Defeating MRSA staph…
May 26, 2008 – 7:01 pmI run one of the largest and oldest wellness organizations in the world, seen in 68 countries worldwide. I am one of the healthiest people I know, able to learn virtually any new skill I wish within weeks or days, with impeccable nutrition, clearly defined aspirations and continual growth of making and maintaining my fortune by dedicating my services to the world to help others lift out of the dire circumstances I’ve faced and won.
And now, the Universe honored me with another battle. It wasn’t one with lights and crowds and cheers, but a silent struggle against a flesh eating superbug, and the cost of victory is the life of the opponent: either it dies, or I do. And moreover, my health and life weren’t the only on the table; my friends and family, my dear children and lovely wife, exposed to me.
Thousands die each year from Methicillin Resistant Staphylococous Areaus (MRSA), but I will not be one of them.
I became vulnerable to infection due to the fevered pitch I had been holding: globe-trotting exposure to thousands of new people with millions of different bacterial and viral strains, continual shifts in my time zone leaving my immune system portcullis open while I shook off the jet lag, training 3 hours a day 5 days a week because I love physical movement, and direct physical contact of an open-wound to the proteineous juice left by an infected individual at a gym.
Two weeks ago on Tuesday, May 13, I awoke with an ingrown hair on my back. Irritant, but negligible. I accidentally scratched it open and thought nothing of it as I prepared to head off to the gym for my morning hypertrophy session. That day, I came into contact with an area infected with the MRSA virus.
The following day, the ingrown hair became more irritating and began to swell. Thursday, I filmed a new DVD series involving a full day of exercise. By Friday morning, the area had become blackened, as if a blood-blister had formed deep under the skin. I poorly decided to wait until Monday to visit the doctor rather than immediately admitting myself to the emergency room.
Saturday and Sunday were two of the most painful days I can remember. The inflammation tripled in size and a pool of malleable fluid like molding clay had encircled the wound, which was now the size of a US nickel. It felt as if my skin had entrapped an eruption and the pain of containment led to sleepless nights of agony and worry.
Monday’s appointment with my GP involved transfer to the treatment room to have the blackened, necrotic tissue removed in order to allow the puss to escape and release the pressure. With a local anesthetic, the doctor began removing chunks of dead tissue in the hopes of finding a pool of infection ready to erupt. No such luck. Off to the labs for biopsy with the tissue - 48 hours until I learned the culprit.
In advance, my doctor took a calculated risk but an educated diagnosis and prescribed the strongest antibiotic immediately: sulfa… He also prescribed pain killers, which thankfully I conceded to, because, though we hoped the sluice gates would open, the wound sealed in the infection for another 4 days after my antibiotic session began.
I began my first session that evening, and followed it with pain-killers. I felt thankful for a couple hours of sleep, but the pain was exquisite. I must admit that I broke down several times. Pitying myself, I felt like I was forced into submission, as if all of my works of wellness had left me, plaguing me with one of the worst infectious villains of our time.
Wednesday came, and there had been no visible progress… and my lab results confirmed MRSA. A punch to the gut, literally. My doctor had to lance the deepest aspect of the flesh-devouring boil, and still could not find the pool. He deduced that the clay like substance was sebum secreted from my glands, and may be the reason the infection was having a difficult time releasing.
My wife reflected something to me to ease my emotional malaise. She reminded me of the birth of our first child, Alea, who was born at 12lbs after 50 hours, a hospital transfer from midwifery tub birth in the mountains. We had the perfect diet, the music, the walks, the herbs, the energy work, the yoga, the green supplements, and yet this baby nearly cost the lives of both mother and child after an agonizing marathon. My wife cried because she felt that all of her training as a dula, an herbalist and a healer had abandoned and failed her. I replied simply, “it saved both of you; no one else with any less preparation would have survived with such a healthy, beautiful daughter.”
My wife reminded me that I had prepared for years to do battle with this bug, and that I would fight it as I fought many times before and won. “A righteous fight,” I thought, “now that I can hold on to.” Self-pity evolved into anger that I had allowed myself to wallow. So, I kicked myself in the ass, shook off losing the first couple rounds, and gloved up my immune system.
It came in drips, then gobs, then geysers. My system was kicking out the infection, and the antibiotics were doing there job, at a cost. Switching on the voracious machine of research that I’ve cultivated over the years, I started chewing through alternative remedies to support the fight against MRSA:
- turmeric
- garlic (allison)
- collodial silver
- sodium chlorite
- And of course, priobiotics with FOS, since antibiotics, especially of the strength I was imbibing, are indiscriminate. I needed to replace the good flora so that my immune system wasn’t nude, and could still digest the food I needed to ingest.
