Julie Waterman

Unbeknownst to me, I was sick for about two-and-a-half years with appendicitis that turned into peritonitis/sepsis, and then my appendix burst sending me into septic shock. (Sepsis and Appendicitis) I was traveling alone in Europe and was in London the morning my appendix finally burst. I do not remember much of the incident after my appendix bursting, but once I was in the emergency room, I was told that I was septic and that they were going to cut me open and put a camera in to look around. I had an appendectomy and extensive washing of my peritoneal cavity. They only kept me for a day and a half after my surgery and did not properly treat my sepsis as I had no health insurance and was informed that this was not free for me as I was not a queen’s citizen.

Sent out into the world with no information on how to care for myself, I developed an infection immediately in the belly button incision. Upon returning to the States, I learned of a heart condition that I had developed from septic shock, for which I ended up having a catheter ablation for a year later. I had PTSD and stemmed out of it depersonalization/derealization disorder. (Sepsis and PTSD) My reality was quite altered. I developed a T3 conversion disorder, as well as lessening production of sex hormones. I went from only getting a cold a year to multiple infections needing antibiotics. I have chronic fatigue and chronic low body temperature, and all of this results in me not being able to work full time anymore, and becoming a dependent on people who love me and government programs.

I have depression and lowered self-esteem. My cognition has lowered. I was a vibrant and creative young lady, and my personality has seemed to disappeared along with my creative drive. I mourn the loss of myself as well as the life I once had, living in a small town in the Colorado Rockies I have never been able to find a doctor who does not think I am some kind of hypochondriac basket case that needs to be put on pscyh meds. And I keep getting worse everyday…I need help but I do not know where to go for it. (Sepsis and Post-Sepsis Syndrome)