Sepsis

[Frizzbeol]

Hi - I've recently come home from a 12 day stay in hospital being treated for sepsis, which I developed as a result of a blocked kidney. I wasn't in HDU or developed any further issues as a result, thankfully. Almost 2 weeks on from leaving the hospital though, I just can't seem to do anything. Walking is painful because of the stent I have in until the stones that caused the blockage can be removed and I just get worn out doing the most minor of tasks. I'm also not sleeping. Can anyone offer advise on how long it takes to get back to normal? I don't know what to do about work - there's no way I can travel into London. I also seem to have developed memory loss and the brain fog is worse than it usually is! I'm feeling pretty sorry for myself - but obviously recognise how much worse it could have been. Any advice gratefully received.

I don't have any advice for you but I just wanted to send you and hope you get better soon.

Have you been to see your Gp? They can help you work through what's normal consequences of a very severe illness and what, if anything, needs further attention.
Don't underestimate though how draining a severe illness is. Your body has just taken a pounding and hard to work really hard to keep you alive. Nobody sleeps well in hospital so you are significantly sleep deprived, your kidneys have taken a pounding and probably aren't firing on all cylinders yet and that really impacts on the rest of your body and very probably you're doing too much, trying to get back to normal.

I would guess you need another two to three weeks off work and then a phased return as well and you need to do as little as possible for a few days. Long naps, gentle stroll round the garden, bit more nap and the best quality food you can afford. Really good red meat if you can eat it and plenty of veg. Basically an old fashioned recuperation diet. If you have a grandma type to come and make you soup move them in.

Thanks so much for the replies. I keep thinking I'm making a drama out of it and should pull my socks up. I can't seem to get my head around how ill I've been. Normal healthy adult, then bang in hospital. It's just not sinking in. Thanks for the advice - I am listening!

You should try not to worry about work. See if you can get a sick note for a couple more weeks, and just focus on resting. Sounds like it's not something you're just going to quickly recover from.

I have had sepsis twice, once from kidney infection and once from pneumonia. It took me a couple of months to start feeling normal. Your body has taken a battering and you need to be gentle with yourself.

Plenty of sleep, good food and gentle exercise is the way to go.

Bumping in the hope anyone else can share their recovery stories

Thanks SparklingGin- can I ask how long it was before you went back to work?

Physically it took a couple weeks but my mental state took a lot longer, it scared the bejesus out of me (i'm sure you feel the same) and it took a toll on my sleeping and eating I had post sepsis syndrome for about a year after which left me feeling rubbish and terrified of everything.

I was the same with very low energy for a few months after, it came back gradually and now the idea of hoping on a bus for the distances I had to is laughable. I’m sorry you’ve been so unwell, and just rest as much as possible and don’t push yourself, it will only delay things.

Thank you. I can relate to what you are saying about the fear you are left with. Feeling a bit shell shocked by it if im honest.