Roger Pitre

I want to share my story to raise awareness about the dangers of cellulitis and the importance of seeking medical care early. Without quick action, I might not be here today to tell this story. (Sepsis and Cellulitis)

It started with a small blister on my hand from removing ceramic tiles during a home improvement project. I also nicked my hand near the blister. I cleaned the wound, bandaged it, and thought nothing more of it.

A few days later, on my 50th birthday, I felt disoriented and developed arm pain, a fever, and nausea. Thinking it might be a strained muscle and a stomach bug, I tried to rest. By that evening, my fever had spiked to 39°C, and I became extremely unwell, with worsening pain and no appetite. I decided to go to the ER early the next morning.

By the time I arrived, my blood pressure had dropped to 90/60, and I was rushed into treatment. I had no idea how critically ill I was. Within 24 hours, my blood pressure plummeted further to 60/42, my vision blurred, and my skin turned blotchy and blue. I was moved to the ICU and diagnosed with invasive Group A Streptococcus (iGAS) from the blister on my hand. (Sepsis and Group A Streptococcus)

The infection had caused cellulitis, pneumonia, and kidney dysfunction, and my body was shutting down due to sepsis. The ICU doctors told me that if I had waited even four more hours to come in, I might not have survived. (Sepsis and Pneumonia)

Thanks to the incredible care I received, I recovered, but it was a harrowing experience. I spent over a week in the hospital, and it took months to regain my strength.

The moral of my story: Never ignore unusual symptoms, especially after an injury. What might seem minor—like a blister—can spiral into a life-threatening condition. If you feel something is seriously wrong, trust your instincts and seek medical attention immediately.

I’ll forever be grateful to the medical staff who saved my life. Please share this story—it might save someone else’s.