Denise Powell

Denise Powell
Survivor

I am 5 years post sepsis. In February 2012, I had some adhesions removed from around my bowel after having a hysterectomy 18 months before as I had suffered with endometriosis and polycystic ovaries for ten years. (Sepsis and Surgery) I woke up on Saturday, 28th July, 2012, to go to work as normal. I was a hairdresser beauty therapist running my own business for over 20 years. I made a cup of tea and went back to bed to drink it and wake up slowly. I’m not great at mornings

I felt I need to go to the toilet and as I tried to open my bowels I felt a give in side me on the left side and then unbearable pain. I took pain killers and went back to bed but after twenty minutes I found no improvement, so I woke my husband and we got clothes on and went to our local A&E. I was in so much pain, holding my side but we got there in 20 minutes which was 8.30am. I was sick a few times on the way and in the hospital. In A&E they gave me morphine for the pain, that’s all and an x-ray.

I was moved to an assessment ward where I was given fluids and more pain killers. Eventually a consultant came to see me. He was shouting at the young doctor who had examined me before and said there are no bowel sounds. I had a CT scan at 6.30 pm, which showed a ruptured bowel. I was rushed into surgery. (Sepsis and Perforated Bowel)

I don’t remember much from then. I deteriorated in surgery and was on a ventilator and sedated for eight weeks in total I was in hospital 12 weeks. I very nearly didn’t make it it was touch and go for two weeks. My husband and parents and children wore told to pray and hope. I got lots for other infections as well as sepsis, as well as the surgery and a colostomy bag. I was 41. When I woke up I couldn’t move I had to learn to walk again. I couldn’t hold things I couldn’t write, or use my phone. I couldn’t talk as I had a trach. I had to be weaned off the ventilator. I was in ITU for 11 weeks then a normal ward for the rest.

I have had a slow recovery and for the last three years I suffer with PTSD , and PSS. (Sepsis and PTSD, Sepsis and Post-Sepsis Syndrome) I have pains ever wear all over and in my joints, I get out of breath easily. I can’t walk far and up hill and steps are very challenging. I take painkillers to get through the day. I suffer with fatigue all the time, fuzzy heads headache, low concentration and unable to sleep without sleeping tablets.

I lost my hole life as I knew it overnight. I had to sell my business I can’t work and don’t expect to ever be able to. I just live one day at a time, some days are better than others, but I can’t do much or it knocks me about for two or three days, and I can’t do anything then. Life is a constant fight now. I’m sure there are lots of you out there the same as me and worse. I didn’t lose a limb I do think I was lucky. I know it could have been worse.
Hope this help others out there so you don’t feel so alone.

Denise

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