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alisande_gw

Rose thorn infection update

alisande
15 years ago

For those who missed the last thread on the subject, a month ago I got stabbed in the back of my right hand by a rose thorn. The next day my hand was swollen with red streaks, so on the advice of the good rosarians here I went to the ER, where I got a tetanus shot and ten days worth of antibiotics. I told the ER doctor that I thought a piece of the thorn might have stayed behind in my hand, but he said rose thorns are too tough to break off like that.

The swelling went down and the pain in my hand improved, but never disappeared entirely. My hand function is still impaired, and there's a hard bump (like a BB under the skin) at the entry point.

I went to see my doctor on Tuesday. He said part of the thorn was definitely in there and needs to come out. But because it's sitting on a nerve and tendon, he wanted an orthopedist to do it.

So early this morning I saw the orthopedist. He concurred that it's important that it be removed before it causes more problems. I thought at that point he would whip out his scalpel, maybe along with a needle for some Novocaine. But no, he said it'll require an operating room, anesthesia, and someone to drive me.

Can you believe it? All this time and trouble and expense because I made a careless move in the garden. (Believe me, I'm much better about wearing gloves these days.)

Susan

Comments (130)

  • Eureka
    9 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    I am like a hound dog about finding information but I think I found at least part of the answer. Google SPOROTRICHOSIS - is is commonly referred to as "rose gardeners disease", it is a fungal disease that creates nodules throughout the body, often on lymph nodes even. Skin becomes highly discolored and very tender to the touch. Treatment requires being put on fungal medications sometimes up to 6 months. Many people who work with roses, peat moss, in the garden, garden litter can pick this up from a prick or scratch. Animals can also pick up the same fungus and often vets are afflicted with this fungus. This can spread throughout the body, can cause cellulitis, can even get into the brain. Google this fungus to gather more information but I bet this will get you on course to getting better. And yes, this is why long gloves, long pants and good shoes for protection from this fungus are suggested. Attention Rosarians - we need to take this very seriously.

  • spraynine
    9 years ago

    I am aware of the "rose pickers disease" or sporotrichosis - as well as another bacteria commonly found on thorns - clostridium perfringens which causes gas gangrene. That is what I think is my newest issue on my knee. I have thoroughly researched this prior to reaching out here. I wasn't educated until this happened - but I am now. I thank god that I did get a tetanus shot the year prior. I am a gardener as well and had no idea about this. We are all more aware now although I am not sure I would have realized that the "dirt" that was on all the firewood was actually thousands of thorns.....

  • Joe Moose, Zone 9A
    9 years ago

    I was not aware of this disease until now. I count myself among the lucky because we have several bougainvillea plants in the garden, and every year I prune them. Now those are wickedly thorny, and I have been pricked and scratched by them on my hands, arms, and feet.. Keep in mind that I do it without gloves. :| But now I know, and knowing's half the battle.


  • Patty W. zone 5a Illinois
    9 years ago

    A big thank you for bumping this thread up again. It's to easy to become complacent about taking care of ourselves. Really hoping every things turns out fine spraynine.

  • jjpeace (zone 5b Canada)
    9 years ago

    Wow, thanks for mentioning this issue. I have never thought about it. I guess it is worth it to pay special attention to how thorny the rose is before you buy it. Wish you well Alisande!

  • comtessedelacouche (10b S.Australia: hotdryMedclimate)
    9 years ago

    Oh, poor Spraynine - what an ordeal, and how difficult to deal with, especially with all those tiny little thorns still stuck in your skin... I hope you got to your appointment, and are getting some good help now.

    Just a couple of thoughts, FWTW: I wonder what those wild roses had died of? Is there any possibility they could have been poison-sprayed in some eradication programme? Or, if as you say they were decomposing, they could have fungal and/or bacterial stuff in them. Or might they have had a virus? Perhaps some enquiries with the local Dept. of Agriculture/ Forestry/Parks for the area you were camping might be able to throw some light on this - it just might help provide clues for any doctors trying to treat this.

