Christine Krzeminski

In October 2022, I was a happily married mother of three young children, all under the age of 10. At the time, I was in good health and actively engaged in various family activities. Although I was feeling slightly unwell, I did not consider it a cause for concern. The next thing I remember is waking up 12 days later in the ICU, where I was informed of my diagnosis: sepsis caused by Haemophilus influenzae. I had developed unexpected abscesses on my legs and experienced significant cognitive impairment due to a brain infection. I later learned that my husband had rushed me to the hospital after I had fainted, and the doctors quickly diagnosed me with sepsis. (Sepsis and Bacterial Infections)

The cause of my sepsis remains unclear; it may have been related to recent dental work or another unknown factor. However, this event marked a profound change in my life. I spent 16 days in the ICU, followed by two additional months in the hospital, during which I underwent intensive physical therapy and wound care to regain my ability to walk. Upon my discharge, I found myself in a dramatically different situation—I was no longer the active mother and homemaker but rather someone in need of significant assistance for daily activities, including personal care.

After about two weeks at home, I was readmitted to the hospital due to another episode of sepsis related to Haemophilus influenzae, spending another month in care before returning home. With the support of physical therapy and my wound care physician, I gradually learned to walk again, starting with the assistance of a walker and eventually unaided. However, throughout 2023, I have experienced multiple hospitalizations—12 in total—due to complications from my initial sepsis diagnosis. As a result, I now contend with severe post-sepsis syndrome, which has drastically altered my daily life. The persistent fatigue, cognitive difficulties, and ongoing need for wound care for my leg abscesses pose daily challenges.

I am grateful that I did not require any amputations, as many sepsis patients do. Nevertheless, living with post-sepsis syndrome is an ongoing struggle, particularly as I navigate my responsibilities as a mother and wife while striving to regain my previous self. One of the significant hurdles has been finding healthcare professionals who are knowledgeable about post-sepsis syndrome. Many survivors, like myself, struggle with a lack of accessible support.

I want to acknowledge the hospital’s quick identification and treatment of my sepsis, which I believe was critical to saving my life. However, upon discharge, I found there were no structured post-sepsis treatment or aftercare programs available. Since my diagnosis, I have faced mental health challenges, including depression and anxiety, which I had not experienced previously.

I hope that post-sepsis syndrome will gain greater recognition and that improved support systems for survivors will be established. I remain deeply thankful for my husband and children, who have been unwavering sources of support during this challenging journey. I recognize that this experience has been difficult for them as well. Moving forward, I am committed to addressing the complications related to my post-sepsis condition as I work towards reclaiming the person I was before this life-altering event.