Emily Smith

In April of 2020, in the beginning of a global pandemic, I came down with a very high fever and upper respiratory symptoms. I had not been exposed to anyone since we were already in lockdown at the time in NC (where I was living at the time), so I knew deep down that I didn’t have COVID. I assumed it was a sinus infection since I usually get them every year in the spring. The only thing was this time, I wasn’t getting better; I was getting worse.

I had been COVID tested numerous times and even flu tested and all were negative. One day, while laying in bed, I noticed my heart racing. I checked my heart rate on my watch and my resting heart rate was 175 b/m. I asked my mother to take me to the ER because I now knew something was very wrong. She ended up dropping me off at the local hospital since only patients could enter. I had no idea then that I wouldn’t leave that hospital for another two weeks.

Within hours I learned that I had double pneumonia, liver failure, and sepsis. (Sepsis and Pneumonia) I was admitted and treated as a COVID patient since I had all of the main symptoms; I was even placed in the COVID ward until they tested me four consecutive days with negative results. After finally ruling out I didn’t have COVID, I was moved to the cardiac ward so I could be closely monitored since my heart rate remained high.

After over 100 tests including MRIs, blood work, blood cultures, and a spinal puncture, the source of my sepsis was never found. I had teams of doctors: cardiac, GI, infectious diseases, etc and none of them could figure out how I got so sick. After about 4-5 different IV antibiotics, they finally found one that worked. My temperature got lower but never returned to normal while hospitalized. I lost over 15 pounds in two weeks time. I was weak and still without answers. I eventually got better but recovery was long and hard. I still have PTSD from the whole experience and live in fear that this could all happen again. I want to share my story because not everyone gets a clear answer or diagnosis. I credit my recovery to excellent doctors and nurses, and my faith. I also want to encourage everyone to listen to their bodies and please get checked out if something seems off. If I had waited another day to go to the hospital, I might not be here today.