away from eyes, nose, and mouth.... But my specific instructions are to swab the entire surface of both nostrils liberally twice a day!  Ok... So is it or is it NOT ok to get in your nose {she asks after she has already put it in her nose!}?!?!  Geez!

I'd call the pharmacist and ask.

I finally called -- after we got done with some MEGA family drama (huge fight between my mom and my SIL) at dinner -- and the pharmacist was gone, so I called the hospital pharmacy since they were still open.  When I explained what the cream insert said, the pharmacist said "It really says that?", LOL.  He assured me that it is frequently prescribed for MRSA pre-op, but to contact my surgeon right away if I started having any adverse effects like "burning or uncontrollable bleeding".  Ya think?!?

I felt better hearing that it is frequently used this way before I out a second glob of it in my nose.

(p.s. I will call you tomorrow about where to meet Sunday... The family drama threw everything into turmoil tonight. Gus is going to be so excited to have someone his own size to play with!)

I'm not sure if this is the same thing ... but I get cellulitis on my nose about once a year. They have me put the cream in my nostrils. Make sure you use a clean Qtip for each nostril so you're not transferring the germs to the other nostril or back to the cream. Good luck.

Oh, good thought.  No one mentioned that!  Thanks.

Double check on the showers. My good friend tested positive for MRSA and had to shower e Rey 12 hours for 3 days prior and every 6 hours 24 hours prior.

Every six hours?  So you don't get to sleep through the night, you have to get up and take a shower?