    One thing I discovered when I had a painfully infected and swollen finger from a rose prickle jab last year, was colloidal silver, recommended to me at a professionally staffed Natural Health Store. It came in a spray bottle and from memory, just consists of minute (invisible) particles of silver in water. I know it sounds like totally dodgy new age quackery, but it actually worked, pretty much instantaneously! I couldn't believe it - the swelling went down dramatically overnight (I found some Band-Aids which were also impregnated with silver (seems like it's a thing!) which I wrapped it in loosely overnight), and over the next day or two of constantly spraying (as prescribed), the nasty purple, infected wound kind of opened itself up, went unbelievably pink and squeaky-clean inside, the old skin went white and fell off, leaving completely healthy new skin underneath. The silver solution is said to be anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral.

    So IF I was in your position, as well as urgently tracking down medical help, I'd be drowning my wounds (maybe just a small area first to try it out) with colloidal silver. If a thickish layer of skin falls away as part of the healing process, like mine did, it MAY just take the thorns with it! At the very least the silver may help to stop things getting any worse by keeping it super clean and not irritating or inflaming it further, while you pursue other medical avenues.

    If neither conventional medicine or the silver thing work out for you, I'd also consider consulting a well qualified homeopath, since I hear they're particularly good at fixing a range of otherwise intractable skin afflictions.

    I hasten to add all the usual disclaimers! Do please let us know how things went at the hospital, and how you're going.

    Thinking of you and wishing you all the best,

    Comtesse :¬}

  • spraynine
    9 years ago

    Believe it or not - I have tried that as well.....What my dream solution would be is something that draws them out...I have been keeping infection at bay usually - but the newest area to erupt is the fleshy part above my left knee - first place other than hands and feet to have a problem. I thought picking thorns out of the bony areas on hands and feet was bad - but this new spot has another issue - it seems that the bacteria called Clostridium Perfringens may be at work as I have a crater in that area now with dead flesh. My appointment with top Doc here isn't until Next Tuesday - and I seem to have stopped the spread - so unless it changes I'll have to wait until then.

    I agree with the homeopathic remedy - I had a great Doctor - trained in France - that moved to Canada to practice Homeopathic medicine - I can't find him now:(.....

    A lady I know here in MX is from a remote village that never had modern medicine. She just gave me a recipe for a "potion" - I am supposed to boil the leaves from this certain tree in water and salt - let cool - mix with the gel from the aloe vera plant (ironically - I have both in my yard here) - and rinse the areas with the solution. I will mix that up later today and report on usefulness.

    I have been homeopathically treating infection with a mixture of active charcoal and enough petroleum jelly to moisten - it is amazing although messy - haven't had to be on antibiotics for months now.

    It is ideas like the Colloide Silver that I am looking for. Someone said kerosene draws out thorns and slivers - I cant find that here - but has anyone else heard of this?



    Stay tuned.....


  • spraynine
    9 years ago

    Also - I forgot to mention - the wild rose bushes that had died and left all the thorns on the deadwood and surrounding area is simply nature taking its course. The area is a forested camp ground and when I went back in the summer when everything was in bloom - every square inch that is not a path has thousands of the bushes........I do not know if they shed their thorns or what......but the throns are dropped somehow off the bushes....dead or alive - not sure.

    Unfortunately - all roses carry bacteria on their thorns......

  • Eureka
    9 years ago

    The other part of this is that often after getting pricked, one will see swelling, sometimes quite a bit, and then this can turn into cellulitis very quickly which is dangerous and requires antibiotics.


    I hope someone in the medical profession is taking samples of your skin and the black thorns and putting this under a microscope to verify that these are indeed thorns and not spores. Honestly I think I'd be looking for some very strong antibiotic, stronger than penicillan, one that can take out heavy duty super bugs. Then I would insist on testing for fungal issues. I think your answer is going to be in what grows from swabs or tissue to see what grows. You may need an infectious disease doc to help you with this. I'd be all over this, attempting to get an answer and I still believe a teaching hospital is where you belong sooner rather than later. What is happening to you is not normal in any way and could be very, very serious. We had one of the people in the nursery that I work in just go through the whole infection from a rose prick, going into cellulitis. He landed in the hospital for 3 days on powerful antibiotics, and several different drips of meds going through his body.


