Jackie Alba

5/5/08. I had a laparoscopic hysterectomy. I was sent home the next day. On 5/11/08, I returned to the hospital complaining that I was in pain and that there was a strange odor. (Sepsis and Surgery) The ER doctor had them do a CAT scan without barium. They found nothing and stated due to my prior injuries for military service, it was causing me have more problems with my IBS.

I requested the doctor that did the surgery come and do an exam. They called his office and he didn’t show up, but sent his assistant. She did a physical exam and agreed with the ER doctor. I was sent home to tend to my IBS and told I stunk and needed a shower. Mind you, I do shower, lotion, baby powder, wear nice new clothing and only wear Eternity perfume—Out of character for me.

On 5/14/08 1 pm, I went in to the treating physician’s hospital. I requested a physical exam and they found a 100 cc of fluid. It come out of me. Pain, sick, vomiting, weak, dizzy, I told everyone “I am going to die.” They wanted to send me home with antibiotics and a sitz bath. I was driven by my mother to the same hospital that did my surgery. I was in the worst pain I had ever encountered. I lay in ER for 5 hours, crying, screaming, upset, angry and no one would help.

I called the doctor who did my surgery. It wasn’t until that 5th hour the ER– finally– had me drink barium. I went to CAT scan and next thing I know I am in ICU. Gloves, gowns, 2000 mg of ciproflaxion being put in my IV. They told me I has septic shock. Not one abscess but 2. Didn’t explain how bad I was nor did my family. I spent 30 days in and out. They almost put a bag on me to drain. 39 days after, I was taken off my pain meds and given 5mg of codeine.

I can only recall moments for that year. I have since lost my gallbladder, more pain than before, digestive problems. I have to watch what I eat. I just found out I have a boney impacted wisdom tooth with 4 cavities and periodontal disease. Could be the fluoride from the ciproflaxion. Not sure. My life is living. I can’t do much. I live day to day. Migraines and being sick is horrible.

Day’s the pain is so bad I can’t get up. I was crippled while serving in the military…. This added to my crippled body. It is a struggle. I don’t give up. My hands are becoming sore and not wanting to move. I will not give into my diseases. I will never recover.

Please get tested. Glad to be alive. With the help of my mother, I adopted my son. Life is challenging but I get up everyday to live for him. I will fight everything that is put in front of me. I am thankful for my Mom. Unfortunately my younger brother doesn’t understand. He told me to “get over it.” He is not a doctor. He doesn’t even have a GED. There are people who don’t understand. Be brave. This is a fight. Never give up. There is tomorrow. Live each day like it’s your last. No I am not happy about what happened. Days I get mad. Just find something that makes you happy. I moved to the ocean. Play video games. I can’t always get up and enjoy the beach. There are days I do. Be strong and Rock on. Septic shock is no joke. Thank you to Sepsis Alliance. They are always there for me.