Leslie Kay Kolhoff

Had been having gallbladder attacks, stones were seen in ultrasound. Scheduled to see a digestive disease consultant who would refer me quickly to a surgeon. (Sepsis and Gallstones) Had gallbladder removed the next morning and went home in the afternoon. Everything seemed as normal at the time as it could be. (Sepsis and Surgery)

Next few days were uneventful. Started slowly introducing foods. Surgery was on a Thursday but the following Tuesday night out of my sleep came what I can only describe as a crushing feeling in my abdomen, like a very bad gallbladder attack. How could this be? Eased up after 45 minutes but I had been on my knees praying.

Wednesday I was very tired but shopped for groceries, tried eating a bit more. Then Thursday night another attack. I know now I should have called an ambulance then.

Friday during the day was bad. Could hardly get out of bed. But Friday night was awful. Every minute of every hour incredible pain came and went, was losing all energy to fight. Saturday morning called ambulance and EMTs said it was “gas” probably be home tonight. I knew it was not gas and nor would I be back, they wouldn’t listen and I had no more strength.

First hospital hooked up IV and gave morphine so I could manage a CT scan. Scan showed fluid in my belly, bile. Docs said this was an emergency, I was an acute patient and something needs to be done. They called another ambulance to take me back to the hospital and surgeon who did initial surgery.

Late that Saturday night went for MRI to see if any stones left behind. My temp was 103 – shaking uncontrollably. Scan saw stone stuck in bile duct on top of having a leak. Was in full septic shock.
Sunday surgeon said rest, need more IVs and IV antibiotics and pain control. We would do ERCP procedure first thing Monday, remove stone, check on leak and surgeon may need to use a stint.

Tuesday the pain was down. Thank goodness and I sat up in a chair. First time in about a week. Wednesday I went home but not out of the woods yet. 6-8 weeks recovery time with several follow up appointments.
Am an RSD chronic patient also have autoimmune Sarcoidosis – we must be very careful with surgeries and post op complications but I didn’t suspect sepsis. (Sepsis and Autoimmune Diseases)

Still recovering. Thank you for having me share my story. Leslie