IDU is the abbreviation I found online today for Injection Drug Users, and I also found more information than I will get through tonight about IDU’s and MRSA. I am very interested to find more personal stories around the country about those who acquire MRSA through needle sharing. I so far believe they present and progress differently than those who catch CA MRSA through sweat at a gymnasium or an infected cut, etc. Their illness seems to progress more rapidly, perhaps because of the direct introduction to the blood, the overall health of a body abusing drugs, or other factors. When MRSA hit the drug using community around me it seemed to strike everyone almost overnight, literally a night after they all stayed at a house in Council Bluffs together, which helps keep the myth alive that they were in a house infested with vicious spiders. Everyone around here is still afraid of that house and I wouldn’t be surprised to hear it burned down! I have read a lot of the posts and notes on the guest map but the only entries I find about IDU acquired MRSA are mine and those I know here.

If you are an IDU with MRSA please comment and contact me. Not only would this help our perspective on the depth of the problem, but perhaps special treatment can be found that is more effective for the vicious attack I see on IDU’s. Also, maybe you won’t feel alone in your life with this form of MRSA as we get more to come forward. I don’t care what name you use but try to keep your location close to home so any patterns can be traced.

Faith, Hope and prayers to you all!! Rhoda