Franklin J. Schaefer

I have been an RN for 43 years and have seen many illnesses throughout my career. As a Critical Care Nurse, I have witnessed patients succumb to sepsis, but the most difficult one for me was my father.

At age 98, living in a senior apartment building, Pop developed pneumonia and was hospitalized, then went into inpatient rehab. (Sepsis and Pneumonia) Needing more physical therapy, he reluctantly went into assisted living.

Two months after his 99th birthday, Pop told me he was ready to move back into his apartment. Arrangements were being made when he started complaining about an itchy rash, which he kept scratching open, and painful, swollen elbows. The rash was an allergic reaction to a change in laundry detergent. Blood work was done.

His WBCs were 32. He was admitted to a medical floor and placed on antibiotics. Biopsies and blood cultures were done; he had developed MRSA sepsis which seeded to his elbows. Every antibiotic was tried, even amikacin, but to no avail. His WBC’s were up to 64 and climbing. (Sepsis and MRSA)

Now, I know 99 is old, but he was alert and oriented X 4, with a sharp mind, still intact. Knowing Pop wanted to be a DNR/DNI, everything was stopped and he was placed on comfort care. He didn’t last 10 hours in hospice.

With every sepsis patient I care for, memories of Pop come flooding back. Perhaps I can make a difference in the outcome for someone else’s father.

Source: by Mary Schaefer (Franklin's daughter)