|
|
Post by Charlotte on Nov 10, 2014 3:24:03 GMT
Yup, I have an update. The swelling has gone down & the redness has dissipated, but he still went to the doctor because even DH thought it should have been better than it was after four days of antibiotics. The doctor said the healing should have been further along, and it must be a "drug resistant" version of staph. So he switched the antibiotic - Bictin. (I think) The doctor he saw today was not the same one he saw on Friday & said that even if they wanted to do blood-work, because he has been on antibiotics, it would return nothing.
In the visit paperwork the doctor put "suspected MRSA" as the reason for switching antibiotics. (EEK!!!!!!) This doc wants him to go back to be checked tomorrow, but did let David know that it was not nearly as bad as it could be.
And OH (!!!), the doctor asked DH when he took his drugs & DH said with breakfast & supper. The meds said "twice a day with food" so he was taking it with breakfast & dinner. The doctor said that "twice a day" means every 12 hours and when he took the supper pills it was kind "overlapping" in his system with the breakfast pills, causing him to appear better at night. Because the pill was overlapping with the breakfast pill, giving it extra kick. The doctor was very clear that he should not overlap in anyway and stick to the every 12 hours no matter what.
ETA: THANK YOU to everyone for your concern and support! A major reason why I love the Peas!POSTED THIS UPDATE on Page 3
Original post:
DH was diagnosed with a staph infection in his elbow Friday morning. Symptoms were swollen elbow all the way to tip of fingers and fever. They gave him 1000 mg of antibiotics and sent him home. The swelling has reduced some, but blisters are showing on his hand. The redness has moved to his upper arm and his elbow is now leaking a blood/pus mixture. But his fever is all but gone- 98.9.
I think he should go back first thing in morning. I even have been saying ER because the redness has now spread up his arm, not just down. He is resistant, saying the doc said 36-72 hours for drugs to really work. Honesly, I was surprised they didn't admit him or at very least IV antibiotics.
Thoughts?
|
|
|
|
Post by Eddie-n-Harley on Nov 10, 2014 3:27:26 GMT
I would go to the ER. An hour ago. Let them tell you that the antibiotics need more time to work.
|
|
|
|
Post by scrapbookbobbie on Nov 10, 2014 3:28:03 GMT
I had an infection in my elbow last year. They gave me an iv and said if it wasn't
better the next day I would be admitted to the hospital. I didn't have to do that, but it took months to heal. He needs to go back, and have it checked. It is nothing to mess with.
|
|
|
|
Post by Charlotte on Nov 10, 2014 3:34:23 GMT
That is kinda what I thought would happen on Friday. I will force him to go.
|
|
|
|
Post by tinydogmafia on Nov 10, 2014 3:39:31 GMT
Please take him to the ER. Although he does not have a fever, it does not mean the infection is better. Especially if it is traveling and now blistering. You do not want the infection to get into his blood steam. Did they tell you it was MRSA? Was it cultured? How did the doctor know it was a staff infection?
|
|
mountaingirl
Junior Member
Posts: 85 
|
Post by mountaingirl on Nov 10, 2014 3:39:47 GMT
Er nurse here and I say get to the ER asap. You need iv antibiotics. You got one shot of antibiotics and that's it?
|
|
|
|
Post by epeanymous on Nov 10, 2014 3:40:20 GMT
I would go in. I hope he feels better.
|
|
|
|
Post by Charlotte on Nov 10, 2014 3:41:46 GMT
Er nurse here and I say get to the ER asap. You need iv antibiotics. You got one shot of antibiotics and that's it? No. Oral antibiotics that he takes twice a day. |
|
mountaingirl
Junior Member
Posts: 85
|
Post by mountaingirl on Nov 10, 2014 3:43:37 GMT
Ugh, they should have gotten more aggressive with this then.
|
|
Deleted
Posts: 0
Aug 18, 2025 20:02:23 GMT
|
Post by Deleted on Nov 10, 2014 3:44:37 GMT
Two years ago my best friend died from a fast moving staph infection. I'm not exaggerating that she went from fine to being air lifted in a matter of 12 hours.
Go to the hospital.
|
|
|
|
Post by Eddie-n-Harley on Nov 10, 2014 3:45:32 GMT
I guess I could add that what's really prompting me to suggest you go is that it has spread further up his arm: even if it takes a few days for the antibiotics to make him better, I don't think they're supposed to let it get worse first.
Please keep us updated-- I hope he'll listen to you and go to the ER, and I hope they'll fix him up fast.
|
|
|
|
Post by Charlotte on Nov 10, 2014 3:46:58 GMT
Ack.
|
|
|
|
Post by anniefb on Nov 10, 2014 3:48:51 GMT
Yep go straight to the ER. I'd want IV antibiotics ASAP.
|
|
|
|
Post by cindyupnorth on Nov 10, 2014 3:51:40 GMT
I work in acute care. He needs to go to the ER...like NOW.
|
|
|
|
Post by Charlotte on Nov 10, 2014 3:51:56 GMT
I have read him the responses and he has agreed to gonin morning. Still working on ER.
|
|
happymomma
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,083
|
Post by happymomma on Nov 10, 2014 3:54:47 GMT
Please tell him the Peas are begging him to go now. Seriously, this is NOTHING to fool around with. I know men can be so dang stubborn with medical issues. I would be telling my hubby, "Don't MAKE me call the ambulance, because you know I will. Now knock it off and get your booty in the car." They are worse than kids.
