Darla B

March 24, 2016 was a day that changed my lifeet forever. I was sitting at work at 4:00 and all of a sudden my stomach started hurting. I really don’t remember much after that for the next 22 days. I went home and called a friend to take me to the ER, I don’t remember this or the ride there where I apparently threw up in her car.

The ER said I had an ulcer and sent me home with a copy of the BRAT diet. I called an ambulance at 6 a.m. the next morning. This whole time I was doubled over in severe pain and having problems breathing. They were going to send me home! Apparently, I threw a fit and wanted my family doctor. When he arrived he admitted me on Friday afternoon. After x-rays, CT and MRI I was transported 50 miles away to VCU Medical Center on Saturday night ..thank God!

I had emergency surgery on Sunday and another surgery on Monday. I was not expected to live. I was on life support for 4 days and in ICU for 16 days. I have a scar from under my breastbone to my pubic area. I had a hernia that twisted and caused a blockage, which caused my bowels to burst. (Sepsis and Perforated Bowel) I got sepsis. The treatment and testing were horribly painful. I gained over 50 pounds in fluid and had 2 liters drained out of my left lung. I had 1 liter on my right as well.

My recovery has been horrendous. It’s been 15 months and I’m still exhaust easily, my cognitive thinking is better, but still slow and I still have pain around my ribs and back. I have very few memories of the entire event and am still finding out things from family and friends that were with me. I have improved a lot and am hoping next year this time I will be back to my old self. Sepsis has turned my life upside down, both mentally and physically. Knowing that I came that close to death changes you. I’m actually grateful that I don’t remember 98% of it.