How long is recovery, and what symptoms remain such as body pain, fatigue, dizziness, weakness and memory loss. I had sepsis and gall bladder removal, spent a week in ICU, ten days hospitalized and still feel weak and unable to walk fifty feet without needing to sit.
My legs and knees hurt, I sweat more than companions, I can watch a movie and completely miss segments according to my spouse. I am 63 was pretty active, now scared and couldn't remember how to work my coffee pot when I got home.
It has been about 7 weeks... almost 2 months since my surgery, and I have heard everything from you should be ok now to it might take a year. My family doctor retired, and the place I went for followup gave me a nurse who didn't seem interested and did not even do blood work or touch me. I know I must find a good doctor, but I am exhausted and broke.
I would love to hear anything from people with experience with sepsis. Thanks so much for your time and input.
The information on this page reflects personal experiences shared by our community members. It is not reviewed for medical accuracy and should not replace professional medical advice.
49 Answers Page 2
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sez22
19 Oct 2017
Hi, sorry to hear you have had a bad time recently. Just to reassure you, you will recover, albeit slowly. I contracted severe sepsis in May 2017, after contracting double pneumonia. I was placed in a induced coma for two weeks until the ICU team could control the infection. I couldn’t walk after the event, but slowly and steadily I have regained my ability to walk. I learnt quite early on to take things slowly and listen to the medical staff, not to beat myself up when I couldn’t do things that I used to be able to do. Please be reassured you will gain your ability to walk distances, remember how to use your coffee machine in time. But you should take time to relax, laugh, shout if you need to. Hope this helps! Ps I was told it would take me a year to gain full fitness and memory! Take care of yourself. Sarah x
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lyndanixonwoodburn
17 Sep 2017
I do hope you soon feel better as I know how frightening this can be I contracted sepsis whilst on holiday in Florida and has a nightmare journey home. I was immediately transferred to hospital and put on an antibiotic drip. This was in 2013 and I am still suffering the effects with depression, loss of memory and pain in my legs. I am still under review at my local hospital but don't seem to get any further forward. If anybody can give me any advice I would be so grateful -I do hope you are helped too.
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WhiteHawk04
17 Sep 2017
Hi, I am 23 years old and I was diagnosed with sepsis of the blood from a Strep C infection in July 2017. I was treated in IV antibiotics for 2 weeks at home following a week stay in the hospital where I was on them there. They could find no source of my sepsis other than the Strep C which they have no idea how I got. Since then my blood cultures have come back negative but I am struggling with an elevated heart rate (160bpm) when I am walking just around my house and low blood pressure. I've been put on medication for this and have a heart monitor. I'm seeing Cardiology and soon to see Endocrinology. But I am still very tired and I cannot go back to my old activities, which is so frustrating because I am 23 and I want to return to school and work. How long did you all feel this way after a sepsis diagnosis? Were you left with any problems like adrenal fatigue or other lasting issues? If so got any advice?
Thank you for your time.
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jerryyen1967
25 July 2018
Hi Whitehawke I too contracted sepsis while undergoing treatment for pneumonia June 1, of last year. I was in an induced coma for 4 weeks and during that time my liver, kidneys lungs and heart all shut down so I was kept alive on life support, dialysis and the ECMO. After my organs came around, I spent another month in and out of the ICU before checking into a rehabilitation hospital for another 6 weeks (because of severe muscle atrophy). So it has been a little over a year now and I feel pretty good. The only issues I have is I sometimes feel dizziness but it is getting better each day. I started walking up hills a few months ago which was REALLY difficult in when I first started I believe the heart is a muscle and it functions more efficiently when exercised. But please consult your physician before starting any exercise program, but I truly believe that is the key. Also, I am 50 years old, you have youth on your side! Wishing you a full and speedy recovery!!
