Melissa L.

I went to three doctors in as many weeks before my trip to the emergency room in February 2025. Something was wrong, but no one could figure it out. My symptoms were occasional stomach aches/back pain, lethargy, lack of appetite—basically I felt “off,” like a low-grade flu. I was tested repeatedly for Covid, strep, flu and UTIs, and they were always negative.

After a night of sweats, then violent chills, I asked my husband to take me to the hospital, assuming I’d finally get my flu confirmation, a bag of fluids and some meds then be on my way. It would be a couple of hours, tops.

I lost consciousness in the emergency reception area, and came around on a bed in triage with a half-dozen nurses taking vitals and drawing blood. My temperature was 102.5 (this was after a dose of Advil at home). The blood pressure reading was 80/40 and my heart rate was elevated. The MD on duty mentioned “sepsis protocol,” but I didn’t fully understand what that meant. They tested my blood and urine, gave me a lung x-ray, and finally a CT scan. The scan revealed one of my kidneys held a large, obstructive stone and was dangerously infected. (Sepsis and Kidney Stones)

As soon as the urologist was available, I was taken to surgery for a stent to drain my kidney. In order to achieve this, he first had to fragment the stone. I was told much later, the procedure was quite dangerous since my blood pressure was so low. One of the medical team who was there said, “It was not a fun time.”

After the surgery I spent two nights in the ICU, then another day on the regular floor. Immediately after the surgery, my vital signs improved and remained stable. With antibiotics and two properly functioning kidneys, I was feeling much better.

It took about six weeks to get my strength back to pre-sepsis levels. My mental health was also tested, as I was constantly worried what might happen next and why it happened at all; my general health had always been good. Additionally, the frustration of knowing I tried to get treatment before things got bad was intense.

I was extremely lucky I went to the hospital when I did, and the outstanding medical team quickly diagnosed the kidney infection and sepsis. Only now do I understand the full gravity of my situation; things could have gone very badly, very quickly. This summer will mark my 54th birthday. I’m thankful to be alive and give thanks for my health every day.