Pre-Op question about MRSA

I developed this extremely painful staph infection in both legs in November.  Had no idea what it was but dr said it is very common and aggressive.  It eventually healed and I thought it was over.  Wrong.  I continue to get these in various places all over my body.  An ER dr said some people just end up as carriers and just have to deal with and hope that it never gets bad enough to require surgery.  So, my long winded question is, do you think I'm going to have a lot of infection problems or possibly be denied surgery (lap band) because of this?  My initial consult is 3/20 and I will ask him, but this is another worry that's been creeping into my mind...I'd really appreciate some feedback. 

It is true that some people become carriers of MRSA (methacyllin resistant staph aureus) but it could also be that you have not been treated aggresively enough to rid your body of the bug. You MUST inform your surgeon since it is a very contagious and hard to get rid of bacteria. Many facilities will require three negative nasal cultures (MRSA tends to take refuge in the nasal passages) prior to performing any invasive procedure. Check with your surgeon....you do not want to be come septic with this organism so unfortunatley.....it could delay your surgery date. Good luck with this nasty little bug.

Thanks....I found a new PCP and will try to get in to see her before the 20th so she can take some cultures.  I certainly don't want to do anything to cause anyone else to have to deal with this!

I work in the neonatal population but MRSA infections can be quite hard to manage.  There are millions of people out there that are colonized with MRSA but are never even aware of it.  However it can very easily be spread and must be treated aggressively.  It appears that your immune system is compromised and that your body might be at risk of having trouble healing.  I would suggest that you be as healthy as possible prior to surgery.  I don't know much about your status, but the further out from an infection, the least invasive the surgical procedure and the more aggressive your physician is with treatment and prevention will be your best choice. Good luck to you. Tammi

Thanks Tammi...I've talked to my surgeon's nurse and several other people, so I'm feeling a little better about the situation.  Of course, I would be ecstatic if I could get it completely out of my system!!  Hopefully my new pcp will help. Crystal