Sharon Mayer

I am a sepsis survivor! I woke up on a Sunday morning to take my daughter to a cheer competition and was in so much pain that I could not move. I had a fever of 103, body chills and sweats. This lasted for three days until I went to the doctor who diagnosed me with the flu. (Sepsis and Influenza)

I went home and treated my symptoms. That night things became even worse. I was in so much pain that I could not stand it any longer. The body chills and sweats were unbearable. I was having difficulty breathing.

I went to the emergency room where after conducting multiple tests, they determined that they did not have the capabilities of caring for me and transported me in an ambulance to the main campus. Here I was diagnosed with sepsis and placed in the critical care unit of the cardiac ward.

I could feel my body shutting down. Everything was just feeling slow. I remember looking at my mother and telling her I was not going to make it. She looked at me and said to think positive.

My liver was inflamed and infected, water was accumulated around my gallbladder and kidneys, heart and lungs and my blood pressure was extremely low. Medical professionals were discussing the removal of my gallbladder.

After a week in the hospital, I went home with oxygen and breathing treatments to begin my slow process of recovery. I did have to go back to the emergency room five days after I got home and was diagnosed with the flu. It is just a slow and frustrating process of recovery. Thanks to all of the medical professionals who cared for me in my journey of survivorship.