I need advice about what to do
 

I am out of town by myself. Right before I left I got what the doc at the Urgent Care center said was a skin staph infection behind my ear. He gave me 2 antibiotics to take. 3 days later and it has not gone away. I also think a new one is developing on my back thigh. I've had this twice before. I won't be driving home (8 hours) until Wed. night. Since I'm on Tysabri and just had an infusion I'm wondering what to do. I probably shouldn't wait until I get home Wed. right? My DH thinks I should find another Urgent Care place where I am. I'm wondering if I should go to the emergency room? What do you think? I think having an infection with Tysabri is freaking me out. Thanks.

here are some images of skin staph infections-
http://images.google.com/images?q=sk...N&hl=en&tab=wi

More pictures on the next pages at that link.
Do any of those look like what you have?

I don't know if Neosporin type products or any other ointment or alcohol or peroxide applied topically might help...??
hopefully some of our forum nurse members will reply soon too.
I don't have any idea about the Tysabri or infusion implications.
I would look for a urgent care place in the morning , just to get it checked for peace of mind.

I agree with your hubby. If you feel its spread, or is not being controlled with your current meds that the other center put you on, seek another opinion. Its not worth more tissue damage, or a deeper infection that would require an IV treatment, when you may be able to get away with a pill if you treat early.

I am sorry you are sick when you are away from home. That stinks. Ask the concierge at your hotel to help you find a walk in, so you avoid the ER traps.

Local pharmacies are opening up their own "urgent care" and walk-in clinics right in their stores. The CVS pharmacy here in GA has one. I'm not sure if they'd write a prescription for something like this but it's worth a phone call to find out. It might be less expensive and time-consuming than the ER.

If you're on Ty a phone call to your Neuro might be helpful. He might have a suggestion as to which med is preferred over another.

I hope you feel better. :hug:

Natalie,

I think staph infections require stronger antibiotics. I hope you can get to the urgent care or even the ER if it starts to spread fast. :hug: :hug: :hug: My neuro has mentioned staph infections to me a couple of times so I'm always on the lookout for them.

I hope this is just something mild and will go away soon.

Yikes Natalie!

Don't you just HATE when this carp happens when you are away from home??

It takes a few days for any antibiotic to start working, but if it is spreading then you should get it checked out again.

A call to your neuro and your GP isn't out of the question either, just to let them know what is going on, and for advice.

Let us know how it goes! :hug:

I agree with having it checked out asap. Take the Ty hotline # with you so these docs can use it. I hope it goes away fast, Nat!

If you don't go get it checked out, at least call your on call doctor and run it passed them. They may call in a different med.

Sorry for your staph infection. Aren't you a professor? Did you pick up your infection in staff meeting? :rolleyes:

Are you still planning on a trip to Brazil this year? You don't have time for this! Hope you get it cleared up quickly. :hug: