Another Positive Culture for MRSA :-(

Jonathan was understandably pretty uncomfortable after having his toenail removed last Monday. He spent several days with his foot elevated and having frequent dressing changes. While his toe doesn’t really look much worse than when he arrived home, it certainly doesn’t look better either. His fever has not returned but his appetite still isn’t back to normal.

Yesterday, we received the results of the initial bacterial and fungal cultures. We were disappointed to learn that the bacterial infection was, in fact, MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus). We had hoped that the positive culture obtained in Trinidad was from contamination of the specimen since his toe was no longer draining purulent fluid. Unfortunately, we know now that it was accurate. Since this is a community acquired MRSA, it appears to be susceptible to "sulfa" antibiotics. The fungal culture showed a rare Candida species. As you can imagine, this news wasn’t what we had hoped for.

After yesterday’s culture results, Jonathan was put on an oral "sulfa" type medication and will continue with a topical antifungal as well. It is hoped that we will see some improvement within the next 5-7 days. If no improvement has occurred, there will need to be a change in his medications. Dr. Hanson, the dermatologist, hasn’t scheduled him back in the office until Monday, December 14th and has no plans to release him to return to the mission until after that examination. We hope and pray the new medications will be effective and his up coming appointment will lead to his medical clearance. Only time will tell.

During the Thanksgiving weekend Jonathan was able to visit President and Sister Robison in their home (former mission president). This really buoyed his spirits and made him anxious to return to the mission field. They reminded Jonathan that Elder Williams, one of his former companions, had to go home for a surgical procedure on his shoulder. This was complicated by a MRSA infection, but he eventually returned to the West Indies Mission. Jonathan, of course, is certain that this feat can be repeated for him!

Jonathan is working hard to stay in missionary mode. He continues to work on FamilySearch Indexing and was introduced to the New FamilySearch Program. He has been working on his own geneology at the Family History Library at the Logan Tabernacle and attends the temple freqently. One way or another, he continues to save souls!