Brandon B.
Shortly after Hurricane Beryl hit Houston, Tx in July 2024, our (23yo) son diagnosed with Angelman Syndrome, a rare neuro-genetic disease, began to exhibit signs of illness.
When someone you love is unable to communicate it’s one of the most difficult challenges you face as a caregiver.
Initially we thought Brandon’s behavior changes were a sign of frustration due to the extended power outages in our area. Then came a sudden onset of 103 degree fever with increasing agitation. We immediately took him to the ER for assessment which revealed an ear infection and kidney stone. Shortly after arriving he was sent back home with multiple prescriptions including antibiotics. Unfortunately due to the ongoing power outages the 24hr pharmacy was closed and we were unable to fill his prescriptions until the following day. (Sepsis and Bacterial Infections, Sepsis and Kidney Stones)
Less than 24hrs after his 1st ER visit Brandon spiked a temperature of 106 degrees with severe tremoring, his skin appeared mottled at times, and his pain had become unbearable. We rushed him back to the ER where they found evidence of a small pneumonia in his right lung. (Sepsis and Pneumonia) It was recommended that he return home with additional prescriptions. Feeling uneasy about him being discharged again, my husband asked the ER doctor to reassess Brandon’s labored breathing and oxygen levels. The doctor quickly agreed that his increased difficulty in breathing and declining oxygen sats warranted an admission for pneumonia. Looking back now, we know he was most likely septic at this point in time.
Once his oxygen levels were stable enough for transport, Brandon was taken across town via ambulance to a hospital 45 minutes away as local hospital beds were full. Soon after being admitted onto a general floor Brandon’s heart rate jumped to 130 and his confusion and agitation were now off the charts. After multiple conversations with hospital leadership I advocated for a move to the ICU where he could get the attention and care he needed due to his special needs and increasing agitation.
What I didn’t know at the time, and the medical staff had yet to discover, was that within those hours between the ER, being transported across town and admitted to the floor and eventually transferred to ICU, he had now developed septic shock.
The ICU room buzzed with activity as his new medical team busily worked to start additional IV lines, draw labs, administer medications and closely observe his vital signs. Soon lab results revealed his kidneys were shutting down. Alarms were constantly going off as his oxygen levels continued to drop and his blood pressure trended downward despite being given fluids and medications. During this blur of activity his intensivist was in and out of the room many times. Brandon now required 30-35 LPM/100% oxygen. He no longer fought with the IVs or oxygen cannula and his coloring was very pale. He looked almost blue at times. And that’s when the ICU doctor put his hand on my shoulder and said, “Mom…let’s sit down and talk”.
Over the last 20+ years we have faced quite a few medical crises together, including several ICU stays, but nothing prepares you for this conversation. This time Brandon wasn’t just sick, he was fighting for his life and if things didn’t improve quickly he would be placed on life support.
Thankfully, Brandon’s sepsis/septic shock story has a happy ending. He avoided intubation but did spend 7 days in the ICU and 10 days total in the hospital. When he was discharged he was incredibly weak and had lost nearly 20lbs. While in ICU he developed severe gastrointestinal motility issues that we are still working through with his specialist as well as lingering fatigue. It’s taken some time for him to heal but he is now getting back to living his best life. And for that we are eternally grateful. HIs story could have ended tragically.
The biggest lessons we have learned through this sepsis journey with Brandon are how quickly things can spiral and how incredibly important it is to trust your intuition. Keep pushing for answers when things don’t seem right. Don’t be afraid to speak up and ask questions if you feel further assessment and treatment are necessary. If we had taken our son home after that 2nd ER visit he likely would not have survived septic shock…and that weighs heavily on us.
This is our reason for sharing Brandon’s story with others, to raise sepsis awareness and the importance of seeking treatment as soon as possible. So, please take time to familiarize yourself with the signs of sepsis. Until there is a cure, early detection and treatment can help prevent tragic outcomes and save lives.
Source: Sandi Reese mother and guardian
