Dawn Dugo

On September 20, 2018 I went into the hospital for a bowel resection due to diverticulitis. As I laid in my hospital bed waiting for my bowels to start functioning things started to change quickly! (Sepsis and Surgery) What I was doing a day ago I noticed was becoming to painful or I simply didn’t have enough energy. The following day I began sweating and my abdomen started extending quite large. My husband helped me up only for me to say “I’m going to pass out” and that’s exactly what happened and my sepsis set in!

A crash cart and team were rushed in, tubes were jammed down my nose, PICC line started and a surgeon was called. My colon had ruptured and fecal matter had emptied into my abdomen and my fight for life began. (Sepsis and Perforated Bowel) I woke from surgery number 2 in ICU with a colostomy, several accesses and drains all over me and a family so grateful I had opened my eyes.

It was a fight the next five weeks in the hospital to learn how to walk, eat, shower, dress, and just take normal daily functions on. I left the hospital with nursing care at home for the next 6 weeks. Today 6 months post sepsis I’m starting to prepare for my reversal surgery and not going to lie. I’m scared! I know I still have a long way to go but with such support and encouragement from the Sepsis Alliance I feel so much more aware of what to look for and to be more proactive in my own health care. Many blessings to all of you.