Catherine Louise Bombara

The first time I was diagnosed with sepsis was in the summer of 2011. I was bitten by a dog and within two days was admitted to the hospital for septic shock. (Sepsis and Animal Bites) The second time was in September 2013, as a complication to a uterine surgical ablation. (Sepsis and Surgery) Each experience was physically and mentally harrowing and recovery is taking more time then I wanted.

I don’t know that I ever have felt as strong; not tired and my memory, which was compromised after my first episode, has become bad enough to affect my quality of life detrimentally. I fear that I will never recover my quality of life and every injury however small, is fraught with worry about becoming ill again!

I am trying to keep into perspective that it has only been three months since my last hospitalization from septicemia and that it takes time to heal. I’m physically and emotionally stressed and not sure how I should proceed to ensure that I make the best possible recovery.

I felt after a year the first time I was making progress, becoming sick with sepsis again within two years has set me back a great deal! The exhaustion, sleep problems, body aches, and cognitive issues, especially the memory loss, are very frightening. I am not feeling confident in my health and intellect these days….

I struggle to keep my thoughts together. I feel bad that I forget important things and I’m not sure how many lists and alerts on my smart phone I need to help me, not to forget what I need to remember!!

I am not able to work full-time yet. I hope that time, rest and healthy life style choices will get me back to the quality of life I want to enjoy. In the mean time I’m trying to focus on the fact that I am grateful to be alive!