Laura K.

One Sunday morning, I became suddenly ill with incredible body aches, chills, a fever and even my skin hurt. I assumed it was the flu. 4 years prior, I had COVID two times. Ever since COVID, my lungs were not the same. It was painful to breathe after even a little exertion. I assumed this was my life post COVID and used my inhaler A LOT.

I was running a fever between 100-103 for 5 days. My boyfriend tried to get me to see my doctor and I resisted, assuming I would get better. On the 5th day, he took me to the ER. In triage, my temperature was 104.5. I was admitted right away. Chest x-rays showed spots on my lungs and I was diagnosed with pneumonia and had become septic. (Sepsis and Pneumonia) I was given IV antibiotics, fluids and steriods to reduce inflammation.

I was never able to produce a cough (phlegm) for culture, but I assume blood tests revealed what the infection source was. After 4 days and an emotional meltdown, I was released on the condition I get an oxygen tank to use for 1 month. I have been home 2 days and go for follow up a 3 days. I do not know my long term prognosis, but respiratory rehab is most likely where it will begin.

I was very lucky my boyfriend took me to get medical assistance and most likely here to share my story because of him. When you feel like you may die being that ill, don’t assume you won’t. Get seen and get help. I will never assume anything is minor when my body is screaming it can’t fight anymore. I am blessed to be here and will not take my health for granted again!