Annette Calobrisi

My husband and I went on vacation to Louisiana to visit my family. 10 hour drive and I only used the bathroom once. Had I known that was a sign of sepsis I could’ve maybe avoided going into shock but I didn’t know the signs.

That night I didn’t feel well and was extremely tired but I thought it was from the drive. The next day we had a good day hanging out with my mom talking and laughing. That night I started vomiting and having the most extreme back pain. Even then I thought maybe I pulled a muscle, until my heart started feeling like it would burst. My husband called the ambulance and I was taken to the E.R. While I was there waiting for the on call urologist to come in for the kidney stone, I went into septic shock. My BP was 60/30 and dropping. HR 180 and rising. (Sepsis and Kidney Stones)

I had emergency surgery to remove the blockage and a stint put in. Spent 3 days in ICU and another 4 in a room. Went home weak but getting stronger. Started walking to build strength and forcing myself to eat even though I had no appetite. I was doing extremely well at first then I ended up back in the E.R. 3x. The first time was because the stint got infected, 2nd time I had to have my gallbladder removed and the last time I was so dehydrated my organs were shutting down again. My mom helped take care of me until I was strong enough to go home then my husband took over when I got back to Tennessee. I felt defeated but had the best support team. They were right there helping me to get stronger. I don’t know what I would’ve done without them. This was 8 months ago with my last hospitalization being 5 months ago. I got home in September and with encouragement from my husband I started walking every day and forcing myself to eat. I also went back to work with a smaller caseload. I still struggle with lack of energy, extreme anxiety and PTSD but I’m a survivor and I feel like I have another chance at life. I definitely don’t take it for granted anymore. I just wish I had the energy I used to but hopefully in time.

I didn’t know the signs of sepsis and it almost cost me my life. I’m hoping my story helps someone. I was told by my local urgent care I had a UTI 2 weeks before this happened. It was the 4th time I went to that clinic and was just given antibiotics for a UTI. Even though I had lower back pain I was never checked for a kidney stone. Please advocate for yourself. I should’ve advocated for myself more or went somewhere else and now I really wish I would have.