Linda Bates
On May 1st, 2017 I had hip replacement surgery and was recovering well. After the 2nd week I noticed my incision was red – I went back to the surgeon and he said it was fine. (Sepsis and Surgery) Another week goes by and my incision was inflamed – went back to the doctor he sends me home and said it was fine. Two days later I fell terrible – went to bed and woke up having severe chills. I was too weak to get out of bed.
I called my wife who is a registered nurse for help. She called the doctor’s office and asked. do I bring her in to your office or go to ER. My condition was rapidly declining. I could not stand up and had slipped off the bed. My spouse had to call my son trying to help me up. They couldn’t help me so they got our next door neighbor. I was loaded up in the car and taken to ER. The doctors office called my spouse and said I probably had the flu and if I wasn’t better in a couple of days to call my GP. If we had listened to him I would be dead.
The hospital ran many test and did a CT scan and finally did a code white on me, telling my spouse i had sepsis/pneumonia. (Sepsis and Pneumonia) I was sent to ICU and not getting better – decided I needed a 2nd surgery on my hip to clean out the infection. I still wasn’t improving, and was transported to another hospital for my 3rd surgery. I was told this surgeon was more experienced with sepsis patients.
I finally was released to come home – having a health care nurse changing bandages on that horrible incision, blood work and taking care of my PIC line. My spouse would give me IV nightly (antibiotics) for 6 weeks. I just got my PIC line removed yesterday and am taking 2 different antibiotics orally. I now have cognitive issues, fearful of getting sepsis again. I have no stamina and my joints hurt. (Sepsis and Post-Sepsis Syndrome) I am very grateful to be alive but sepsis has changed me mentally and physically. I’m thinking of trying to start a support group – I know I’m not the only one that needs this. For the sepsis survivors – God Bless you.