Each of these in and of themselves are powerful, but not meant to be combined.
Quickly though, my good intentions turned into an oven. Too much, too soon, too fast. I felt overheated, and horrible. Another one of my doctors advised me to consider that these remedies are not cumulative in positive impact, and unpredictable when combined. If my antibiotics were working, then stick with the plan until the session is completed. I fell victim to one of my own prohibitions: “cycle or circuit, but don’t cocktail.”
I dropped off all of the supplements but the antibiotics. But the fever came Friday night, alternating with chills. I stayed precariously below 101.5 which was the signpost for transfer to the emergency room. Pneumonia, coma, and septic shock were among the dangers.
But Saturday morning came… and with it the first reprieve from the pain. The puss oozed like a fire house, causing me to change the dressings several times a day. The adhesive from the bandages tearing small tracks of abrasion across my back, but worth the cost.
There’s been kidney and stomach ache. Bad stuff. Hard to walk. Women must understand organ cramping more than men. Strange, eerie feeling. But one of my docs suggested blueberries. Frozen and a 1/2 cup every 2 hours has done amazing things.
My main concern was communicating the infection to my family. I fastidiously concentrated on isolating any potential exposure while I changed my bandages, antibacterial soap on heated rags which would be discarded, sheets washed nightly in hot water and hot air, doors, light switches, cupboards, counters, knobs sprayed down. Come for me, but not my children!
There were nights of great guilt for bringing this invader into our home. I felt overwhelmed and humbled that I could not do better than I had. My wife, Jodie, reminded me that it was part of the “contract: in sickness or in health.” Family takes on incredible depth in times of crisis. It’s not just the good times. She always appeared so… certain… that I’d be just fine. She exudes this inalterable confidence in my ability to win any righteous fight, even when I feel helpless. “Being humbled is always a good thing, Scott.”
“Imagine how much worse it would be if you weren’t so immaculate in your health, exercise, nutrition and over-all well-being, Scott,” she reflected, “it could have been fatal.” So, again I surrender to the divine will that whatever happens brings about my personal evolution, though it may appear in the trappings of pain, illness and even death.
I stopped shaving, since all shaving means open wounds… and now look more like a combination of Grizzly Adams with a cotton swab.
Sunday and Monday pass with greater ease, the wound flowing steady with emitting puss, revealing the cratered remains of the MRSA’s hunger. The inflammation subsided, and the pain abolished, I’ve turned the corner. Since Saturday I’ve been able to resume my morning Intu-Flow session, which feels like magic to my energy. I still fatigue easily, but tomorrow comes the doctor’s elated surprise as he sees how hard I’ve worked.
There’s still work to be done. Another 4 days of antibiotics, and then the process of decolonization so that I am not even a carrier, and the same process for my family to ensure that any exposure no longer resides. I’ll keep you updated on my fight.
I’ve learned a great deal about myself in this struggle. A great deal about the strength of my family. A great deal about all of my friends who have written in with wishes for me to kick this bugger’s ass. The fight’s not over, but the opponent’s on the run.
Thank you for supporting me along the way. Even though I couldn’t respond to all of your letters, I read each and every one of them… and they ALL helped!
Love back,
Scott
28 Responses to “Defeating MRSA staph…”
Coach,
Get well soon. You got me even more worried now seeing your pictures, bro. I looks like it is healing fast which is a great sign!!! I hope it will be over soon for you. Send my regards to your family. Positive thoughts to you from the east coast bro!
Your Student,
Bao
By Bao Tran on May 26, 2008
Welcome back Coach. This horrendous experience reminds me of an experience I had back in the mid-80s when I had been bitten by the dreaded brown recluse spider. A good friend of me, both a nurse and herbalist, proscribed pretty much the same herbal regiment that you were. There was a boomerang effect. Eventually I would use only raw garlic (talk about painful, shoving it into the open wound crater) and golden seal powder.
You’ve been missed and prayed for.
By Kevin Lee Dougherty on May 26, 2008
Glad it is on the run Coach. I think your wife is absolutely right that your fitness is (and will continue) to get you through this.
Keep strong.
By Rick Wilson on May 26, 2008
All the best Coach. You will beat this…..
By Chris Highcock on May 26, 2008
A righteous battle indeed!
Stay strong, Scott, and get 100% well soon.
You will be stronger on the other side of this experience.
You and your family are in my prayers.
By Jeffry Larson on May 27, 2008
Hi- great fan of your work and shocked to hear about MRSA. Unfortunately, even in hospital I know people who have contracted this or other such bacterial infection. Anti-biotics, are frequently abused to treat viral based illness such as colds, leading to the increased risk of bacteria developing resistance to the drugs.
