Kristan: Sepsis Survivor

Kristan is a Sepsis Survivor. She shares how the flu progressed into sepsis, and the after-effects she lives with today.
Read Kristan's story here: www.sepsis.org... or on her blog: www.kristanseaford.com.
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.
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.

[@greggonzalez661]

I survived sepsis shock with multiple organ failure. I used to be frustrated because in six years since then, I still am not healed completely. Then, I found out that I am not only a survivor but blessed to have my limbs. I appreciate your story, your upbeat persona, and will to survive. God bless, sister.

[@user-ex4si2md6r]

Amen and I am grateful to hear that you have your limbs... I also had sepsis and was in the hospital for a week and I am grateful for my life

[@user-ex4si2md6r]

Unfortunately I now have lung cancer and it's just a matter of time 🤔😩

[@soaringkite2673]

@@user-ex4si2md6r😢😢❤️❤️

[@greatpix]

Kristan, I also am a Sepsis survivor, 4 years ago in August. I had taken my newly adopted dog for a walk, tripped over a raised section of sidewalk and fell on my hands and knees. The only damage was some tiny scrapes the size of the head of a pin. Long story short, it hurt more than it should have. Over the course of 5 days I went to the local Instacare several times and they finally sent me to the ER. ER also sent me home with a diagnosis of Cellulitis and a prescription for some antibiotics. The next day I had a fever and even worse pain (Level 10 at this point). The nurses put towels soaked in ice water on my leg and were surprised how hot it had become when they changed them a few minutes later. I finally was diagnosed with Sepsis. I was in severe pain for almost 2 months. My legs turned black but it turned out to be blood pooling. Physical therapy helped with that. They gave me morphine but all that did was let me nap for 20 minutes. During my entire 5 days at the hospital those naps were the only sleep I got 3-4 times a day. Since then my health has been slowly deteriorating, part of that is I'm 70 now. Even though I sometimes wonder if I'm a descendent of Job. I'm hanging in there and trying to do my best. I'm glad you made it through your much greater ordeal and that your family and faith have been of great help to you. You are an inspiration not just for Sepsis survivors but for survivors of all health or life's ordeals. I believe you are still here and able to help others because of the prayers of the people who love you. I've seen the power of prayer first hand and even been the recipient at age 8 when I was deathly ill and doctors told my parents I wouldn't last another 24 hours. (I did!). Sending prayers and positive energy your way and I hope life brings you all the joys it has to offer. Bob J/

[@seekingrainbows]

💙Thank you for sharing your story. Septic shock survivor here. Our stories bond us as survivors.💙

[@dannytrent9657]

I am a Sepsis survivor. On November 8,2022 I was at home. I have problems with kidney stones. On this day I noticed I wasn’t producing a lot of urine and I had a 100° fever. Called my wife and she said go to emergency room. Found out I had a kidney stone blocking my ureter. Got sent to a hospital. Next day they were to put a stent in to help with passing urine. The first attempt failed. They then had to go through my back to my kidney to put a stent in. Well that’s the last thing I remember. Apparently my heart was beating at 224 bpm . They tried some med to slow my heartbeat down but it backfired and my bp dropped to nearly nothing. They had to shock me to get my heart rate down. I was technically dead for about a minute and a half. They had to put me on a vent for 2 1/2 days. The only thing I remember was opening my eyes once and saw a friend. I don’t have a recollection of anything else. I was in the hospital for 9 days. Don’t remember any of that. The only thing I remember is being sent to rehab for 16 days to get my strength back. I’m glad to report my strength returned. I’m thankful to still be alive and luckily I didn’t lose any limbs.

[@dannytrent9657]

Also forgot to mention that my sepsis turned into septic shock which is another reason I was put on a vent.

[@azthundercloud]

I recently went through almost the same thing with the kidney stone. they first put a stint to my kidney and a month later they wanted to replace it. instead they just took it out. went home and got really ill. next morning they put another stint in. wha la i got sepsis. hospitalized for 2 weeks. woke up and legs felt like scabs being ripped open. sent from step down to rehab. luckily rehab pushed me to get better and learn to walk again. work was really helpful reassuring me i still had a job and i had enough sick and leave saved up. kidney let me know it is there by throbbing all the time.

[@frankgregory6275]

It will be 3 years in January for me. I had 105.2 temp and wasn’t supposed to make it but I surprised them. Had it come back twice but last 2 years still recovering but getting better. It’s a terrible battle to fight.

