Serratia bacteria

Alethia · #1 04-18-2006, 05:03 PM

Well, Angus stopped his 3rd antibiotic yesterday morning and has started to go downhill again. His resp rate and O2 requirement have gone up. He's OK for now, but I see the signs so I phoned the hospital to ask what do we do now? I felt it was unfair to just go to the GP tomorrow and ask for another stab in the dark as regards antibiotic therapy as she wouldn't have all the facts in front of her. The SHO at Yorkhill said that the sputum sample he had done last Monday, when he was admitted had cultured a weird bacteria - Serratia (though she didn't say what type). She couldn't tell me much more than that, so I've had a wee check online - Yes, it can cause chest infections, and, funnily enough, it tends to be hospital acquired and multiple resistant to antibiotics - surprise, surprise. Angus has had all these problems since he went in for a sleep study. I know I'm maybe putting 2 and 2 together and getting 5, but it does seem rather coincidental.

So, here's hoping that Angus is OK until tomorrow morning when she'll have a word with a senior colleague who knows more about serratia and Angus. She was very pleasant and I'm totally OK with this approach. I certainly don't want to have to take him in unless absolutely necessary! They'll sort out suitable meds for him, and/or arrange more testing.

WHat experiences have you guys had with this sort of thing?

Lots of love,

Kate
XXX

sandra · #2 04-18-2006, 06:04 PM

Brian is colonized with that. We are not ever really sure if it is that or psuedomnis that is acting up, but we have found bactrim takes care of it.

I hope Angus is on the road to recovery soon.

#3 04-18-2006, 06:39 PM

Jordan just had serratia growing in his secretions a couple months ago. He started breathing really heavy and uncomfortable and had a fever of almost 103 degrees. His docs ordered Tequin (never heard of it before) and he was better in a few days.

twintotwin · #4 04-18-2006, 07:05 PM

Oh! Our friend serratia kept Elijah in isolation for 6 months. He was separated from Milo because of it. Then when they left the NICU it turned out Milo had it too.
It turned out Elijah was allergic to the Cipro, so we used Bactrim.
The boys have had it once since they've been home.

I want Angus to feel better. Please tell him we love him!!
You should be able to treat him at home, as long as you can control everything else w/his respiratory status. Keep us posted Kate. Hang in there.

Angus--->

<-----me

LeslieML · #5 04-18-2006, 07:15 PM

ditto, serratia and the stinking pseudomanis (sp?). I can't seem to remember what we got put on for it..Chase is "colonized" with it as well.
Which one is it that turns the secretions a bluish/greeny color?
Which one is it that they put them on inhaled Tobi for?
I hope little guy gets better soon and wants to ride on the merry go around ASAP!
Leslie

Alethia · #6 04-19-2006, 11:07 AM

Hi Folks,

Thanks for the replies - it's always nice to know we're not alone with the bugs! Angus is doing OK, but they asked me to take him into hospital since they reckon the best antibiotics for this can only be administered IV. He's on gentamicin (garamycin) and tazocin (Piperacillin and Tazobactam) IV. It only took 3 goes to site his IV (

) but he cheered up pretty quickly after it was done.

I just want it done so we don't keep hopping in and out of hospital like we're bungie-jumping sideways! I suppose we're all kind of used to that here, but it would be nice to have another couple of months where he's really fine and happy and not bursting blood vessels all over his face weekly.

You are all such an inspiration to me. I can't really begin to tell you how much you've done for me over the past nearly 2 years (yes, it is that long!). I really wish we could make it to the conference, but I will read all your post-conference posts avidly so it will FEEL like we've been there.

Lots of love,

Kate
XXXX

P.S. I gave him lots of hugs and kisses from ALL of you.

JWorthington · #7 04-19-2006, 03:10 PM

Kate

so sorry to hear that Angus has another bug. I haven't heard of that one, but we are sure to pick it up somewhere along the way, these things seem to do the rounds, especially when your kids are in hospital so much.

Sam's secretions have grown parinfluenza 3, which can cause, croup, RSV bronchiolitis (not again!!) or pneumonia. Thankfully today he seems to be much more himself and hasn't slept so much so I feel much easier. the doctor pointed out that as he was the only child on the ward with it he had to be isolated and he hadn't picked it up at the hospital. hey - he was in the hospital the previous week on a different ward!!

Give your wee man a HUGE

from me. Hope he's back on the road to recovery soon.

Love Julie

JWorthington · #8 04-19-2006, 03:11 PM

OOPS KATE

SORRY TO VENT ON YOUR POST

JULIE

Alethia · #9 04-19-2006, 04:06 PM

Hey Julie,

PLease feel free to vent on this thread!! I'm not selfish, especially when you've been through a really rough time with Sam lately. Sheesh woman, you have every right to vent wherever and whenever you please!

I'm glad to hear Sam is feeling a bit better and isn't so washed out. Has he become a bit anaemic with all the blood he lost from his bleeds? He's been through so much recently - he really is a trooper, isn't he?

I was thinking that ANgus would only need IV's for 3-4 days - they're saying 7-14!! Doesn't that seem a little excessive to you guys? Maybe I'm being naive. He's not been on IV's of any kind since early summer last year, so maybe my memory's a bit rusty - or befuddled due to stress and fatigue?? WHat d-ya reckon?

Lots of love,

Kate
XXXX