Penny A.

On December 22, 2014 I had neck surgery. The following day the doctors removed the drain tubes from the surgery site. On Christmas day I was diagnosed with sepsis. (Sepsis and Surgery)

I spent two weeks in the hospital and when discharged I presented as a quadriplegic. I was transferred to a rehab physically where I was taught to talk, walk, and use my hands and arms once again. During the next couple of months I had three additional surgeries to drain infection. After the last surgery I left the hospital with a PICC line, antibiotics were given every 8 hours for one and every 12 for the other. Three weeks into this therapy, it was discovered that I was allergic to the 8-hour antibiotic ,which was stopped immediately.

The third week of March 2016, they removed my final drain tubes even though I was still draining quite a bit each day. The doctor said we still need to remove it. On March 31, 2016 I felt like I had the flu. The next morning my husband took me to my primary doctor. He said get her to the hospital now! They tried to get me off examining table but I couldn’t move. By this time my skin was bright red all over (allergic to 12-hour antibiotic). An ambulance came and I was taken to local hospital, where I was diagnosed with septic shock and flown to hospital where surgeries were performed.

I have flash backs to being there with ice blankets and fans blowing on me to bring down my fever, the helicopter flight, etc. I now suffer from PTSD, severe anxiety, depression, constant pain in neck, shoulders, arms and hands, kidney damage and liver damage. And just found out C6 to C8 nerves are still pinched.  (Sepsis and PTSD, Sepsis and Post-Sepsis Syndrome) I haven’t been able to bring myself to see a surgeon as my neurologist suggests. I do know how very fortunate I am to be alive and to write my story. Please if you even suspect sepsis go to the doctor Immediately! It could save your life!