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 3
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smokesalot65
13 Jan 2017
You are all very lucky. I have been in hospital for 3 months trying to recover from sepsis. The bacteria in my blood stream hemotagenously seeded my shoulder joint causing septic arthritis. Another complication that required surgery they had to remove part of my bicep a tendon all of the cartilage and some of the bone. From what the doctors told me the bacteria were actually dinning on it lol. They also told me there would be no shoulder replacement due to my risk of recurring infection. I have been on IV antibiotics for 12weeks and was told i would be on orals for life when i finally do get to go home. FML right now.
Votes: +1
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patz1016
28 Nov 2016
Hi, I noticed your post from 2012,and was wondering how you are doing? I was diagnosing with sepsis in May 2016 and spend 2 weeks in the hospital and I don't feel like I have had much improvement... Is there any hope that I will regain my health... patz
Votes: +0
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Maria8062
26 Nov 2016
Hi, I went septic when I contracted necrotizing facsiitis. It was a horrific ordeal for me and I'm here to tell you that it doesn't end there. My immune system took a real hit, I got sick just being around others that were sick, as well as contracting allergies, (which I never had in my life) plus it never really goes away. I am inflicted with repeated bouts of pneumonia. My body goes septic every time now that I get pneumonia. I have to catch it in it's infancy stages or I'm being hooked up to the breathing machine. I guess I'm just trying to say is it seems to always stay in your body and exposes itself in one format or another. Mine was pretty severe and I did lose my memory of most of the events that led up to me being taken to the hospital.
I was not aware of anything until after I got released from the hospital 6 weeks later and 15 surgeries later, it's not a laughing matter, so treat yourself kindly and be thankful that you made it out of a very nasty ordeal. I'm not sure if this has helped at all, but I am willing to answer any questions you might have about this. GB Maria
Votes: +1
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patz1016
28 Nov 2016
Hi Maria I was also diagnosed with sepsis back in May 2016 I was in the hospital for 2 weeks, even though my Dr. says I'm ok I am not I can't remember so many things and all I do is sleep. I was fired from my job of ten years because I was not preforming my job at 100 percent. I don't know why the Dr said it was ok to return to work when clearly I was not. Now I'm unemployed and even though I've been in my profession for over 20 years I can no longer do it my brain doesn't work like it use to and no Dr will take me seriously. I hope things are getting better for you... patz
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Maria8062
28 Nov 2016
Hello Patty, I would consider seeking a mental health provider to evaluate you. I was diagnosed with ptsd after my ordeal, the symptoms fit and it sounds like yours does as well. It's something you don't ever really recover from. Again GB Maria
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Toddlermom2013
15 Nov 2016
Hey there! Im 22 and i had sepsis not to long ago (hospitalized 9/19/16 - 9/22/16). I got it from a ureteral stent that was placed in my right ureter after having a 5mm kidney stone that caused a uti. The stent itself gave me another uti and i wasnt feeling well so i checked into the emergency room for what i thought was the flu. The doctors said i recovered from sepsis, but did i really? I still have days where my whole body aches and i have high fevers that cant be explained. I currently don't have insurance or a regular GP. My husband's maternal grandmother passed away from sepsis in January 2016. I have a little girl who will be 3 this month (11/28) and it scares me to know that sepsis can be fatal. I sure hope you get to feeling better! You are not alone in your recovery, i will always be here if needed. I am also a dog lover (this is completely off the subject), the dog that i had since she was born, passed away in December 2015 and i was devastated.
She had a littler of puppies before her passing and out of the 4 pups, there was only one that survived. I have one of her puppies from her first litter (my husbands dog, whom he has raised pretty much since her birth) she is a full blooded chihuahua, and a chipom that my husband and i just rescued. In our family we have a few other pets as well, my toddler has a turtle, stepson has a python, husband has a freshwater aquarium as well as a preserved coppeehead.
Votes: +0
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Kaptmike
4 Nov 2016
Hello doglover44 and everyone else, I noticed you first made your post in 2012, four years later, how are you feeling? I have been suffering from left hip pain since Aug 2016. After seeing several doctors, "take this, do this", I met with an orthopedic surgeon and was scheduled for surgery on Sept 29th. The doctor was able to detect fluid on the hip by MRI. He also confirmed by extracting two viles of pus from the hip. The doctor's plan was to clean the joint by othioscope. After a week in the hospital and a few days at home, I didn't think the wound looked good and pus was still present. Saw the doctor the next day and he scheduled me for another surgery the next day. After the second surgery, the doctor said the joint was completely clean and no damage to joint.
