Susan Dorsey

I’m a two time sepsis survivor. Six years ago, I had kidney stones which led to an UTI and ultimately sepsis. (Sepsis and Kidney Stones, Sepsis and Urinary Tract Infections) I was on a business trip in a new job, when I became very sick. I thought I had the flu.

I managed to drive 6 hours back home after spending a long painful night in my hotel room. Went to the ER the next day, and was put into a medically induced coma to allow the doctors time to figure out the cause. Turns out it was a kidney stone. This year, I thought I had the flu right when COVID hit and we were told not to go to the ER for the flu. I didn’t recognize or remember the flank pain, fever and chills being related to kidney stones. Was deadly sick for 3 weeks before neighbors called 911 on my behalf.

In hospital 6 weeks, on a ventilator for 8 days, had kidney dialysis, severe sepsis. Am now disabled and can no longer work. Have routine visits to urologist now, every 3 months, to catch stones from forming too large before surgical intervention. I’m grateful to be alive, and with no loss of limb. But the physical effects have a life changing effect for the rest of ,y life.