Aleksandra Sz

A year ago in September my life almost ended.

On Thursday I felt tired. On Saturday I was at an intense pole dance workshop. At the same time, I was preparing for a high-altitude trekking expedition. I was strong, pushing my limits. Fitness was my life. By Monday I was in the hospital, fighting for my life. The diagnosis: pyelonephritis (kidney infection) from two bacteria I likely caught in a pool, which escalated into sepsis with severe septic shock. (Sepsis and Bacterial Infections)

My heart worked at only 15% capacity, my kidneys failed, I went into cardiac arrest, and doctors gave me “last-chance” antibiotics.

I will never forget the fear, the exhaustion, the terror of falling asleep thinking: What if I don’t wake up?

Recovery was slow, and I feared permanent disability. From someone preparing to conquer mountains, I had to fight just to survive.

Today I train again. My strength isn’t the same, but every movement proves I survived.
Sepsis kills many patients. I was lucky. September is Sepsis Awareness Month – don’t ignore the signs. Listen to your body. Seek help early.