  • spraynine
    9 years ago

    I am doing the best I can within Canada's medical system and where I am now. I did go thru 3 seriously strong courses of strong antibiotics from May - September last year and avoided the IV drip of antibiotics just barely back then. No cultures were taken and I wish I had this information at that time. I am going "fully armed" to Dr. on Tuesday. And may be coming back to Canada sooner then expected to deal with this. Thanks for all the support and ideas.

  • Dingo2001 - Z5 Chicagoland
    9 years ago

    Spraynine I hope you can hook up with an infectious disease specialist as well as a wound specialist. I would think they would do cultures (aerobic, anaerobic, and fungal), as well as drug sensitivities to any identified organisms. Wound specialist can appropriately address your issues there, especially since this has been going on for so long. So sorry for you, looks really painful. Good luck and keep us posted!

    Julie

  • comtessedelacouche (10b S.Australia: hotdryMedclimate)
    9 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Hi again,

    Not sure if you've already tried this one, but I did a bit of research, and came up with a prickle-drawing, antibacterial poultice that sounds to be safe and effective, judging from the many reports of successful multi-generational family use in Australia, the UK and America (both recent and dating back well before the advent of antibiotics; also used for both animals and humans in remote bush regions where abs not available, and in cases where modern medical methods have not worked).

    Sorry, I don't know how to post links, but one of the best of the many references I found was:

    healingfromhomeremedies.com - Soap and Sugar Poultice - (the Comments below the article are helpful too)

    Anyway, I thought it looked as if it might be worth trying; it sounds simple to make with readily obtainable ingredients - just roughly equal quantities of moistened, softened, scraped-off bar soap mixed with any kind of granulated sugar. I thought the variation where you cover the poultice with a slice of bread (sounds ridiculous, I know!) before wrapping in gauze or other light cloth might be your best bet, since the bread may provide additional 'drawing' power as well as helping hold the gooey stuff - and hopefully, eventually, lots of liberated prickles! (Just my guess.) It seems to work by osmosis, drawing out both moisture and foreign objects.

    Honey and sugar are, of course, antibacterial. As well as being there to hold the sugar, the soap apparently helps breaks down surface tension - presumably enhancing the entrance of sugar and/or exit of prickles. To increase this effect, some versions suggest soaking the area first in Epsom Salts, or even just plain water.

    Some say to leave the poultice on overnight, some for 24 hours, using gloves and/or socks overnight if necessary to keep it in place. If the prickles haven't come out, wash everything off, re-apply and leave for a further 24 hours.

    Best of luck with this, if you try it, and with the doctor on Tuesday,

    Comtesse :¬)

    By the way, the charcoal thing sounds brilliant; the wound in the photograph does at least look really clean - apart from the prickles.... How did the salt/aloe vera/leaves thing go?

  • spraynine
    9 years ago

    Thank you - I will try this - I have had some success or at least relief from the pain with a bread and milk poultice. The other solution is for healing the wound - I need the thorns out first. I showed a "nice" photo - some of my pics show raw, bloody and picked to the bone to get the thorns out. Those are the bad days - but the thorns more or less dictate when they want out - they stir up something under the surface and I am have to work on that area right then and try to remove all thorns possible in that area.

    Thank you again for your suggestion. I will report back.



  • Fabiola Rodriguez-Perez
    9 years ago

    Hi everyone, so I've had part of a cactus thorn in my left knee for about 5 years now, at first I thought I had removed the whole thorn, but I guess it broke off because there is a bump on my knee. It doesn't hurt to the touch, but it does throb frequently and it hurts sometimes when I kneel. I want to get it removed, could anyone advise me as to what type of doctor I should see?

  • Eureka
    9 years ago

    See a dermatologist to open the wound/cyst and expel the thorn.

  • Fabiola Rodriguez-Perez
    9 years ago

    Thanks Eureka!

  • spraynine
    9 years ago

    I'm back with an update. I ended up "seeing" the Doctor here in Puerto Vallarta via smartphone as he ended up having an emergency all 3 times I was to see him. But - they did do a culture and I am on heavy antibiotics for a Staph infection - thankfully not the Sporotrichosis (Rose Picker's Disease".

