How serious is sepsis?

[minniecarousel]

My oldest sister has post-surgery sepsis. We spent 6 hours in the ER with her on Friday night/Saturday morning. The doctor called yesterday to say that her blood cultures came back positive for blood sepsis. Her fever is down and she is on an antibiotic that is proper for this condition. But what's next? She sees her Primary Care Physician this afternoon. My other sister and I are worried about her & I'm worried about the sister who is her primary care-giver. (she was nearly hysterical Friday evening when she saw how high her temp had gotten.) I help out on the week-end nights, and in the afternoon during the week. The other sis is spending weeknights with her and if Sis is well enough, she goes on to work. Her surgery (hip replacement) is doing well, although she isn't able to do her PT. ugh - also, I feel that I'm neglecting our 89 year-old mother, who lives with DH & I.

I guess this is just a therapeutic vent for me. But if anyone has any experience with sepsis - let me know. Some P&PD for us would help too.

 

[Disney Doll]

Sepsis can be serious or fatal, depending on the overall state of health of the person suffering from it. That's what Jim Henson (the Muppets guy) died from.

It sounds as if she is on the right track, being in the hosipita, I assume with IVs for hydration and the appropriate IV antibiotics which will go directly to the bloodstream.

 

[snowball22]

It is very serious. My father died from it. My father was in the end stages of his life when he was taken to the hospital. Sepsis set in and took his life.

It sounds like the appropriate protocal is being taken for your sister. Prayers and pixie dust are being sent your way.

 

[lovetheparks]

My Dad also died from sepsis. He actually had a perforated bowel and they didn't know it until he was too septic to make it.

From what I was told, if caught in time it can be treated. I hope your sister recovers.

 

[minkydog]

Sepsis is a spectrum--you can have a little or a lot. You can respond to antibiotics and recover, or you can not respond and the situation can worsen, requiringf much more aggressive treatment. Septicemia is what they call it when it is a blood infection only. It's pretty well treatable and a lot of people recover after IV antibiotics.

Septic shock is much, much more serious. That's when the infection is so invasive that multiple organ systems begins shutting down. It is treatable, but very dangerous. If the person is in ICU and their systems can be maintained on life support, with drugs, etc, giving their body time to respond to the powerful antibiotics they can recover fully. If they don't respond & stabilize quickly, well... Septic shock is what the Pope died of.

My DH sustained septic shock about 2 yrs ago. It was the scariest thing I've ever seen. I've been a nurse for 28yrs, but nothing compares to seeing your husband going down the tube right before your eyes. Thankfully, he had great medical care--9 days in CCU--and it took about 8 months to recover(it's a very hard thing your body goes through.) He has had no ongoing problems from the septic shock.

 

[Blondie]

My Dad also died from sepsis. He actually had a perforated bowel and they didn't know it until he was too septic to make it.

I have a similar story. My father went into sepsis after the surgery for a similar condition. By the time they did the surgery, it was really too late. He had just battled a previous surgery that kept him in the hospital/rehab for 5 months prior. The smallest of set-backs would have done him in, I have no doubt.

I hope they can get your sister on the road to recovery and that all turns out alright. I'll say a prayer.

 

[Mimi Q]

My DFIL nearly died from it, but he has lots of other medical problems as well. I have known people who have indeed died from it. Prayer said for your sister.

 

[Dodie]

Sepsis is very serious - often fatal - especially if not treated early and if there are other medical issues.

This is a good website: http://www.sepsis.com/family_friends/family_friends.jsp?reqNavId=5