I am now a firm believer that prevention is the best medicine, and good health/immunity should be everyones concern.
Also, being a grappling fan (SAMBO and BJJ), you must be extra careful of ringworm or impetigo that can easily infect grazed skin. Hygiene is paramount in prevention- washing the body and the Gi or Kurtka after every session.
Get well soon Scott!
By ben on May 27, 2008
Coach,
I hope you get well soon! I made good experiences with at least one millet meal per day for at least 10 days to get rid of residual antibiotics from the colon and support the recultivation of the good flora.
Andreas
By andreas on May 27, 2008
Coach,
It’s great to hear your winning the latest battle. Last year when I picked up a staff infection, I too took sulfa based antibiotics. Thank goodness for pharmaceutical when needed.
Heal up amigo
By Joseph on May 27, 2008
Consider a nasal wash (use neti pot or measuring cup with a spout) of Oregon grape root or goldenseal or Coptis tea (cooled to skin temp) and add 1/8 tsp salt per 8 oz tea.
For everyone in the family IF nasal swabs turn out positive for MRSA.
Consider herbalist consultation for a formula to assist (synergistically) in inhibiting development of antibiotic resistance and more complete success. See academic journal papers indicating success with combination approach of antibiotic and berberine-containing herbs.
Best Wishes, JR
By JR on May 27, 2008
You are a light of inspiration and truth that blesses us all with your life and being. Peace and deepest blessings to you Coach and to your family. Heal well! Namaste, Q
By Quentin on May 27, 2008
With my biology background, I can certainly appreciate the severity of the situation. I have NO doubt that Coach will beat this!
Let’s check the judges score cards:
1st Round: MRSA 1, Coach 0
2nd Round: MRSA 1, Coach 1
3rd Round: MRSA 1, Coach 3
4th Round: MRSA 1, Coach KO! Winner!
See? What I’d tell ya? :)
Wishing you fast and full healing, Coach. And protection to you and your family from this infection.
By Tony Babarino on May 27, 2008
Man was I scared when I first started reading this, but I’m a little more at ease now that I know that you’re steadily improving.
Will keep you in my prayers, Scott.
Light and Love,
Rob
By Rob on May 27, 2008
Keep up the good fight Coach! My thoughts and prayers are with you. I am very glad to hear you are starting to get better, MRSA is no joke.
By Dennis Haggard on May 27, 2008
Get well soon, Coach. I’m pulling for you.
By James Boelter on May 27, 2008
Scott,
It’s been a long time since we’ve corresponded, but I’ve followed this and you’ve been, and will continue to be, in my prayers, now as praise and not just petition.
Grace and Peace,
Eric
By Eric Henderson on May 27, 2008
Glad to hear the good news, Scott. A nasty, insidious infection.
My continued best wishes go to you and your family.
Steve
By Steve Shafley on May 27, 2008
Dear Scott,
Wow!A broken rib is literally nothing in light of this!
Grose but very cool (educational) with the progressive photography. The human body- life- the universe all continuously surprising.
I have a patient whom is a Doctor and we often marvel and disuss how amasing the body is… amasing how it doesn’t break down more often, and amasing with its complexities how it does in fact keep going.
If the love and supportive energy of those around is half as strong as it reads you will be clear by the time you read this post!
Love and light is sent from down under too.
xxxDe
By Donna Eddy on May 27, 2008
We care about you and we pray for you.
+++nothing but love for you Scott - you do alot of good.
By Paul on May 27, 2008
My prayers are with you and your family Scott. God bless,
Eric
By eric mccarty on May 28, 2008
Scott, I don’t know you personaly but I truly wish you the very best in this battle. Always remenber that pain in experiences like this brings a lot of growth. I am one of the few in this world who eats super healthy like you, train and sleep as much as needed but I always feel vulnerable and humble because nothing physical last forever. I sincerely wish you well and I have faith that I will meet you next year and we will kick ass in your CST seminar.
Marty from SF
By Marty Covault on May 28, 2008
Scott, no one can deny there are countless diseases in this world. That is why you have been able to attract so many people with your valuable wellness knowledge and experience. Sharing your experiences with me, I realize again the value of what I have. When you have fully recovered you can help people avoid MRSA, because you have been there! Lead from the front!
May more blessings come to you and more good karma work on your behalf.
By Justin James on May 29, 2008
Scott:
Your mother and I are old friends. She has
lots of faith in you and your fight and so do
I. You will have my prayers, and I feel sure
God in his goodness will heal you, and keep
you strong.
