Mary Ellen Thompson-Laliberte

I was admitted to the ICU one year ago, April 20, 2024, for a ruptured stercoral ulcer of the sigmoid colon. (Sepsis and Perforated Bowel) Within hours it caused sepsis which turned into septic shock before nightfall. Beforehand, my operation included removing over 8 inches of the sigmoid colon, an appendectomy, and an ileostomy. My blood pressure dramatically dropped, and I was placed on life support with a ventilator, a feeding tube, IVs, and an induced coma, and given a 50% chance of survival!

Apparently, I woke up after 5 days, but my fight worsened when I became unresponsive and “stroke alert” was called and more tests and scans were performed! I did not have a stroke, thankfully. Finally, after 2 weeks in the ICU, I somehow improved and was moved into a regular hospital room for one more week! I am a miracle, according to some of my doctors! Once out of the hospital, my fight wasn’t over. I spent time learning how to walk again (rehab) and going to various doctors. My cardiologist treated me for heart conditions caused by sepsis. Sepsis also caused gangrene in my toes, but thanks to small surgeries/treatments, my wound doctor was able to save all 10 of them!

After 4 months with an ileostomy, I was able to get my reversal operation done! Little by little, I gained strength, and I am now walking 2.5 miles/day! I still have PSS and PICS and am getting medical treatment for the anxiety I still feel. I am looking for more support through group therapy now, and writing about my ordeal with sepsis helps me too. Through daily exercise, I was in very good physical shape before this all happened, and I was told that this may have helped me survive it. I recently went back to the ICU to visit and thank everyone for saving my life. It has been a long journey…. and still ongoing for me.