Debra Lange

I had been living on the Big Island of Hawaii in Hilo. Following a small scrape on my toe, from tripping on a tent stake, I contracted a dangerous infection from the dirt. I had no idea the dirt in Hawaii contains dangerous microbials, some that mimic MRSA. It was a month long infection on my toe, that had actually healed before showing symptoms of sepsis. (Sepsis and Bacterial Infections)

I had a very high fever especially at night, but no cold symptoms. I remember telling my boyfriend that I had muscle aches like when you have the flu, but I still wasn’t feeling “sick”. The fevers became worse, and higher in the daytime. I noticed feeling weaker, and tired during the day and I NEVER take naps. After about 2 weeks not feeling the energy to go anywhere, my boyfriend leaving for work, I found myself literally unable to get up out of bed. My mouth and throat dry from the fever, and falling in and out of sleep. I finally got help by trying to call out an open window in my bedroom at my landlord passing by.

After helping me get up and dressed, she got me to the hospital. I told them when checking in to the E.R. at noon, that I had a fever but didn’t have any “cold-like” symptoms. I had no idea what my physical appearance was showing. They immediately whisked me back to a room, where I was hooked up to a heart monitor, IV fluids of all sorts in both arms, and a room completely full of people. My boyfriend showed up, and I remember him panicking and crying that he was going to lose me.

My blood pressure dropped significantly in a 7-minute period. My fever was at 102.7, lower than at night actually. I was admitted to the critical care floor of the hospital for 6 days. I learned from the physician the next morning, that the people in my room, were every team from every type of crash cart I would possibly need, that was ready and waiting outside my E.R. room. He said I still wasn’t out of the woods, and had I not gotten help when I did, that I more than likely would not have made it through the next few hours and definitely not through the night. That was in June of 2025. It is now early October and of 2025, and I’m dealing with post sepsis syndrome: inflammation, joint pain that migrates continuously, but I’m alive.

It is imperative to recognize the early symptoms. But simply put.. “You know your body. If you feel odd or that you just don’t feel right, something is just weird, GET HELP.” Sepsis takes on many forms and can be different for everyone. But it will kill you if left untreated and it doesn’t take long. It’s effects are long lasting, possibly lifetime. Early detection and treatment are key. I survived but barely. I no longer live on the Big Island of Hawaii.