Krystin H.

I have been chronically ill most of my life this wasn’t the first time being in the ICU but by far this time was the scariest. I finally got my health together and lost 150lbs. On Jan 17, 2024 after years of saving, I had an extended tummy tuck and breast reduction and lift. For the first 10 days everything was fine. I was healing normally.

I was told at the 10 day mark if I was still doing well I could get a first lymphatic drainage massage. The practitioner was not clean (found out later) and within 12 hours, I was showing signs of infection. The doctors gave me stronger oral antibiotics and sent me home. At the 36hr mark, I was running 105 fever and draining putrid fluids. Hospital gave me Vicodin and said let the meds work. At the 3 day mark my right breast was 3x is natural size, I was still running 105 and shaking uncontrollably. My husband insisted we go to a new hospital. (Sepsis and Surgery)

They took me immediately to a trauma bay there my right breast ruptured. They did imaging and took me straight into the OR
I woke up in the ICU with sepsis. I was in the ICU for a week and then I was moved upstairs. I spent six weeks in total in the hospital on IV antibiotics and another three months on oral. I had 9 surgeries not including the initial surgery. It took me 9 months to get the all clear from my doctor and I still have 7 months to be fully healed.

I still suffer from cognitive impairment as well as speech issues. It’s been a long road and I’m so thankful I’m still here to keep fighting