That was about 4 weeks ago, but I can't say I feel much better. On pain meds, antibiotics and working with PTA. I'm getting around with the use of a cane. The PTA said I'm doing great, but I just feel I should be further along. I have also read it could upwards of 9-12 months for a full painfree 90% recovery. Please share your thoughts thanks!!!
Votes: +0
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airplaneman
26 Oct 2016
I have COPD for 20 years. I have been hospitalized about 20 times in the last two years. The main treatment they give me is solumedrol, A and A NEB's, and levaquin, an antibiotic. It clears me up within an hour. The solumedrol however gives me a massive headache. OK, that's a fair trade. I feel pretty good comparatively for a few months. This last time was different. I started out with a minor sore throat and was coughing up thick green mucus for about a day. Then mucus started coming up clear but a lot more. Almost every 15 to 30 minutes. Day and night. I felt very, very sick. My energy level was non existent. I thought I would wait it out. After week 6, I couldn't take it. I went to ER. I was fortunate to get just the right ER doc and just the right admitting doc. After the NEB's and solumedrol and Levaquin they took blood cultures. That's the first time they did that. They switched my antibiotic to rosephen and, thank God they medicated my headache.
I was in ICU for 5 days. Solumedrol every 6 hours along with 20 milligrams of hydrocodone. My appetite came back in just 2 days. My energy returned quickly and I was released with a tapering dose of prednisone. The first night home I slept 6 hours straight. When I woke the next morning I couldn't believe how well I felt. My energy level was through the roof. My mind was clear and I could think clearly. My emotional status was just as remarkable. I did not know how sick I was for all that time. Apparently I had a chronic infection for years and didn't know it. When it turned into sepsis they finely found it. What amazes me is how quickly I recovered. It's been weeks now and I'm still going strong. I know the struggle you guys must be going through and I pray you will be as fortunate as I have been. Keep your faith and God bless you.
Votes: +0
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segrostephan
26 Sep 2016
It took me about 3 years to recover, and the longest part was my mind. It is not the same, my memory is not what it was before sepsis but it is mostly back. It it so frustrating that no one tells us this and no one tells us how long it takes. I have my check book ledger from about a year later, and it is really totally illegible. Not any more. It is harder though. Math is the hardest thing for me to recover. I have learned to compensate by writing lots of things down. I call a pad and paper my mind. Humor is good. I couldn't get anyone to address the mind part either. I did get good doctors, bur hospital discharge was pretty poor. How can you follow 5 pages of directions when your mind is not working? Go figure. I also was very active,and am again. Thankfully. You will get better, but it is a long journey. I am finally in the stage of gratitude since I did not die and was not left with terrible disabilities like some are. You do need a good doctor. Hope you found one by now.
Votes: +2
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benthienbasch
18 Sep 2017
I had surgery in May 2015 and got septic shock in early August 2015. Lost short term memory and couldn't walk and alot of different types of pain. I'm 67 and mostly a couch potato and am helping raise my 2 year old autistic grandson in my house. Cannot do alot of things, but I never give up. The only thing that works for me is Hydrocodone. My kidneys are at 47% functional and I get some depression as time goes by. I'm 215 lbs @ 5'10" and I bowl every Friday which is excruciating for me and now my right knee is wiped out. Getting old + septic shock recovery(2 yrs now) is not good, but at least I'm still kicking.
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Jzyk28
26 Sep 2018
I know how u feel about the walkjng. It has been 18 months and I still use a walker. But keep working at it. TRY, try to walk as much as possible. I don think doctors know what to tell us,every case is different. I pray u get relief. It's great you can bowl . Keep it up ..
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Bigdrules8
22 Sep 2016
I had sepsis in June from surgery and still do. I also lost my ability to walk. And it's now almost October 2016 and I still can't walk. I've been in a physical rehab. My confusion is gone ,however the wheelchair has not. Have u regained ur walking yet? I certainly hope so. My Dr. Seems to have left me in the dark alone an I'm realizing walking IS getting farther away "if I don't do something myself". I've decided to see a neurologist . Please up date me about ur condition. Sincerely interested.
