Misty Francis

My name is Misty Francis, I am a sepsis survivor. On April 14, 2019 I went to bed as usual and at 5 am the next morning I woke apparently complaining of a headache and vomiting. By 9 am that morning I couldn’t even remember my name or anything else about me.

The ambulance took me to the ER where I was diagnosed with double pneumonia, UTI, and sepsis. (Sepsis and Pneumonia, Sepsis and Urinary Tract Infections) I was placed on a ventilator for 9 days. I have 3 kids, a 22-year-old autistic son, a 17-year-old daughter, and an 18-month-old baby boy. I remember nothing about the day I got sick, but I do remember some things on the ventilator.

I live in a small town with very few hospitals around, and they sent me to what is supposed to be considered the best, but some of the things the nurses said and the way I was treated has opened my eyes to the extreme need for more training for medical professionals on this disease. One of the nurses actually told me surviving sepsis is no big deal and happens all the time. The doctor ordered physical therapy for me while I was there, but I never received it. I was sent home unable to walk, move or do anything basically on my own. My husband is now not only taking care of our baby, he has to also take care of me. I am going to start physical therapy on my own, I am going to get back to 100% and I am going to do everything I can to spread awareness about this disease!! I was spared for a reason, and I truly believe it was to do my best to be an advocate!!