Sepsis Survivor!

You were diagnosed with sepsis during your hospital stay. Sepsis is a medical emergency. 

Sepsis is your body's life-threatening reaction to an infection caused by a bacteria, virus, or fungus. Any infection can lead to sepsis. It can cause harm to body organs, lower blood pressure, and lead to death when not caught and treated early. 

Some of the most common types of infections that cause sepsis are:

• Pneumonia in your lungs.

• Urinary tract infection in your bladder or kidneys.

• Cellulitis in your skin.

• Abdominal infections in your bowel or gallbladder. 

 Who is at risk for sepsis?

Anyone can get sepsis. Some people are at a greater risk:

• Past history of sepsis

• Cancer patients

• Someone with a weakened immune who is immunosuppressed 

• Adults 65 years and older

• Young children

• Individuals with chronic conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, liver disease, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) 

What are the symptoms of sepsis?

There are many signs and symptoms of sepsis. Here are a few examples:

• Chills and shaking

• High or low temperature

• Fast heartbeat

• Fast breathing

• New or worsening confusion, drowsiness, or dizziness 

• Low blood pressure

• Severe pain

How can you continue your recovery at home?

See your primary care provider soon after you leave the hospital. 

Watch for symptoms each day. Use the Sepsis Home Care stop light sheet to check your symptoms. 

Take your medicines as instructed by your doctor. Do not stop taking your medicines even if you feel better unless instructed by your doctor to do so.

Wash your hands with soap and water often. Keep cuts and wounds clean.

Keep well hydrated and drink plenty of fluids. Eat healthy foods. 

Get good, quality sleep. Slowly increase your activities. 

What is Post Sepsis Syndrome (PSS)?

Post Sepsis Syndrome is a condition that affects up to 50% or 5 out of 10 people who survive sepsis. There is no specific lab test to diagnosis PSS.

Your doctor may diagnosis PSS based on your symptoms. It includes physical and psychological long-term effects such as:

• Hard time sleeping

• Being really tired

• Hard time breathing

• Hair loss

• Poor appetite 

• Chronic pain

• Depression

• Anxiety

• Memory loss

• Low mental functioning 

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

A note to caregivers

Making sure that your loved one can get to their follow up appointment is very important. You might be able to notice problems or changes before your loved one would. Talk with your loved one about what you are seeing and discuss how they are feeling. 

Communicate these changes with your primary care provider as soon as possible. Call if your loved one has new or worsening:

• Pain

• Confusion

• Hard time communicating

• Depression or anxiety 

Call also if there are:

• Changes in wounds

• Weight changes

• Needs more help with walking, bathing, or toileting 

• Eats or drinks less

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