Jeff: Sepsis Survivor

Jeff is a Sepsis Survivor. He shares how the flu progressed into sepsis, the importance of knowing the signs and symptoms of sepsis, and the after-effects he lives with today.
Learn more about sepsis and the flu at SepsisandFlu.org.
Faces of Sepsis™ stories allow those affected by sepsis to share their experiences of illness, treatment, recovery, and loss. The collected stories aim to capture the diversity of people who had sepsis-some describe a quick recovery while others cover the long-term effects of post-sepsis syndrome (PSS). Each experience is different, but all Faces of Sepsis stories play a vital role. They help those who have been impacted by sepsis learn that they are not alone. Read their experiences at FacesofSepsis.org.
Sepsis Alliance Connect is a virtual support community designed for the millions of people affected by sepsis. Visit SepsisConnect.org to learn more or to sign up.
Please note that the stories and opinions posted in the Faces of Sepsis are those solely of the authors and contributors of the stories. They do not reflect the opinions of Sepsis Alliance, its employees, contractors, or volunteers.

[@paulabrown6840]

I’m so glad you’re so much better! My dad was in the Coast Guard too. Your symptoms sound a lot Luke PTSD. I’m so happy your little ones still have their dad! 💛

[@thomasheymann6293]

Thank you Jeff for sharing your story. @sepsisaliiance

[@YellowCase2024]

Glad to hear that you are here on Earth

[@JeffM1979]

Thank you. Glad to be here!

[@prettypuff1]

2:51 this was my experience with EMTs when I first presented. 8 hours later I was hooked up to antibiotics I am one week post sepsis it’s a terrifying experience

[@JRake32]

Wow! Wonderful to know you came through without the physical complications. God’s blessings to you and your family and your Coast Guard career. The psychological hyper awareness will likely be present for quite a while but you are a champ! Keep the good health going. Husband had a prostate biopsy and got sepsis (Jan ‘20) from it. Came through well (though he is diabetic on insulin) but like you, on his toes, now. He has to get another prostate biopsy this week. Anxious is a word that might describe him lol. Recommend a transperineal prostate (which he is getting this time) vs. a transrectal (last time) if you ever have to get a prostate biopsy. Though transrectal only has about a 1-2% of sepsis, the transperineal is almost nil and once you’ve had sepsis, info like this, matters. God’s peace.

[@JeffM1979]

Hey thank you. Cheers to good health for you husband!

[@sepsisalliance]

Thank you for sharing your husband's experience @JRake32. We have more information about the signs and symptoms of sepsis at sepsis.org. We also have a virtual support community for those affected by sepsis and their loved ones at SepsisConnect.org, if you are interested. Many people find support there as they navigate the fears that come in life after sepsis.

[@JRake32]

@@sepsisalliance thank you so very much. We will explore. God’s blessings

[@Pakalani03]

The issue with being physically fit, a runner and former competitive athlete is that I considered myself healthier and stronger than almost all my friends. I used to say, "You humans are so weak." I was putting in 50-60 miles a week running and loved it. I was put in my place by a really dumb move on my part. Let's just say I was not listening to my body. You most likely did survive due to your fitness, but no one is unbreakable. Congratulations on surviving and thriving. Your mind will follow.

[@RustyShakleford1]

i survived 9 months in sepsis, i went into septic shock for two weeks at the begining of it thinking it was covid. then i collapsed and was sleeping 16-20 hours a day for months untill i was finally treated with antibiotics. it all started with a puncture wound from a fishing gaff and a tooth extraction. im so lucky to be alive thank god im still suffering today with necrotic bone that needs removal and lymph node infections

[@JeffM1979]

Sounds like you know just what I mean then. I wouldn't say I had any illusions about being unbreakable, but not exactly far from it either. And I got put in my place as well. The mind IS following. But it is slow going. First year and a half was miserably difficult but I have developed and learned some ways to navigate through the panic. I hope you are back to cranking out those miles.

[@sepsisalliance]

We are so sorry to hear about your experience with sepsis @RustyShakleford1 - thank you for sharing. If you are interested, Sepsis Alliance has a virtual support community for sepsis survivors. You can learn more and join for free at SepsisConnect.org.

[@RustyShakleford1]

@sepsisalliance thank you so much for your kindness empathy and willingness to help. I am extremely traumatized by what happened to me and have developed medical ptsd and am struggling to get the help I need because of misdiagnosis. Thank you again I appreciate it.

[@patriciacavanaugh517]

I went through a very similar experience.

[@sepsisalliance]

We are so sorry to hear about what you've gone through. If you are ever looking for more information about sepsis, including information about our free online networking community for sepsis survivors, please visit: www.sepsis.org/sepsis-alliance-resources/

[@garydennis5178]

Bless you! I'm dealing with the effects of wondering if I will get it again. I have on lingering side effects that I'm aware of, and I'm very sensitive to my body temperature. I had kidney disease before, but it's got worse.

[@sepsisalliance]

Sepsis Alliance has resources for sepsis survivors on our site, found here: www.sepsis.org/education/patients-family/sepsis-survivors/. We also have a free, online support group for sepsis survivors where many share their fears, tips for recovery, and other resources. You can learn more and join at SepsisConnect.org.

[@willgoins6236]

I’m happy you survived it I lost my brother 8/20/21 to it the hospital was not aware of him being septic then when they finally found out it was to late for him to

[@JeffM1979]

Very sorry to hear about your brother. The public not knowing the signs of sepsis is one of the reasons I did the video. The hospital not knowing is just tragic.

[@sepsisalliance]

We are so sorry for your loss @willgoins6236. Thank you for sharing your experience. If you are interested, Sepsis Alliance has a virtual support group for those who lost a loved one to sepsis. You can learn more at SepsisConnect.org.

[@YellowCase2024]

Being in a queue arriving in an ambulance? They told you that?

[@JeffM1979]

Yeah thats correct. Covid being the main factor there. The hospitals were a complete warzone. My memory is hazy about what exactly they told me, but it amounted to it being decidedly in my best interest to take myself to the hospital. And who know's, perhaps that saved my life.