Mary Beth West

I am a 72-year-old woman. My illness began on January 31, 2016. I had a urinary tract infection without the test results at that time. (Sepsis and Urinary Tract Infections) It was Sunday. I finished breakfast and was going to Mass. Out of nowhere, I began shaking from head to toe, and I was freezing cold. My husband and I headed for the closest hospital. Then I was vomiting repeatedly. I had blood tests and a CT scan. My blood pressure was very low. I was diagnosed with pneumonia. (Sepsis and Pneumonia) Shortly after, I was told I had septicemia. Immediately the doctor continued with heavy duty antibiotics.

I was informed by several doctors that I was the first person with this diagnosis that wasn’t in ICU. I was hospitalized for five days and sent home with a port in my arm in order that I could give myself IV antibiotics for a period of two weeks. I was extremely tired for a few months. We cancelled a vacation we had planned in April. Slowly I regained my strength. I don’t have the energy I once had before septicemia but I live a very full life. I realize how fortunate I have been after reading about so many losses and what other survivor’s experienced. Thank all of you for sharing. I hope I can help someone through recuperation.
Mary Beth West