    I did not get any advise on removing the thorns - other than - they will come out on their own. I guess when you have road rash and gravel in you - they pick out what they can and the rest comes out or not - when it's ready.....I have not done the poultice suggested in a previous comment but I will and then update on that. Thanks for all the advise.

  • campv 8b AZ
    9 years ago

    This has proven to work for cactus and ?. If you have thorn and can't get it out. Slice a small piece of mickey mouse or similar cactus off a plant. Slice off all stickers and slice a small piece (dime or nickel) very thin(1/16th) and place it over the thorn with a bandage....leave on over night. The next morning remove and the skin will be white and wrinkly. The cactus is a succulent and will suck all moisture from that area and including sucking the thorn to the surface.

    I have also used this for rose thorns. My Dad used this method on our ranch workers in Southern Cal when they wouldn't go to the doctor for thorns or stickers

  • meredith_e Z7b, Piedmont of NC, 1000' elevation
    9 years ago

    Spraynine, once the infection is all gone, I'm sure the thorns won't bother you as much, either; they really should just grow out well. Once the skin looks to be in much better shape and healed from the infection, I'd use a gentle medicated acne soap/wash or astringent/toner and that'll help exfoliate the skin and bring things to the surface quicker. Something with salicylic acid is good, but I'd start with the sensitive skin version to be safe!


  • comtessedelacouche (10b S.Australia: hotdryMedclimate)
    9 years ago

    That was too bad having 3 appointments cancelled! And then still not to have had anyone actually look at it. However, it's good to know you have finally got a firm lab diagnosis and are getting appropriate treatment for it; I hope there is some way you can get follow-up from someone to check the Staph is fully cleared up by the end of the course. That's a pretty scary thing to have! Don't forget to take probiotics or eat gallons of live yoghurt to replace all the good gut bacteria that will probably have been wiped out by the abs. Some Astragalus (Chinese herb) to re-boot your immune system afterwards would probably be helpful too, if it's available there, or even after you get home.

    Best of luck; thanks for letting us know how things panned out, and do let us know of any further updates. It's certainly made me and I'm sure others more aware of the possible serious consequences of such unfortunate rose prickle close encounters.

    Comtesse :¬)

  • spraynine
    9 years ago

    thanks for the tips! I am going home next week and will be see my Dr. for follow-up.

  • summersrhythm_z6a
    8 years ago
    last modified: 8 years ago

    You need to clean the rose thorn wound or any wound with H2O2 ASAP. It's less than $1.00 a bottle.

    Hope you feel better soon.

  • altorama Ray
    8 years ago

    Clean the area right away, you can also use bacitracin.

    And I can't agree with home remedies for infection. If the wound has red streaks or any red lines coming from it you need to get to an ER ASAP. Those are indicators of blood poisoning and require IV antibiotics. A wound that is 'angry' looking and red around the edges also needs to be looked at to rule out cellulitis. Cellulitis can progress to blood poisoning quickly. I worked in the ICU for a few years and saw more than a few patients admitted for blood poisoning or other dangerous infections. Not trying to be an alarmist but red streaks and red lines cannot be ignored. Any wound that doesn't heal properly or just doesn't seem right, especially with a fever, warrants a call to the doctor.

  • comtessedelacouche (10b S.Australia: hotdryMedclimate)
    8 years ago

    That's odd - this recent query (just before Summer's response) has disappeared.

  • summersrhythm_z6a
    8 years ago

    Can you repost it?

  • Dingo2001 - Z5 Chicagoland
    8 years ago

    I think it was spam? They just joined and that was their only post.

  • summersrhythm_z6a
    8 years ago

    Ok, thanks. I didn't see it.

  • spraynine
    8 years ago

    WARNING!!!! GRAPHIC PHOTO OF AREA WITH THORNS!!!

