The last day of September is here. September is Sepsis Awareness Month and I certainly haven’t been nearly as vocal about it as I used to be.
The further away I get from my own near-fatal bout with sepsis, the easier it is to just move on. (It’s been almost 15 years!) Every year, thousands more survive a close call with the condition and they take up the cause. Of course, every year thousands more don’t make it.
The Bottom Line
Everyone needs to know what sepsis is like we need to know how to do CPR or use an EpiPen. It’s not even for ourselves as much as those around us. You just need someone with the awareness who is there at the right time. That could be you or me or anyone else. If everyone becomes aware, it increases someone’s chance of survival.
Sepsis is the body’s overactive and toxic response to an infection. In my case, it was an inflamed gum around a tooth. I’d recently had root canal work and although dental surgery is generally safe, it’s not perfect. The sepsis response turns on your organs (in my case, my liver). If it’s not caught and stopped, it will kill you. It’s estimated that 30% of people don’t survive severe sepsis. And 50% who do are left with permanent damage, from lost limbs to cognitive impairment.
Jeff Conaway (Bobby on Taxi), Christopher Reeve, Jim Henson, Patty Duke, Hugh Hefner – all victims of sepsis and its severe version, septic shock. My friends Ken and Nora’s son Duncan. My cousin’s cousin’s wife Patricia who was an RN. It goes on and on. Gurinder Sidhu of Brampton has made recent headlines after the death of his wife from sepsis. Someone you know has gotten a little cut and later died and everyone was bewildered by it. That was sepsis.
Gratitude is my Attitude
If you’ve learned about sepsis here, thank you. That’s all I ever wanted from writing about it. If you haven’t, please do. One of the best resources is Sepsis.org. I wrote a book about my experience. It has limited availability as an Amazon eBook.
The biggest problem with sepsis is that it’s so common it’s overlooked. And it’s not the easiest thing to diagnose. But you have to know it’s a possibility so you can push to get tested. Or advocate for a loved one. I didn’t know and sadly the doctors I saw didn’t either. Medical professionals still need educating too. That’s how I got to the brink until a wonderful ER doctor saved my life. I came back, baby, and I’ll never stop being grateful for that!
Almost 15Years? Really! I remember back then, I knew something was wrong. I had sent you an E-mail about something and when I didn’t hear back, I began to worry something was wrong, but I have know idea why I had those feelings. Glad your still hear offering your insights and wisdom over the years.
It’s hard to believe, isn’t it Allan? It was January 2011 when I got sick. I get that, because you know I’d normally write you back right away.
Thank you for this reminder about sepsis!
Anytime, Dan!
I remember when you were going through it. Your book is very eye opening.
So happy you made it through the other side.
Leanne
Thanks so much, Leanne.
Oh, Lisa, thank you for raising awareness about this.
Two years ago, my sister and brother-in-law were visiting from the States.
My b-i-l also had a root canal done a few days before their trip. His dentist said all went well and there would be no problem with him travelling. (He is a senior)
However, after a day and a half, he started feeling ill. Every symptom led us to believe it was the flu.
He rested, but kept getting worse. We had to take him to emerg, where they ended up admitting him. He just kept getting worse. Honestly…I remembered you talking about sepsis, so I looked it up. I doubted myself because hey, what do I know compared to the doctors, right? But, I spoke up to his nurses and his doctor. They treated him for it and next thing you know, his health improved…a lot! He went from delirious to making sense very quickly. His fever dropped and he started eating again. So, I owe you a HUGE thank you. If not for you telling your story, who knows what the outcome would have been.
I’m so grateful! That’s how it happens. Had I known about sepsis, I would have pushed the doctors harder. I’m so happy for this outcome.
I remember you telling me this story and added root canals to my list of fears.The mother of our son’s best friend died in April of this year. Her cold turned into pneumonia and then made it’s way quickly into septic shock. After 3 weeks on ECMO the infection went to her heart, leaving behind a 12 year old boy and 14 year girl. Devastating for all who knew her. Maybe if there was more awareness surrounding lung infection, sepsis and septic shock she would still be here.
Thanks for sharing that, Rachael. That’s just more evidence that we need to spread the word. I’m so sorry for your son’s friend’s family.