[@danjacobs8920]

Thank you Kristan for your story. It truly gives us all encouragement to keep pushing forward. Even during our hard days. I appreciate you for who you are, and what you have done with your life. My Sepsis journey didn't go as far as yours. I only spent 8 days in the hospital. My wife who works in the medical field pushed me to go to the emergency room as she knew that there was an infection caused by a perforation to my Ureter during surgery. infection set in and she knew it. That is the reason I am still here. She pushed the emergency room doctors to test me for Sepsis. And I was awake to hear the announcement over the hospital intercom - "Sepsis Alert in the E/R." I wasn't told this, and looked at my wife and said - "I guess that was for me." The pain is the worst thing I can remember. The PTSD is still an issue, but talking about it helps. Like you, I have ears and that allows me to learn. Two things I will take away from this - "What did you learn, and who did you love." That constant perspective helps me to get up and face the amazing day ahead.

[@tommcclure414]

God bless you !

[@elizabethhauck2495]

God bless you. You are amazing❤

[@soaringkite2673]

Oh, how I wsh you had your own KZbin channel that would teach us how to survive when life throws a bunch of rotten lemons. ❤❤

[@cindynielson4231]

You are a true survivor. I had sepsis in Sept 2021 and have a long road to recover. Fortunately no limbs lost. But after first hospital discharge my liver went really down hill and ended up back in hospital and had a seizure. Long road to recover to say the least if ever. Bless you for sharing. 💖🥰👍

[@joysgirlrachellejohnston1333]

I'm so glad you made it!

[@blackpanther744]

You are so so brave. God bless you and keep smiling

[@drewtonium]

Thank you for sharing.

[@ColleenHatton-ge5il]

I too am a Sepsis survivor contracted 10 months ago. It developed into septic shock putting me in a coma for 5 1/2 weeks. My family was told twice I was dying. Well I didn’t but was met with the recovery that’s ongoing and will be for the rest of my life. All internal organs and my brain are damaged and I have no feeling in my hands and feet. I am luckier than this brave lady but I still know what she’s going through. Please don’t hesitate to take your loved ones and yourself to the ER at any sign this disease. Every hour your chances of survival go down 8%! Doctors don’t always know this is happening but stay steadfast in making certain you are persistent this awful disease is not happening or get it treated immediately. I describe my experience as a fight with a demon. I fought him off but he tore me to pieces. God be with anyone who gets this evil.

[@matthewlepak2878]

Thank you for all of your stories. Jesus bless you all all. I had sepsis. I could have died or had organ failure if I didn't get IV antibiotic treatment when I did. I had an unhealed ulcer from frostbite on the bottom of my foot. I thought it was OK. But about 3 months after I had frostbite the foot ulcer got infected. I had a bad case of cellulitis. Dark redness was my skin color from my foot to several inches from my knee. I was septic. If we have signs of infection we need to get help right away. I don't like asking for help. I went to ER and after much prayer and antibiotics I started healing. My leg stayed very red for about 4 to 5 days. Then I went down and knelt and prayed. Very shortly after this we looked at the redness and half of the redness disappeared.. Jesus healed me. So did the great care I got and all of the prayers that were directed to me. Prayer is Powerful. The antibiotics worked after some time. Silver can be used as an antibiotic. Also, I take probiotics to help good bacteria to grow more in the body Jesus blessed me with. Amen. Heal us all 100 percent in every way Jesus. AMEN!

[@kathyerb3134]

Wow, so glad u survived. What an experience for u and family. My gf almost died, a diabetic type 1, around same time. Pneumonia, sepsis, put on experimental drug that saved her life.

[@MarcusS-hg4pz]

Wow, what a story.. I can't think of anything else than God made that doctor come back and help you. And im glad he did because you seem like a really good person, wife and mother. I wish you the very best ❤ Unfortunately im here because I'm sure that i have an infection that may soon turn into sepsis and im scared shitless. Doctors dont do the right tests and just prescribe me more antibiotics based on guesses, without confirming what kind of specific bacteria it is. Atleast you have your big family by your side because i am alone in this nightmare 😢

[@OlisaPrice-qq1wm]

Do you feel it whole lot better)

[@OlisaPrice-qq1wm]

How are you doing after the sepsis infection?

[@powerofloveism]

It wasn't something that made him turn back it was God in his Conscience causing the Doctor to turn around and come back