Tirzah S.

For three long months, I battled a persistent urinary tract infection (UTI) that refused to go away, despite multiple rounds of antibiotics. (Sepsis and Urinary Tract Infections) By August, the situation took a turn for the worse as my symptoms intensified. Chills, nausea, and weakness began to plague me, culminating in a sudden wave of fatigue so overpowering that it felt like I might pass out while washing dishes. Initially, I thought this was my chronic fatigue issue, I carried on with my day until the back flank pain escalated, becoming unbearable by nightfall. Realizing I needed medical attention, I planned to see a doctor the next morning. However, a fortunate twist of fate occurred when our thermostat malfunctioned, preventing my boyfriend from taking me to the doctor. Instead, he dropped me off at the emergency room so he could deal with the thermostat issue. In hindsight, this unexpected turn of events likely saved me from a worsening condition, as prompt care at the ER was crucial for my recovery.

At just 27 years old on August 17, 2023, my life took a drastic turn when I arrived at the emergency room and was immediately subjected to a battery of tests. The doctors informed me that I had a severe infection that required admission, but the full extent of the situation only became clear once I was hospitalized. It was revealed that my kidneys were inflamed, indicating a serious kidney infection, although the diagnosis of sepsis was not explicitly communicated to me at the time. Throughout my hospital stay, I experienced a myriad of distressing symptoms, including difficulty urinating, weakness, shortness of breath, extreme fatigue, night sweats, and hallucinations. The excruciating pain in my flank felt like a severe kidney punch that left me unable to touch the area, and was one of the most intense sensations I had ever endured. I spent a week in the hospital receiving treatment, which involved antibiotics administered through a midline catheter for two weeks to combat the infection and aid in my recovery.

I did not find out I had sepsis till I returned home I had a home health nurse inform me that the infection had spread to both my kidneys and had spread to my bloodstream. This news came as a shock to me. The gravity of the situation hit me hard when I learned the full extent of what I had been through, and the realization that I could have lost my life. It left me overwhelmed with emotion. The fear and uncertainty that followed, coupled with the lingering trauma of the experience, have since had a profound impact on my life.

Navigating the aftermath of such a harrowing ordeal has left me anxious about the possibility of another urinary tract infection escalating to a similar dangerous level. However, I am grateful for surviving the ordeal, and grateful sepsis was caught early. This has been a powerful reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing one’s health. I hope that by sharing my story and raising awareness underscores the importance of being proactive about health and never taking it for granted.