Wishing you well.
|
|
|
|
Post by iamkristinl16 on Nov 10, 2014 3:57:38 GMT
I would go in now. My son had MRSA this summer and I am so glad that I listened to the peas and took him in sooner than later. He was on oral antibiotics and it was a few days before it was gone, but it didn't get worse after he started the antibiotics.
|
|
|
|
Post by iamkristinl16 on Nov 10, 2014 3:59:20 GMT
I believe my son was on Zithromycin.
|
|
|
|
Post by cindyupnorth on Nov 10, 2014 4:03:43 GMT
If he is having increased redness and blistering, he is in serious trouble. The blisters will cont to form, if allowed to swell, and get worse overnight. This will result in open sores, increased drainage and weeping, leading to dressing changes, and being unable to work. The sooner he gets in, and gets the swelling and blisters to stop and under control, the less complications he is going to have. Let alone being admitted to the hosp for DAYS, and missing more work.
Tell him that.....and see if that helps to get him to the ER.
|
|
|
|
Post by momof3pits on Nov 10, 2014 4:05:24 GMT
The traveling up the arm thing is scary and something definitely ER worthy. An infection getting into the blood is nothing to mess with. Why take a chance? It makes no sense.
|
|
azredhead
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,755
|
Post by azredhead on Nov 10, 2014 4:05:41 GMT
TAKE him back! The blistering/growing can't be good! I am surprised he wasn't on IV antibiotics. My mom was kept for two days with Staph infection.
|
|
Deleted
Posts: 0
Aug 18, 2025 20:02:23 GMT
|
Post by Deleted on Nov 10, 2014 4:07:43 GMT
If my DH read these responses and still insisted on waiting, I'd be calling the ambulance myself.
|
|
melissa
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,912
|
Post by melissa on Nov 10, 2014 4:08:15 GMT
It is interesting to read that people believe IV antibiotics are better than oral. This is NOT always true.
However, an infection that is spreading is of concern, especially after 48 hrs. That's all the time, maximum, that he would need to see improvement. I do agree that he needs to be seen. Call the doctor and see where he should go. Please call first. Every doctor's office will have someone on call. That doctor will direct you to the appropriate facility and may even be able to call in orders or a consult with the right specialist, saving time.
|
|
|
|
Post by mcscrapper on Nov 10, 2014 4:11:37 GMT
|
|
|
|
Post by mcscrapper on Nov 10, 2014 4:13:37 GMT
Er nurse here and I say get to the ER asap. You need iv antibiotics. You got one shot of antibiotics and that's it? This ER nurse agrees. He needs to get to the ER and possibly be admitted for IV antibiotics. Sounds like he has cellulitis and he needs some stronger meds at least. Sometimes oral meds are ok but this sounds a little more serious and should have seen some improvement w/in 48 hours. m |
|
|
|
Post by mcscrapper on Nov 10, 2014 4:16:10 GMT
Oh, also meant to add that you should mark the area of redness / swelling with a marker and keep track of the time that was marked. If the area spreads you can mark it again and time that change too.
This can just give the nurses / docs some idea of how quickly it is spreading.
m
|
|
AllieC
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,129
|
Post by AllieC on Nov 10, 2014 5:13:44 GMT
Oh, also meant to add that you should mark the area of redness / swelling with a marker and keep track of the time that was marked. If the area spreads you can mark it again and time that change too. This can just give the nurses / docs some idea of how quickly it is spreading. m Very good idea. OP having had a cellulitis infection in one of my breasts that wasn't anywhere near as bad as you are describing and ending up in hospital having IV antibiotics 6 times a day for a week, you really CANNOT delay. I was off work for weeks and on strong oral antibiotics for several months afterwards. They take these infections very seriously. A friend lost a finger from a paper cut that got a resulting cellulitis infection. Please make him go! |
|
Mary Kay Lady
Pearl Clutcher
PeaNut 367,913 Refupea number 1,638
Posts: 3,116
|
Post by Mary Kay Lady on Nov 10, 2014 5:48:05 GMT
This is the Peas. We very rarely agree on anything. However, in this case, we all agree: he needs to go to the hospital ASAP.
I met a woman who was a young widow because her husband died from a staph infection. It isn't something that you want to mess with. Since the infection is worsening he needs to be seen.
If you take him in and it's nothing what's the worst thing that could happen? They'll tell you not to worry and send you home, but you'll be able to sleep better knowing that all is well.
|
|
|
|
Post by Erica on Nov 10, 2014 6:02:05 GMT
Yes, please take him back to the ER unless the doctor's office has the ability to give him a shot of Rocephin (mine does.) I also would get a prescription for Bactrim too.
Did the ER try to drain it?
|
|
tracylynn
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,905
|
Post by tracylynn on Nov 10, 2014 8:49:48 GMT
DH was diagnosed with a staph infection in his elbow Friday morning. Symptoms were swollen elbow all the way to tip of fingers and fever. They gave him 1000 mg of antibiotics and sent him home. The swelling has reduced some, but blisters are showing on his hand. The redness has moved to his upper arm and his elbow is now leaking a blood/pus mixture. But his fever is all but gone- 98.9. I think he should go back first thing in morning. I even have been saying ER because the redness has now spread up his arm, not just down. He is resistant, saying the doc said 36-72 hours for drugs to really work. Honesly, I was surprised they didn't admit him or at very least IV antibiotics. Thoughts? I'm not telling you this to scare you, but because I think it's important - my cousin died of a staph infection. Please have him go back to the Doctor or ER. You can never be too careful with them. |
|
