Saturday, August 13, 2011

CA-MRSA

Don't know that acronym? Well it's not related to the State Dept, that's why.

My dear little (big) boy started with a zit on his cheek. I thought, "Well, he is turning 11, I guess this starts happening now, pimples."

But it got bigger, and meaner and redder. And harder inside, after only a few days. I thought, "Oh man, he's got a bad one."

Then he said he had a spot on his index finger that hurt. And it got a pimple on it.

Fingers don't get zits.

Both developed quickly into boils that looked terrible, even after using warm compresses.

The doctor did a swab, put him on antibiotics and sent us home. The sore got way worse, like, horror show. The culture would take a few days to grow and each day, B got worse and worse. His finger was swollen and red and oozing. He got a third spot on his leg. He couldn't sleep, he was crying out in pain at night for three nights. We went to the doctor several times. We got tylenol with codeine for the pain. Finally the culture came back saying that he tested positive for MRSA. That's the kind of bacteria that doesn't respond to certain antibiotics. The CA means community acquired, as opposed to hospital acquired. The oral antibiotic was switched to one that would kick the crap out of this bacteria, a topical antibiotic was prescribed as well.

After a few days, B is finally doing better. whew.

He spent his 11th birthday at the doctor's office, changing bandages, oozing pus, (ewww) getting a shot, and yes, playing too many video games. Because I have mother's guilt. My poor kid.

What a way to spend a birthday.

8 comments:

Emily said...

Oh my gosh! That is terrible. I am glad that he is better now, but I am sure it was scary.

Camille said...

I know that acronym!
Scary! Poor thing! We had somebody at my old hospital who lost both her arms to MRSA, so I'm glad he's doing better!

Daniela Swider said...

OMG - glad they were able to diagnose it and treat it before it got worse. But what a bummer for his birthday. That's scary stuff!!!

fsowannabe said...

Wow! Thank goodness he's better - MRSA is scary.

Becky said...

Oh man, I was hoping it wasn't the MRSA I thought it was. Poor kid! I am glad you caught it and treated it early. It's scary stuff.

Nomads By Nature said...

No guilt whatsoever for those video games. MRSA sounds, looks, and is scary. Very glad he is better. Hope you all get some rest now that it is responding and subsiding.

Bfiles said...

oh no. poor guy. how uncomfortable and scary. glad he is on the mend.

Connie said...

:( So sorry to hear about this, but glad you caught it! And shots for a bday present :p that definitely deserves more PC time!