Votes: +2
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Jzyk28
16 Sep 2018
Bigdrules8... I developed a Staph infection in May 2017 in my spine and neck. After removing the abscess from my neck and spine... I lost my ability to walk also. And my hands are numb and tingly. I did rehab and can walk wirt a walker, sometimes a cane, but it has been 16 months. My main problem now is pain in my lower back and right leg. Diagnosed as sciatica. I believe if I could get rid of this pain I could walk better and more. Do not give up on the walking... it will still come. I try to be opimistic. I was a very active person and very hard to stay at home now. I did not have any confusion... so I cannot help you on that. Please let me know how you are doing, and keep trying to walk. I know that is easy to say. If you know, oe if ANYONE out there has had any pain like this... I would so much appreciate hearing also. And Bigdrules8... keep on trying. I wish you all the very besr.
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Montib13
25 Sep 2018
I had a perforated colon February of 2018. I was in ICU for 9 days and regular room for 3days. My recovery seemed to be going well until the beginning of September of this year. I had been having a somewhat difficult time with walking but in September it got worse until I was forced to by a walker. Blood tests have been normal. I found a new GP and her words were “you need an MRI we’re looking for a huge tumor on your spine “. I was totally freaking out!!! I’m going back to my surgeon for an appointment because I really believe it’s anxiety and stress. All my tests from the hospital came back normal. Any thoughts anyone??
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Lula222
18 Sep 2016
Hi doglover44 I can see that you posted back in 2012, but you may look in from time to time to see the responses to your question. I hope you are feeling much improved - it is a very long journey to recovery - in fact, after 5 years I still don't think I have fully recovered. I contracted sepsis after surgery for bowel cancer, and ended up in ICU for just over a month, with mainly breathing difficulties, but also with a heart attack, seizures, spleen, liver and kidney malfunction. I was taken off a ventilator three times but couldn't support my own breathing - eventually given a tracheostomy. When I left ICU I spent a further 2 months in hospital learning how to speak and walk again - I was so weak that I couldn't stand unaided for several weeks.
Five years on, and those who don't know me wouldn't think I was in any way unusual - perhaps I get tired more quickly than some - but they would think I am just a naturally ditsy, disorganised, forgetful person. I was never like this before - in fact I used to own my own nursery school and was so organised that my nickname was 'File-lady'! To this day I cannot remember films that I have seen or books that I have read - after I recovered I decided to take a diploma, and I actually wrote an entire academic essay not remembering that I had already written it. I think I have probably recovered as much as I'm going to - I do miss the person I once was, but I am lucky to be alive and so I squash those feelings of self-pity! I really hope that you are feeling a lot stronger by now.
Votes: +1
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lyndanixonwoodburn
15 Sep 2016
Dear Dog Lover
I know exactly how you feel! I had sepsis in July 2014 and still have some after effects - namely fatigue, memory loss and joint pains and especially having to sit down after a very short stroll. - also depression and anxiety about the length of time it's taking to feel better. I do try to be positive and keep hoping I will feel better soon. Keep on smiling and try not to worry to much about it as it is very early days for you.
Votes: +1
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CoachLois
26 Nov 2016
Hi there. I too had septic shock in April 2014. My legs are so weak still and I have shortness of breath. Getting tired out so easily is frustrating isn't it. I have also gone through two rounds of chemo since then. My old body is tired right out.
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Kathys15
17 June 2017
I had septic and cardiogenic shock 12/21/14 caused by a kidney stone (I am also a diabetic). My heart seems to be ok now( 6/17), but I have lingering shortness of breath on exertion, dizziness and memory loss/problems with focus and word retrieval. I am going to a lung soecialist in 2 months. No one can seem to pinpoint my respiratory problems/causes. I am on Concerta for my memory there was a spot on my brian caused by the anoxia (lack of oxygen). Does anyone else have the same lingering issues (it has been since 12/14). If so, can you tell me why tis is still happening? TYVM.
