Melissa V.

My 69 year old Mom had a routine steriod back injection performed on October 25, 2023 for chronic back pain, no complications from the procedure that we are aware of. Two days later, she woke up in the morning with chills so bad the bed was shaking, vomiting and loss of her bowels. My dad thought she had a stomach bug.

A few hours later she was unable to hold a glass of water and had trouble speaking. I called 911 and EMS took her to the hospital. She arrived and her fever spiked to 103.5 and her blood pressure was dropping. I remember seeing 64/39 at one point. She was admitted to ICU. In 3 days, I watched my mom decline before my eyes. The BP meds were causing circulation problems, her kidneys were failing and her fever was 105 despite the doctors and nurses doing everything they could.

Blood culture came back positive for MSSA [Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus] bacteremia and the only explanation was from the back injection. (Sepsis and Bacterial Infections) My dear mom succumbed to the toxicity from sepsis and major organ failure. She was a vibrant, healthy woman and in 3 days, sepsis took over her body. In her honor, I will spend the rest of my life bringing awareness to others about sepsis. My God rest her soul.

Source: Angela Bramble - daughter