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MsOCRealtor
11 Sep 2017
My experience with sepsis has been similar to all of yours. You feel like you will never be the same. But I want to share with everyone what turned the tide for me. I focused on infection. I took MMS, Varundi Vati, tumeric with black pepper, apple cider vinegar, and vitamin C. I also discovered the Spooky Rife machine, which treats ailments with frequencies. One of the frequencies was the exact bacteria I had with sepsis. Since doing these things and cutting out all processed foods and sugar, I have GREATLY improved!! Once in a great while I feel hot, sweaty, and a tiny little blister will appear on a random place on my body (residual infection effects) and I simply go back to my routine, and quickly get my energy and strength back. Check out the Spooky2 machine!! It has over 30,000 frequencies which can help heal almost anything you have.
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segrostephan
11 Sep 2017
I am sorry and understand your fear. You do need a very good doctor because you will maybe be in recovery for awhile. I would say for me, recovery to a place that felt mostly good took about 3 years. My mind has never been totally the same, but my kidneys are mostly back and my memory is good enough. Be very patient with yourself and have faith that your body will heal if you treat it well now. It is a devastating experience and yet now that I am 5 years post sepsis I realize how lucky I was. I hated where you are and it took a long time to not be very exhausted. I remember just forcing myself to do all I could and more because I was not going to let it get me forever. I learned so much.
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Les21954
11 Sep 2017
I am recovering from sepsis, I was discharged from hospital on 31st of March 2017 after spending 12 days on intensive care and 2 days on a ward. I didn't feel as if I should have been discharged so early, as I felt very unwell. The rush to get me out was infection control, as I had an open wound on my leg, which was cellulitis. I am now 5 and a half months past my ordeal, and recovery is slow. I am still seeing things that are not real, I sweat a lot, my memory is really bad and I can not write properly. Also since having sepsis, my immune system is very low. I am still receiving after care from the ICU, and it is helping me to come to terms with the way I am. My memory may come back, but may not come back. I am learning to come to terms everything that has happened. I used crutches for walking before sepsis, but now I can't walk far so I now use a mobility scooter.
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Dawnkyle
11 Sep 2017
Hi Know its ages since you posted this. I had sepsis from an induction when i had my baby girl in January 2017. Before this i d never had an infection, never had antibiotics or surgery or been hospitalised. I was a fit healthy 33 yr old. Twice my raised temperature was ignored. I had sepsis from a womb infection. My daughter was born by emergency c section and had a rash on her head & was treated for sepsis for 36 hrs. We d both have died if i d been left 2-3 hours longer in labour. I wasnt in icu but had iv antiobitics at first. 7 months on i am feeling a lot better. For the first few months i woke up exhausted ,& felt exhausted all day. My short term memory was shocking, i couldn't bear to be alone in the house with the baby,i was scared of seeing people i knew, when i did venture out i felt detached & floating above people. Having a baby & sepsis recovery robbed me of those special first few weeks.
I was scared to take her out it wad an ordeal getting her weighed. I was too weak to go far with baby. Luckily she slept through from 10 weeks. I had insomnia though. About 6 months afterwards i have good days and tired days but not as dragging or exhausting as before.my short term memory has improved though i have forgotten how to spell certain words. I sleep better & enjoy my baby. Im doing 1 exercise class per week. I take it easy & week by week i do more. Its hard but its nice to know im not alone in how i feel. I just keep battling on. I will beat this. I will win. I think its a good fighting attitude to have.
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Delsaria
9 Sep 2017
I had an infected toe and was not feeling great was put on oral and intervenes antibiotics it didn't work after a week I was complaining my whole body was in extreme pain went to the hospital my blood pressure was so low it barely registered first time ever being taken in with in 5 minutes instead of the usual 4 hours anyway. Doctor gave me 2 Percocet I went to sleep and woke up 14 days later with a diagnoses of sepsis during that time I was asleep I was in responsive had a feeding tube and my toe amputated and my family was told I may not make it but I did but let me tell you at that point and the next year and sometimes still I wish I didn't make it. Let me explain. I was in hospital for a year. Sorry 4 hospitals over a year for rehabilitation. I couldn't sit up walk or anything for myself. I ended up with heal sores my left heel has a chunk missing now after it finally healed up.
But all over body pain that they had me so drugged up I hallucinated very intensely make a very loud nag story shorter I finally got out of hospital may I still can't walk and I struggle with every day tasks I want to walk and go back to work. That's all I have time for right now if you have any questions please feel free to ask away thanks everyone else for sharing. Bye for now.
