Staph epidermidis infection

Touching base with the experienced
As per previous post I had a shoulder op in July 2013, disaster ever since. Frequent but unpredictable "convulsions" with dormant periods in-between.
"Convulsion" now calling them "rigors" as they appear to be fever related landed me in hospital on Sunday. Have spent the whole week having tests etc while culturing bloods. Cant find the site of the infection which turns out to be the above staphylococcus epidermidis.
Of course now the pacemaker is suspect.
There is also evidence of small clots in the lungs. The Physician speculates that these cause abscesses which lead to the fever and rigors.
The cardio is resisting removal of the PM which is what the Physician is recommending.
As I understand it the infection can be treated by tablet it seems to be a case of semi-permanent antibiotics with PM in place or removal of PM then antibiotics and replacement.
I asked the cardio - a man I like and respect - how good he was at lead removal - depends on the amount of scar tissue - was the cagy answer.
What now?

1 Comments

Staph Epidermidis

by IAN MC - 2014-01-24 09:01:48

Hi Shirley If I had to choose between Staph Epidermidis and Staph Aureus which is the commonest cause of infections after PM implants I'd go for S. epidermis every time mainly because it has a very very low mortality risk.

It is quite an interesting bug, many of us have it on our skin ( including some surgeons ) and it is absolutely harmless there BUT it has the unfortunately habit of adhering to catheters and other sorts of implant like PMs. It physically sticks to their surface and can of course then get into your bloodstream !

I believe that it is less likely to be resistant to antibiotics than Staph Aureus so let us hope that the tablets will work for you

My understanding is that replacement of the catheter or infected PM normally solves the problem which is what your physician is suggesting.

Best of luck,and let us know the outcome

Ian

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