Debra Harrison

In 2009, I went into surgery for a routine hernia repair. (Sepsis and Surgery) The doctor operated with a laparoscope despite my multiple previous surgeries in the area. He punctured my intestine and did not notice it. (Sepsis and Perforated Bowel) Three days later I had a very high fever and we called the doctor who told us to go to the emergency room immediately.

I remember being wheeled up to the emergency but nothing after that. They performed tests on my and discovered I was septic and had bowel in my abdominal cavity because the surgeon punctured my bowels. A colostomy was performed. We lived on a second floor and stairs were an issue so I was sent to rehab where I spent a number of weeks until I was able to make it home. At rehab, a nurse told me it was time for me to learn to change my colostomy bag and I just lost it. I could not see myself ever being able to do such a disgusting thing. Eventually, I was able to learn to care for my colostomy bag but it was very hard for me. I went home not knowing if they would ever be able to put all my parts back together or if I would wear the bag for life.

Thankfully, they were able to reverse the procedure 4 months later. While in the hospital and due to the sepsis, I developed fluid in the sack around my lungs which required drainage with a huge needle through my back. I have had 4 separate cancers and this is the worst medical issue I have ever had. It was a truly horrible experience. I was hooked up to multiple bags of IV antibiotics and spent a number of days not knowing what was going on. This was a hardship to my family as well. My partner spent untold hours with me and my sister flew out from Arkansas because my situation was so dire.