Sepsis: Hi. I've been reading your posts will... - ICUsteps

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Sepsis

sheila21 profile image
10 Replies

Hi. I've been reading your posts will interest as had sepsis after a week of food poisoning diagnosed as a winter virus after a phone call to my GP. I became much worse with a blinding headache and lack of control. My husband called an ambulance which apparently I refused to get in. I was stabilised but eventually unconscious so the second ambulance tool me to an ICU thirty miles away. Kidney failure then multiple organ failure my husband was told I was very near death. I was put into a coma for three days. Reluctant to come out if it apparently! I had terrifying 'dreams' and a very distorted view of reality involving poisoning, torture and trying to escape various places being held against my will. All ended well when I survived intact and was moved to a side ward after a week and then allowed home. I could hardly walk or lift my arms but made a good and fast recovery. As many of you have found my hair has started to thin and my nails have broken too short for comfort but they will grow and it is good to be alive and positive about the future. Xx

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sheila21 profile image
sheila21
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10 Replies
Sepsur profile image
Sepsur

Wow, scary that you experienced all of that within a 3 day coma, especially the severe muscle wastage. Glad to hear you are on the mend. I experienced all that you describe - inc. subject matter of dreams

sheila21 profile image
sheila21 in reply toSepsur

I suppose the weakness came from the week of illness and 10 days in hospital and the body shutting down. I have arthritis and had no painkillers as my kidneys were injured. Have only just sorted out my medication.

Thanks for taking the time to reply. For some reason I can't see the end if your message.

Sxx

Sepsur profile image
Sepsur in reply tosheila21

I’m sure you are right - your whole system was poisoned, I spent 7 weeks on dialysis after sepsis. It’s not a condition to underestimate is it. I was ill and then, within 2 days, fighting for my life for the next 12 weeks.

Best of luck with your on going recuperation

sheila21 profile image
sheila21 in reply toSepsur

Sepsis, 12 weeks is a heck of a long time. I woke up and thought I'd been there for weeks not days so you must have been really disorientated. It was not realising why I was there which was difficult to realise. I thought my husband was poisoning me!

Sxx

Sepsur profile image
Sepsur in reply tosheila21

I wasn’t sure who I was, who I was married to but certain that no one could be trusted ( especially staff & family). I also could not speak or use my hands to write, no-one could lip read. I remember trying to work out how I could find out if my family was still alive without letting anyone know that I hadn’t a clue of what was going on - I sensed that whatever had gone on, might have been months or decades. I ‘knew’ I had crawled on my hands & knees from Milwaukee, handcuffed to 2 oxygen canisters, to UK and it had taken 2 & a half years!!🤯😬

sheila21 profile image
sheila21 in reply toSepsur

Trouble is the paranoia is so real...it was not until I got home that I had to check the house hadn't been divided with blue curtains (hospital issue!). The doctor in charge had metal spikes on his back. My throat was so sore and rough I couldn't make myself understood. Thought my phone had been stolen and I wanted it to phone the police to free me and order some drinks from Amazon!! I was soooo thirsty my lips were bleeding. Xx

angelrock profile image
angelrock

Yes, can totally relate with what you are saying and empathise with you and your hospital experiences. I was so glad to be back home and familiar surroundings I still find it hard to believe three and half years later!!!

Good luck and sweet dreams.

sheila21 profile image
sheila21 in reply toangelrock

Hi angelrock. Good to hear you are well and have moved on. My first post and reply. I am thinking that by the end of this year my hair may have sorted itself out. I have always had glossy short hair. The new hair is white! Getting the blonde dye out very soon! I still have rest days but getting much stronger and working on my stamina in small steps. Doing weights to strengthen my arms. Home is where we all want to be!!

Thanks for your reply,

S xx

angelrock profile image
angelrock

Good to hear, my hair went from a gentle wave to tight curls and did it fall out !!!!!! I was total beside myself, as for my finger nails they had fine ridges not smooth as they are now.

A

sheila21 profile image
sheila21

The hair think is a shock! Yes my nails have a ridge where they break to but they continue growing. My friend has alopecia so I am trying not to be so vain!!

Xx

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