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annoco156
19 Aug 2017
Hi I have also had sepsis just back in May caused by repeated kidney infections. Since then I am completely exhausted have pains from my back down my legs and feel nauseous most of the time. I have had two more kidney infections since leaving hospital thats two MORE antibiotics which make me even more nauseous and not being able to eat. I am feeling so down in the dumps that I cant see an end to all of this and im terrified of what the antibiotics are doing to my body. Has anyone else suffered like this
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Les21954
25 June 2017
Hi. I too have recently had sepsis. I was on intensive care for 12 days, ward for 2 days, and then sent home. I contracted mine through cellulitis. Since coming home I have had more I'V antibiotics and 3 lots of antibiotics before sepsis became controlled. I am now11 weeks from coming out of hospital, and I now feel so alone. I have recently been to a patient get-together meeting, to meet other people who have gone through sepsis, and came out the other side. It was so informative and more meetings are scheduled for the foreseeable future. It consists of patients, nurses, doctors and even intensive care specialist. Maybe you could suggest something like this if you go for follow up treatment. It has worked so far for me. I now appreciate that I came out the other side and that there are other people in the same position as me. I hope this helps for you.
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patz1016
15 June 2017
Hello doglover44 I am so sorry to hear that you had sepsis, but glad that you are still alive. All lot of people don't make it. I had sepsis about two years ago, due to a kidney infection and I still don't feel well. I haven't been able to return to work because I become extremely tired and I have trouble remembering simple things, like how to spell simple words. I sometimes forget what things are called. I was a nurse for 19 years and knew very little about sepsis. I also sweat and have very lucid dreams. I was lucky about 3 weeks ago I found a new physician and she gave a b12 shot and recommend I take vitamin c and turmeric, at first I thought she was just another quack, but lately I have been feeling better than I have since I contracted sepsis. Find yourself a good GP and ask what their thought is on this course of treatment, it seems to be making a difference for me.
I also went through terrible depression because at 40 I couldn't do so many things that I use to, but don't give up, be persistent, and try to have a good attitude. I hope you find a doctor who will listen, and the problem is also that a lot of doctors don't have enough knowledge about sepsis, but keep looking. Best wishes.
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AZFLOORGUY
15 June 2017
I was in the hospital 56 hours or so. Same story as most. High fever, fast heart rate, fatigue, confusion. 7 weeks later from 04/23/17 I'm still battling the memory loss, fatigue, and awful pain. I think mine was from a prostate biopsy and kicking carpet the next day. I still install floors at the age of 55 and am self employed. It seems to be worse in a way. Pain constant, can't concentrate, and fatigued often. I logged on here in hopes of seeing something hopeful. Now I consider myself lucky I'm able to work.
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Les21954
17 April 2017
I came out of hospital 3 weeks ago after contracting sepsis. I had a few chills the night before, so I decided to take all my medication earlier than normal and settle down earlier. I slept all night and all the next day, or so I thought. During this time I somehow contracted cellulitis in my right leg. At 11pm that night my husband try to wake me up, he tried everything, even slapping me across my face, but nothing worked. Then he knew something was not right. He phoned for an ambulance and I was rushed straight into hospital. I was stripped off completely and a sheet covered me, to try and bring my temp down as it was over 40c. Tests and scans were done so they knew what they were up against. Sepsis was diagnosed, so I was moved to ICU whare I spent the next 10 days, 7 days I was completely out of it, then I started to come round. I had no idea where I was and what had happened. After the 10 days I was put onto a ward for a further 3 days, before going home.
But the sepsis had not gone. Just days later I had to go to A&E as the sepsis was taking hold again. There they started me on my 2nd round of antibiotics, which were to last me another 7 days. I had the the first at A&E and the rest at home by an iv nurse. These finished just days ago. Now I have district nurses coming to change the dressings on my leg. It's 3 days in between before they come out now, but I am getting worried as I have red lines snaking up my leg. Each day they are moving further up my leg, so, first thing in the morning I will be on the phone to my GP.