    I am the one who restarted this thread in February 2015 I think. I still have 1000's of thorns and other debris from deadwood I collected for fire while camping. I have found 2 helpful remedies to get some of the thorns to come out. I soaked my hand in kerosene and little white bumps with thorns underneath came up. The best though has been tea tree oil - you can see it work when you put a few drops on the area - the thorns start coming to surface. The run off of tea tree oil poured on my wound on knuckle dripped over the back of my hand and between my fingers though. Now I have even more to deal with.

    I saw Dr. #9 last week and am now referred to a Dermatologist to see if surgery will help. It has been 14 months since this happened and I am finding that the thorns are being encapsulated in hard fatty balls that are super painful.

    I hope the next doctor has a solution. It takes 5 months or more, 6 hours a day of picking them out with sharp pointy tweezers for me to rid an area.

    Where the dark areas are in this photo are where a concentration of thorns are.

    I am really having hardship now that this has gone on so long.

  • Eureka
    8 years ago

    I really believe that you need to see an infectious disease doc. I would bet that you may need to go to the hospital for 3 days to a week with I V's of antibiotics and possibly steroids. A fellow nurseryman had to do this. I think you need to hit Emergency Room to get the right docs working on you. A simple dermatologist likely isn't going to understand the infectious standpoint. Think you need to hit ER and tell the whole story. They will be able to refer you to appropriate MD. It's time to get serious about this and demand treatment. No more delays and postponement.

  • summersrhythm_z6a
    8 years ago
    last modified: 8 years ago

    Hope your next doctor is a good one. Are you sure they're rose throns? 1000's rose throns? It sounds like cactus throns. I think you need to see a good doc asap too. ER is pretty expensive if your health insurance won't cover much. I'd go with Catholic hospitals, their fees are normally cheaper than other hospitals.

  • fragrancenutter
    8 years ago

    I had a thorn injury to my index finger 2 weeks ago and it got right into the joint and the finger was swollen like a sausage. I had to use some heavy duty antibiotics to clear it up. It has completely healed now thank god as I could not move my finger at all.

  • Patty W. zone 5a Illinois
    8 years ago

    Not to over simplify anything, but that is way to long for an open wound. There are many serious bacteria that can enter an open wound. Staph is one that is found naturally on human skin. Don't forget the antibiotic resistant bacterias such as mrsa. At that point your limb and life will be on the line. You are a very lucky lady to have avoided a serious problem.

  • Eureka
    8 years ago

    Right on Patty and Spraynine we all are concerned for you. We are more concerned I believe that you are not seeking out an infectious disease doc or a doc who sees a lot of weird infections and maladies. You continue to suffer yet do nothing effective to get treatment. I believe we are all puzzled why you choose to keep yourself in this tenuous position.

  • Eureka
    8 years ago

    As I said before, I am a problem solver. I just did a search for Infectious Disease docs in Vancouver where I believe you said you lived. Not only do you have some top docs at specifically Infectious Disease clinics, but you also have clinics through the medical university. There isn't one excuse not to get this solved Spraynine. Get going.

  • altorama Ray
    8 years ago
    last modified: 8 years ago

    You do this for 6 hours a day? You need to stop messing around with it and let a Doctor handle it. Have you started on antibiotics for this?

  • Patty W. zone 5a Illinois
    8 years ago
    last modified: 8 years ago

    I so hope that I did not sound rude or hurt your feelings. You are going to lose the use of your hand if you don't see a professional. Those white lumps are from your immune system trying to wall off the damage area. Those black spots are looking more like dead tissue not thorns. It isn't save to keep sticking tweezers in your wound. Please seek help now not later! Were all hoping to see the good news that you are finally better. Oh and that wound is to deep to be pouring anything in it that can damage the tissue any further. Good luck and best wishes

  • comtessedelacouche (10b S.Australia: hotdryMedclimate)
    8 years ago
    last modified: 8 years ago

    Not sure why we're criticising Spraynine... nine doctors hardly sounds like she's not been seeking help! Having cultures taken, and heavy-duty antibiotics prescribed, and taken, for the diagnosed Staph infection, doesn't sound like not getting medical attention, 'doing nothing effective', 'delaying' and 'not seeing a professional'! Surely it's not her fault if none of the doctors she's seen so far have been able to fix it? I don't know how the healthcare system in Canada works, but here, you generally need a medical referral to see a specialist - you can't just pick one from the phone book/internet and rock up demanding attention. Of course, it may be different there. Anyway, in the meantime, it seems to me she's doing the best she can to deal with it, and following medical advice, as far as it goes. I hear increasing desperation, not self-neglect!

