Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group Latest update on Michelle & Pea

Thanks Pea - AND Backing up Dow with his comments -

Oh this is a hard one to report. I left a message on her phone at home and cell phone for a family member to call or text me. Her son sent me a text and told me that she is in bad shape. The infection is out of control and she is not stabilized so the family is waiting in the I.C.U. to see her when she is stabilized. Heart breaking. What a sweetheart for getting back to me.

Wendy, I think it was you who said this was an awful bacteria. What can you tell us about it?

Pseudomonas aeruginosa

It is a bacteria we are all exposed to at times, but our immune systems can usually fight it. It is benign while it is in check, but can be nasty when out of control. This is the more common of the Pseudomonas spp. and the one I suspect she probably has. This link goes through all the different ones. Likely due to Michelle's treatment with MTX and Enbrel, her cancer and going through the recent surgery, along with hospitalization in an ICU, she has many risk factors for infection. Continue to pray for God's will that she is strengthened and the doctors' collective wisdom brings her through this illness. Hugs to you, Pea. Thanks from all of us for keeping us informed.

Thank's Rumble for the article. I read it and don't like it at all. It makes me wonder if she had it beforehand. She was having fevers for weeks before the surgery and she complained that her long bones were hurting. I don't know but it sure sounds awful and hard to get rid of. Praying the same thing for her and strength for the family.

Hi Pea: Thanks for the update. It does sound like a horrible bacteria . Hoping the hospital can get her immune system strengthened so she can get rid of it once and for all. We all know, she is one tough girl and will keep fighting hard.

Are you feeling better Pea? You are a strong person too, being here for others while you are suffering too.

Shari

Thanks Rumble and Pea. This doesn't sound good at all. Thinking of everyone these days,

Take care

The link that Rumble posted tells you about it. As you'll see, it's particularly dangerous for people who have compromised immune systems. I've been worried every since you said that this was what she had. I agree that her earlier fevers were almost certainly caused by this bacteria which would have put her in a weakened state before her surgery.

I'm afraid that this is very serious. Thank goodness her family is so supportive.

In case you get to read this, Michelle - I'm thinking about you every day and sending you all the healing thoughts I can.

Thanks Pea, not what I was hoping to hear, but thanks for keeping us informed. Michelle we are praying for you.

Pea I hope you are doing OK.

Thanks Pea and Rumble - yes, I had checked it out, but could not post a link to it... Toooo depressing. Sigh.

Pea, hope you are doing alright. Much love and many prayers to Michelle and family.

Dear Pea,

I am praying that your eval @ the hospital at least gave you some comfort and some ideas for strategies for coping; and that you've got some support in place to help you cope and feel better. Hugs.

Thank you for the update about Michelle. I am so saddened to hear of her struggles with this dreaded infection. My prayers go out to her and her family. I hope she feels better.