My mother in law's infections: MSRA
I am concerned about my mother in law's health and care right now. This all started with a fall at the end of February 2020 she broke her femur in the fall and had surgery to repair this. While doing the femur surgery it was noticed that her knee replacement from years ago was having some issue so they fixed that as well. She went to a rehab facility and after 2 weeks there we found out the incision was infected, she had surgery again to remove the infection and the knee replacement. She was put on IV antibiotics for 6 weeks and the plan was to put her knee back in so she could walk again. After the antibiotics they were concerned about the wound site not healing properly. Surgery was postponed for 2 more weeks. During this time we had many issues with the care facility she was in, we believe she was being drugged and possibly abused and definitely not being taken care of correctly. So we moved her to another facility where she was showing great improvements. Then infection was found again in the knee, surgery again. We were told the infection was so great they would never be able to get it all out of the leg so our best option was to amputate just above the knee. So that surgery took place and she was sent back to the rehab place she was good for another 3 weeks or so and the amputation site started to ooze blood and liquid of some kind. So surgery again to find out she had a pocket of blood in there that was drained and the are was flushed with antiseptic liquid. A few days later infection set in again. We were informed yesterday that the antibiotics she had been on for a week were toxic to her body they have switched the medication and waiting for the bad ones to be flushed out. We were also informed that the infection tested positive for MRSA. She is now on 3 intravenous antibiotics and is not doing well, very weak, can't eat or talk. We are told that after today or tomorrow the bad meds should be cleaned out of her system. At this point we are so frustrated with everything and want a second opinion as we feel something is being missed somewhere. We were told that there is nobody available for a second opinion due the the amount of COVID cases in the hospital right now. What do we do and do we have any other options at this point.
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@mom2378 Hi and welcome to Connect I can understand your concern and I have a couple of suggestions. I'm not a Doctor just someone that has had medical issues and try to help based on my own experiences. I have not had the surgeries mentioned but have had issues with viruses that we're causing multiple problems mostly with my blood counts. But my best advice is that I was treated at Mayo Clinic in Phoenix and last year at this time was pretty sick in the Hospital for 5 weeks while they searched for a solution to my problems. I have since been cared for by .Mayo clinic during my Heart transplant have really been impressed with the ability of there Doctors to have a I will not give up until a solution is found attitude that I would recommend them to anyone. They also have the ability to bring in and specialty available to solve a problem. So if your looking for a second opinion I would recommend.them. they have 3 campuses to look to 1 in Minnesota, Florida and Phoenix. They take a team approach which I think is a great benefit for the patient. I hope that helps and im also sure that others in this community may have more specific suggestions.
I pray you have a Blessed Day
Dana
Thank you for your reply. I would love to take her there however not sure transporting her there is an option right now.
Good morning @mom2378 I’m so sorry to hear about the MRSA infection. Is your MIL still in the hospital or rehab center? MRSA is a very difficult infection to get rid if and is easily passed from person to person. You might ask if she has seen an infection control doctor (I know they’re all tied up with Covid , but ask anyway.)
Also realize that transfers in and out of hospitals can be very disorienting for the elderly. Today, only the eyes. of the doctor or nurse are visible. It can just be too much. Have you given any thought to what happens when/if she gets out of the hospital? We went thru very similar circumstances with my MIL. It’s not easy.