Karen DiNardo

Survivor

On September 14, 2017, I went to the ER due to a kidney stone attack and I was getting very sick with each passing hour. (Sepsis and Kidney Stones) Earlier in May ’17, I was diagnosed with having four large stones in each kidney and had two of the largest stones on the right were removed via percutaneous nephrolithotripsy. But on 9/14, I was attempting to pass one of the other six stones, or so I thought.

Upon arrival at the ER, I had a high fever, extremely low blood pressure, in severe pain and I had stopped making urine. Upon having an initial CT scan and blood work done, it was determined a kidney stone was obstructed in my ureter causing sepsis. My family and I were told I would first undergo a nephrostomy of the right kidney. This would be without any general anesthesia or sedation due to my critically low BP (which was excruciating btw). I would then be taken to ICU where IV access would be made in my arm, neck and right above my heart for medication.

By 11:00 am the following morning, I began hallucinating from the pain and infection and I lost consciousness from that point on. (Sepsis and Hallucinations) As the sepsis continued to wreak havoc on my organs, I was placed in a medically induced coma and on a ventilator for six days. Septic shock caused my kidneys, liver, and lungs to all shut down. It was decided my best hope in care would be to transfer me to the main hospital 20 minutes away. My family was told I may not survive the transfer but a team of doctors and nurses were sent along and I made it through.

One of the most important medications given to me in order to save my life (besides the obvious – antibiotics) has also been a “nemesis”… I am referring to vasopressors. When my organs began to shut down and my blood pressure was critically low, vasopressors were administered. The bad thing about vasopressors is it takes blood away from a person’s extremities (fingers, toes, legs, ears, scalp, nose, eyes, etc..) in order to give it to the vital organs. Well, it did the job! However, my fingers and toes, parts of my ears, arms, legs all turned black. My family was advised I may experience possible amputations. Thankfully, I only had to have numerous plastic surgeries on my fingers and toes, partial amputation of the right tip of my index finger, and a ton of occupational therapy. I still have limited feeling on the tips of my fingers and toes as well as motor skills issues but I can live with this ~ no sweat.

While in ICU as well as during and after my coma, I endured numerous hours of dialysis. Thankfully, this proved beneficial and before I was discharged (after 2 weeks) my kidneys came back to a functioning level.

Needless to say, rehabilitation from sepsis and a coma is no joke. I was forced to live with family members for close to three months. I had to endure three lithotripsies, one uteroscopy, a stent in my ureter (twice, months at a time, ouch!), PT, occupational therapy, antibiotics from 9/14/17-6/5/18, no work for seven months and plenty of counseling!

Even though I now struggle with PTSD issues related to sepsis, I am so very grateful to be alive and for the love and support of my family and friends. (Sepsis and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) I have learned so much from my experience and I’m still scared when I get any type of “pang” but I know I’m in good hands. I also try to take any opportunity to educate myself whenever I can. I’m so glad I found this site. I’m also glad I have the family, friends, and doctors I do!!

Thank you

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