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Jzyk28
11 Feb 2019
I developed staph infection my back and neck in May 2027. I believe staph and sepsis are the same thing? It will be 2years this May. I still hVe heavy legs and cannot walk well. And my hands r numb from the infection in my neck. No one can say how long these symptoms will last. I just wanted you to know you r not alone in having symptoms 2 years. I would love to hear how long the legs are bad. And IF they will get better. Pls don't be discouraged. You r not alone in this. If any of my symptoms r yours, I would love to hear from you. Take care
Hi Guys, I am also wondering about the length of time it will take to recover. It sounds like I have been a very lucky girl and not had it as bad as some, for which I thank God! I am out of hospital with antibiotics after having IV AB's, I am eating little and often, drinking plenty of water and resting, but the more I rest in one position the more kidney, back, hip and shoulder pain I get. My life is revolving around analgesia at the moment and I am getting moments os severe sweating ( not sure if these are menopausal hot flushes though). I am completely confused about my body at the moment and my orientation, intermittent confusion and lack of spatial awareness is stopping me from driving ( which I love) restricting me from leaving the house as I can't walk too far withou getting exhausted. PLease give me clue as to when I will be able to return to work or get close to normal. In my moments when I feel 'well' I feel like a fraud then go down with a crash. Look forward to your answers
Votes: +3
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tphillips57
15 Aug 2016
I had septic shock seven weeks ago. I was given a 15% to 20% survival rate and lived due to my desire to live and thousands of prayers. I was in intensive care for ten days while on a respirator... two weeks total in the hospital with an extra week of in-home IV therapy.
My enlarged heart is back to normal with no signs of damage, the pneumonia is finally gone, as is my kidney stone which caused by infection (it was my first at 59). Beside complete exhaustion, my toes and feet are numb most of the time. My doctor says this is permanent, but I don't want to believe him. Have any of you had this same experience? I can't believe the only therapy is pain meds.
I went back to work this last week (I work on L.A.'s Skid Row, so I need to be very careful of my weakened immune system). When I get home I have a small bite to eat, then go straight to bed. I've started to drink protein shakes and the doctor aproved me going back on a few daily supplements. I can barely make it up a flight of stairs so I really don't have the strength to start exercising. My family doctor is very passive but I really need to find a way to get my strength back. It's very depressing especially for someone who is used to working 12 hour days. I feel blessed to be alive and don't want to complain so any additional suggestions would be appreciated. I live in Los Angeles.
Votes: +1
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BevC123
8 Sep 2016
I logged into this website solely to reply to your question about the numbness in your toes and feet. I feel for you but please know it should lessen! I had it about 6 weeks after I left the hospital (early April 2016) and didn't think it would ever go away. It bothered me more at night and upon waking until I walked around for an hour or so.. It is now Sept 8 and has improved a great deal! I know longer take pain meds for it, I only needed those for the first 2 months before noticing it was getting better. I still have it sometimes but a much weaker version and can live with it without thinking about it much. I don't think your doctor was correct in his response. I think, but not 100% positive, that it's a circulatory issue. I do walk about a mile now nearly every day so perhaps that has helped. I'm fairly confident it should completely go away at some point. :)
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Athol
30 Sep 2016
Hi what did you have to do to recover from pneumonia
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Jzyk28
10 Feb 2019
I don't know..is sepsis and staph infection the same? Almost 2 yrs ago I was rushed to ER with severe back pain and total weakness. After MRIS they saw abscess in my back and neck. Removed abscess, but I lost use of my legs. Walk with walker and cane... still have back pain ND on pain meds. 3 weeks on antibiotic drip in hosp. But the pain in back keeps me from much PT for my legs. Has ANYONE else had this go on this long?? I would so, so much appreciate hearing from you. My life as I knew it is gone. I was totally active before this.
Yes it can take up to a year not just because of the sepsis but also from all the medications. Get some supplements for infection and gut health. Oil of oregano, liquid silver and turmeric. Rebuild your gut health with probiotics and definitely stay away from sweets. If you are still sweating a lot shows you still are throwing off toxins. Drink a lot of water with lemon. Your body needs a lot of support right now. Don't give up too soon.
Votes: +3
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BillL1
21 June 2016
I stopped having hallucinations when I started taking anti-psychotics. My cognitive ability is still impaired but also much better when I started on anti-psychotics. Hope that helps.
Votes: +0
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Adab_17
20 Feb 2016
Yes I am a CMA and study physical medicine. I am 22 years old and I first got sepsis when I was 16 years old. I have kidney disease, therefore, I make sepsis a very high possibility. And I remember a little and that was that I was sick as a damn dog. But about three days or so after ward I was back to myself.
Votes: +1
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Jnettix
18 Sep 2017
Wow! Back to yourself in 3 days! How lucky for you! It's been 3 months for me and I don't see much improvements.