    Another thing that concerns me, is that people are talking about red streaks, yet I've seen no mention or photo of this symptom in any of S's posts. Perhaps some people are confusing the various different posters' stories on this thread? The OP had this problem, not S. The suggestion that the problem may be cactus thorns rather than rose thorns, and queries about when is she going to see a doctor, and get antibiotics, also seem to indicate some are not following the story very closely before offering advice. I don't doubt for a moment people's good intentions, and wish to help. However, if S has recently had a medical referral to a dermatologist for possible surgery, surely she should follow this medical advice? Perhaps in the US dermatologists are 'simple' people you see for purely cosmetic issues, but here, they're professional medical specialists, who deal with all sorts of skin problems. So urging S to stop delaying in getting 'proper' professional attention, seems at the very least unkind - surely her doctor, who has presumably actually examined her multiple wounds 'in the flesh', is likely to be better equipped than any of us to decide which type of specialist is most appropriate for her? I'm sorry if this offends anyone.

    I wish you all the best, Spraynine, and continue to follow your story with great concern. Thank you very much for keeping us posted, I've wondered how you were going. Please don't be upset by the natural human tendency to 'blame the victim', when his/her problems are frustratingly intractable. I've been on the receiving end of this sort of thing myself, and I'm sure it's a lot more frustrating, and worrying, for you! I'd be interested to know whether the diagnosed Staph infection was successfully cleared up, or not, and how the dermatologist consultation goes, if you feel like posting again.

    Comtesse :¬)

  • altorama Ray
    8 years ago

    I mentioned red streaks or lines because home remedies were being mentioned. Once these signs of infection are present it needs to be treated by a doctor.

    I don't think anyone is attacking, but rather genuinely concerned.


  • Dingo2001 - Z5 Chicagoland
    8 years ago

    Dermatologists in the U.S. are not "simple" people that deal with cosmetic issues. Just an FYI. My impression from reading this whole sad story is that Spraynine is just being shuttled from doctor to doctor - no fault of her own! - simply because she is presenting with a wide spectrum of issues that are difficult to address, and unfortunately not achieving any resolution. Spraynine I hope you get some help for you suffering. If the dermatologist cannot address your needs, I believe someone suggested an ER visit, may not be a bad idea. ER docs see it all and may be a great source of information for you. Good luck and keep us posted. I truly don't think anyone here is criticizing, I just don't think anyone can imagine having all the wounds, etc that you are dealing with and would like you to get appropriate care. :)

  • Eureka
    8 years ago

    The issue as I perceive it, is that the this skin condition has yet to be successfully treated. I would expect the doc to refer out to the next level of specialist if he has yet to successfully clear up the condition or often a patient out of desperation gets fed up, stops looking for treatment or hopefully seeks out a specialist who has greater experience or education. I'm concerned S. may have gotten caught in this. I want her to be proactive for herself and continue to seek out answers. With a condition that is so challenging, docs doing lots of research (medical schools) or infectious disease docs often see very challenging issues are likely going to be the best to identify what is going on. Dermatologists though good, do not necessarily have the exposure to very challenging issues. I don't want S to get frustrated and stop seeking treatment. I am hoping to get her seeking the very, most successful medical help possible. I believe she can call the offices to explain her issue to see if the offices feel prepared to treat. If so, she can go back to Derm doc and ask for a referral to a particular office. Patient's often don't know where to begin and don't know the next steps to get the help needed. Not all specialists see all the very challenging conditions out there but don't necessarily want to say " I'm stumped". That's why a patient needs to be highly proactive for themselves and it is amazing that when a patient needs help and seeks it out from top docs, the pathways can be made smooth for the patient to get the help needed. I want S to push forward to get the help she needs, even if she needs to be pushy. I want her to fight for herself as we all should. That's not an attack.

