Jeff

First of all, I’m so happy to be able to click on the “survivor” button at the beginning of this submission. I send my most sincere condolences to those who have lost friends and loved ones to sepsis.

Our lives were forever changed this past August when my husband was diagnosed with sepsis, septic shock and toxic shock. (Sepsis and Toxic Shock Syndrome) It all started with the out-patient removal of a sebaceous cyst from his back. The cyst was removed on Friday and he was in ICU Sunday night. (Sepsis and Surgery)

Upon arriving at the ER, his lactic acid level was 11.6. I watched his blood pressure register at alarmingly low rates. Temp was 104+. Heart rate was in the 160’s. Before 7:00 am the next morning, he was in ICU. He was intubated before noon that day, and his kidneys were failing. The next day, he was transported to a larger hospital nearby. Upon admittance there, he was placed in CCU. He was placed on continuous dialysis. We settled in there and the waiting began.

He was in CCU for a total of 18 days. While there, he experienced respiratory failure (intubation for 9 days), renal failure (he needed dialysis for 6+ weeks), rhabdomyleosis, and pneumonia, and more. He spent a grand total of 62 days in the hospital. This includes time spent in rehab. He had blisters all over his body and eventually lost most of his hair. He lost 80 pounds. The sepsis took a huge toll on his lower extremities and he underwent bilateral below knee amputation surgery in October. (Sepsis and Amputations)

Jeff was discharged from inpatient rehab in October. We have since learned that he has profound hearing loss and has little to no peripheral vision. The tests are still pending to determine what causes intermittent severe gastric pain. (Sepsis and Post-Sepsis Syndrome)

Jeff was fitted for prosthetics in late November and received his new legs/feet the week before Christmas. I know that he will eventually be up and around. I do think it will be a slower process than we originally anticipated. For now, he’s exhausted after wearing the prosthetics for an hour or two.

Prior to August, he worked as the installation supervisor at a custom cabinetry business. He was strong and healthy and a very hard working man. We wonder what type of work he will be able to return to – if he will ever be able to work again. He’s only 50 so it’s hard to imagine him not working again. The challenges he continues to face are huge, but I’m proud of the progress he has made so far. He could have easily given up many times, but he’s a true fighter. His attitude remains positive. Our lives have been changed forever, but we are so blessed to still have him.

Source: Stephanie (Jeff's wife)