By Charlotte Allwen on May 30, 2008
Hey buddy,
You are the man! You live what you preach. Your flow comes from your ability to refocus from setbacks, and you’ve been through one hell of a setback! Keep flowing man!
I could be dead wrong on this one, but I hear Manuka honey has been shown to heal untreatable MRSA. You’ve probably heard of this.
Also to get the gut working again, my advice is to try EM (effective microorganisms).
http://www.scdworld.com/
The best probiotic I’ve ever seen! And it has many other benefits like lots of H- antioxidants and subtle energy properties. Beats the pus out of all the other probiotics I’ve tried.
~Luke
By Luke Chohany on May 30, 2008
Glad you are doing better, You are in my prayers.
By dave whitley on Jun 1, 2008
Get well soon, Coach. Consider this as a forced vacation.
By Edwin Falconi on Jun 5, 2008
here’s some missing psychoneuroimmunological pieces. you’ll have to sift out the gold from these dirt piles. peace and piece Scott
http://www.transcendence.me.uk/remote_influence_techniques.pdf
http://www.gutenberg.org/files/13402/13402.txt
http://speedseduction.biz/products/RJ170.php?pmc=AD-11
By Jose Silva on Jun 13, 2008
Just an update on recent research:
Special Dyes and Lighting Kill MRSA, Research Shows
By Steven Reinberg, HealthDay Reporter
http://www.livescience.com/health/619228.html
(HealthDay News) — A new kind of paint that releases titanium dioxide when exposed to fluorescent light and a green dye for wounds that gives off toxic molecules when activated by near-infrared light could both kill the deadly superbug known as MRSA, two new studies claim.
MRSA stands for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. It’s a strain of staph that’s resistant to many antibiotics commonly used to treat it, and it can be fatal. Both reports were presented Tuesday at the Society for General Microbiology Autumn meeting at Trinity College in Dublin.
In the first study, British researcher Lucia Caballero, from Manchester Metropolitan University, found that paint that contained particles of titanium dioxide killed bacteria when it absorbed ultraviolet light.
“If this turns out, the impact is sure to be positive in the area of health,” Caballero said.
The same reaction occurs when paints containing titanium dioxide are exposed to infrared light. The researchers found that the paint containing titanium dioxide successfully killed bacteria when the concentration of these nanoparticles was stronger than the normal paint. In fact, they found that all E. coli were killed with fluorescent lights.
“There are many circumstances where it is necessary or desirable to remove or to kill microorganisms found in a biological host or on surfaces,” Caballero said. “Maintenance of hygienic standards is essential in hospitals, pharma and the food industry. Surface hygiene could be improved by the action of fluorescent light on catalytic surfaces, such as paints containing nanotitanium, for retarding contamination and saving on cost of cleaning maintenance.”
In the second report, Dr. Ghada Omar, from University College London, found that 99 percent of the MRSA bacteria in infected wounds could be killed using a green dye that gives off toxic molecules when activated by infrared light.
“The chemicals produced when the dye is activated harm the bacteria in such a wide variety of ways that it is unlikely bacteria could ever develop resistance to the treatment,” Omar said in a statement. “This makes it ideal, and possibly the only option, for treating infections with multiple drug-resistant bacteria, including MRSA.”
Infected wounds are a major problem for thousands of hospital patients. Up to 9 percent of hospital-acquired infections occur during surgery and contribute to 77 percent of deaths from operations. These infections increase the length of time patients remain in hospital and increase costs, Omar noted.
Dr. Pascal James Imperato, Dean and Distinguished Service Professor of the Graduate Program in Public Health at SUNY Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn, said a lot more work needs to be done before these technologies become practical.
“It’s very much in the experimental stage at this point,” Imperato said. “It’s an interesting new development, but one is going to have to see many more studies to determine whether or not this is really going to work.”
Dr. Marc Siegel, an associate professor of medicine at New York University School of Medicine, thinks that basic cleanliness can do more to remove the threat of hospital infections than these new technologies.
“This technology is very promising, but it gets us away from the real issue, which is that we have a problem with cleanliness and sterility in hospitals,” Siegel said. “The real issue is that doctors don’t change their coats, change their gloves enough. We are not using hand wipes.”
Siegel noted that soap and water, when used properly, gets rid of most of this bacteria.
“MRSA has been around for 20 years and is a symptom of our inability to properly clean and sterilize facilities, while, at the same time, we are overusing antibiotics,” Siegel said.
More information
For more on MRSA, visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
By Scott Sonnon on Sep 10, 2008
Coach sorry for your suffering!! Check out this miracle healing clay, It is the same clay used at ASU in their cutting edge anti mrsa research. This clay destroys Staph on contact internally and externally.
By Michael Douglas RN on Oct 28, 2008