Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body’s immune system overreacts to an infection. According to the Sepsis Alliance, more than 1.4 million people survive sepsis every year. But even after surviving sepsis, people experience physical, mental and emotional challenges.

What to Watch For

Because sepsis is such a serious illness, recovery takes a long time. Most people who have experienced sepsis begin rehabilitation in the hospital, practicing sitting up, standing, walking, using the restroom, bathing and other activities aimed at helping them return to their previous level of health.

Even after they get home, people who have had sepsis may experience physical symptoms, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These include breathlessness, difficulty moving around, difficulty sleeping, weakness and fatigue. They also may experience dry, itchy, peeling skin, general aches and pains, hair loss, weight loss and lack of appetite.

Sepsis survivors may even experience serious complications after going home from the hospital. Complications include decreased mental functioning, kidney failure and respiratory problems, disabling muscle and joint pain and nightmares or panic attacks.

Sepsis survivors may also feel a swirl of emotions. They may become depressed and angry, anxious, frustrated, unable to concentrate and unsure of themselves. They may experience flashbacks or get confused about what’s real and what isn’t.

How You Can Help

If you or a loved one has experienced sepsis, it’s important to stay in touch with your healthcare provider.

Don’t hesitate to contact your healthcare provider if you have concerns about what you or your loved one is experiencing as a sepsis survivor in the weeks and months after getting home from the hospital. A healthcare provider can determine the most appropriate rehabilitation plan and what activities are safe.

Your healthcare provider may suggest the following strategies for sepsis survivors:

• Asking your family to fill in any gaps you may have in your memory about what happened to you.

• Eating a balanced diet.

• Exercising if you feel up to it.

• Learning about sepsis to understand what happened.

• Making a list of questions to ask a healthcare provider when you go for a checkup.

• Recording your thoughts, struggles and milestones in a journal.

• Resting and rebuilding your strength

• Setting small, achievable goals for yourself each week, such as taking a bath, dressing yourself or walking up the stairs.

Call your healthcare provider if you or your loved one continues to feel exhausted or does not seem to be getting better.

How to Prevent Sepsis From Recurring

Sepsis survivors are at higher risk for getting sepsis again. If you or your loved one has an infection that’s not getting better or is getting worse, act fast. Get medical care immediately.

Ask a healthcare professional, “Could this infection be leading to sepsis?” and if you should go to the emergency room. With fast recognition and treatment, most people survive.

For more information on life after experiencing sepsis, visit Sepsis Alliance or the CDC website.

Sources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Sepsis Alliance