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Kelsiefast
28 March 2017
My brother, who is autistic and very weak, just got diagnosed with sepsis. Never in my life have I been so scared, the doctors and nurses never seemed to worry about him, they always knew he'd be okay, but man was I scared, he got it from a horrible uti, he didn't say anything to anyone and I believe that's because he thought that was "normal" but eventually we asked him if it had been hurting to pee and if he felt sick and he said yes, so we take him to the emergency room thinking it is just a stomach flu along with a bladder infection or something's but just an hour later he was being admitted into the icu. I was so worried about him, I still am but that's just how I am. He's getting moved out of the icu today, so I'm hoping he'll be able to come home soon. He doesn't really have much of an appetite and he's really tired, is this normal? He's using the bathroom regularly and all of his vitals are back to normal.
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sedecrembenz
28 March 2017
I am 42 years old and I had a hysterectomy December 27th when the Dr accidentally and unknowingly knicked my sigmoid colon. The next day I was discharged from the hospital even though I was throwing up, had low oxygen, and low blood pressure. Anyhow, I went him on the 28th and just continued to feel worse with increased pain. The night of December 30th I felt something just rupture inside, felt warmth fill my stomach and couldn't move from the most excruciating pain ever. I was rushed to the hospital via ambulance and was dead upon arrival. After being resuscitated, I was intubated and emergency surgery was performed to find out what was wrong because cat scan didn't show enough. I was in severe septic shock, and respiratory failure. I spent 16 days in ICU, another 8 days after that on a regular floor (24 days total in the hospital).
Then in February I went to the Emergency Room because I felt so sick and was having more pain, and was again transferred by ambulance to the hospital to be readmitted upon the new cat scan findings. Turns out I should have been sent home the 1st time on IV antibiotics and wasn't, so the infected abscesses in my abdomen continued to grow and my pleural effusion got worse. I again was in the hospital for 8 days on IV antibiotics. Only this time I continued IV antibiotics at home until just last week. It still hurts every time I try to take a deep breath or yawn, waking up exhausts me is the best way to describe the tiredness I feel! I'm always tired, and I get absolutely worn out with the slightest little activity! I have a 10 inch open wound on my stomach where the Dr opened me up, as well as a temporary colostomy bag because I had to lose a foot of my intestine. So I have all of that to contend with on top of recovering from septic shock. It's a long road to recovery! Hang in there, and you will be tired for some time!
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Maryellen928
14 April 2017
Hi! I was wondering how your recovery is. I had severe sepsis and almost died after a nick in my colon. I have the breathing issues you reference and exhaustion in the morning. I spent three weeks in hospital and a 9 weeks from sepsis now. The pain with breathing is concerning me. I also had fluid with infections.
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Miami2017
4 Feb 2017
I was released from hospital 3 days ago for sepsis and it was traced to e.coli bacteria in my blood. At the hospital I went through a week of intravenous antibiotics and am home now. I still feel weak. I take oral antibiotics BUT I have night sweats. Does anyone know what's happening to me?
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mamas child
16 Feb 2017
Hi, I'm sorry for what your going through. My daughter who is 40 has been out of the hospital since Saturday with septic shock from a kidney infection that the doctor likened to having e-coli. She also suffers night sweats, memory loss, being fearful of the infection coming back and has a ravenous appetite. It takes time! I cannot stress that enough! She is also weak and gets fatigued easily. She feels blessed to be alive and I have been with her daily taking care of her and the kids. If you look up after effects of septic shock it will give you a list of symptoms you may experience during your recovery. It is a slow going process and you must take one day at a time. She also had been treated off and on for over a year at walk in clinics for uti's and bladder infections but never getting over them. She would be okay for a week then sick 2 days. This went on so long we thought she had some kind of mysterious disease and it was this nasty thing brewing all along.
I wish they would have told us more about the recovery process at the hospital. Don't be hard on yourself and DO NOT overdo things, one day at a time!
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LaurieSimpson
7 July 2017
I also contracted E. coli and sepsis while in the hospital. That was in December 2016. Now it's July 2017 and I'm still miserable. The sepsis caused peripheral neuropathy. My feet are so numb I can barely balance myself to walk. I now use a cane. I have a very long list of health problems that resulted from my sepsis. I was wondering what your symptoms are or were and how you're doing now.
