Shannon McKenney

I’m a survivor of a hat trick of septic infections.

It started with a ruptured appendix in 2011. (Sepsis and Appendicitis) I had just started a new job and didn’t want to call in sick, so I went to work until I collapsed from septic shock. Looking back, I believe I had 3 prior bouts of appendicitis before it ruptured.

I never got better, so next went my gallbladder in Oct 2013. So when I started having seizures and vomiting on December 23, 2013, I bee lined to the hospital. This time it was sludge in my common bile duct and I was treated with an ERCP. I was discharged on December 27th but returned the next day with sepsis. I spent 18 days over Xmas and New Years, mostly in the hospital hallway. That was a tough one.

I had read that once you get sepsis, your chances of getting it again are increased.

That beast laid in wait until July 12, 2019. It presented like kidney stones and I was screaming in pain with a high temperature. (Sepsis and Kidney Stones) I had so many doctors, imaging, blood tests, trying to find the source of this episode. At best, the diagnosis was gastroenteritis, or the common flu. (Sepsis and Influenza)

I feel so full of gratitude. Somehow, I gained enough strength to tour and perform with my band, Indian City. I’m 46 on a geriatric diet, but I can still sing my heart out. It has been very therapeutic and has been great for my mental health.

I don’t know why I’ve been spared 3 times now, but I have this huge sense that I’m meant to do more.

I have learned to trust my intuition & my “go time” symptoms. The survival instinct is strong and will keep you here if you listen!

Health & Love,
Shannon McKenney