  • Patty W. zone 5a Illinois
    8 years ago

    Being proactive for your self is a very important part of this. Who ever your last doctor was you should never have been sent on your way without a referral to someone who could help. I know it can bring many people to tears dealing with the medical community. Perhaps you have a friend who can take on the fight for you.

  • summersrhythm_z6a
    8 years ago

    I didn't know she is a Canadian, their health system is way different than the US. It's free but it comes with a long wait, she can't hurry up even if she wants too....... a long wait. Let's all pray for her.

  • Eureka
    8 years ago

    I am afraid for Spraynine that she has been bounced around some, leaving her feeling as though she isn't going to find an answer. Everybody, no matter what country can be worn down, and defeated. That is just my point. We do have to fight for ourselves and not give up the fight. While I agree other countries may well be challenging to work through in medical issues, still fighting for the right treatment is so necessary these days. Honestly in the US I am frustrated with docs because the younger ones just don't seem to have diagnostic skills. I'm so tired of going into one doc, only to be told well I need to see a specialist and even then, depending on the specialist exposure to the vast numbers of conditions, they may be lacking in recognizing certain conditions. In the US, the best diagnosticians can be found at medical schools/hospitals, county hospitals cuz they see so much junk, and in this case the Infectious Disease docs they too also see some truly strange stuff from all over the world. I also feel that if Spraynine is contacting some of the very specialized docs, I would ask for permission to send pictures of affected skin areas so that they can see the seriousness of the condition. I'm saying "Be Creative" to get treatment. Try, try, try, anything to get treatment.

  • titian1 10b Sydney
    8 years ago

    Thankyou, Comptesse for saying what I wanted to say, but in a far better way than I could ever have expressed it.

    spraynine, I do hope you are ok? Please let us know how you are.

    Incidentally, I got quite a bad cut in my hand 5 days ago (why I was looking at this thread) from pulling out weeds, and not realising there was a cane of Aimee Vibert amongst them. 2 days ago I spread cane straw without gloves on, and the cut flared up, and has been pretty sore ever since. As a result of reading this thread, I wondered if I may have got a fungus in the cut. so I dabbed on some bleach solution, and rubbed on some tinea cream for good measure ( I have been using an anti-bacterial cream with not much effect). It feels remarkably less sore. However, unless it's completely better by Monday, I'm off to the doctor.

  • Eureka
    8 years ago

    I would hope that Spraynine understands that the majority of us really want her to be seeing an infectious disease doc who can prescribe the RIGHT antibiotics because we believe her affliction is just that serious. We worry about the infection moving further throughout her body. Not asking for the best treatment could be very serious. She needs a doc to take her seriously and get this clearly up ASAP. I want to hear that she has gotten this treatment to eliminate her shedding skin, constant possible thorns growing her in extremities. It is serious and it needs extensive treatment. But we all know we must keep on top of docs to get the best treatment necessary. You can't be a whimp and just go with whatever a doc wants to do. Go SPRAYNINE.

  • summersrhythm_z6a
    8 years ago

    Haven't heard from her since July, hope she is all better now.

  • comtessedelacouche (10b S.Australia: hotdryMedclimate)
    8 years ago
    last modified: 8 years ago

    Titian - I only just noticed this revived thread. How is your hand doing?

  • titian1 10b Sydney
    8 years ago

    comtesse, thanks for your concern. It's fine now, but I'm so glad I read this thread and realised it might be a fungus. The bleach really seemed to do the trick

  • henry_kuska
    8 years ago
    last modified: 8 years ago

    If you have open wounds and are handling dangerous rose spraying chemicals without proper protection such as long sleeve shirts and gloves, all sorts of hard to diagnose problems can occur.

    "Greater emphasis on the hazardous properties of these products is necessary to ensure non-professional users are aware of the necessity of protective clothing during mixing, loading, application and early re-entry into treated fields."

    http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bcpt.12430/abstract;jsessionid=D05C98E1DC3C11016487F4AFEB5BD8B0.f02t02?userIsAuthenticated=false&deniedAccessCustomisedMessage=