Sepsis is a life-threatening medical condition that occurs after a serious infection. A cascade of symptoms leads to near-organ failure of the kidneys, liver, and more. After treatment with antibiotics and other aggressive therapies, life after sepsis presents certain challenges.
Let’s talk about what to expect after your battle with sepsis and where you can go for the best in-house rehabilitation services in Sherman, TX.
Sepsis Can Take Your Life
So, if you have had sepsis and were treated successfully, you have much to be grateful for. Sepsis can happen to individuals hospitalized due to diabetic crisis, cancer and cancer treatment, and lung, gastrointestinal, skin, or urinary tract/renal disease. COVID-19 illness, fungal infections, and more can precipitate sepsis.
The onset of sepsis may be very sudden and is life-threatening, as a wide range of debilitating symptoms happens, sometimes resulting in:
- Tissue death
- Organ failure
- Long-term disability
- Death
Unfortunately, about 1.7 million adults in the United States develop sepsis. Mortality is highest for the most medically compromised and medically fragile patients, especially the elderly, very young children (ages one and under), and those with compromised immune systems.
Symptoms and Treatments for Sepsis
These can include various somatic symptoms, along with changes in mental and emotional status. Most typical sepsis symptoms include:
- Extreme fatigue
- Generalized muscle weakness
- Insomnia and other changes in sleep patterns
- Increased heart rate
- Confusion, disorientation, and memory problems
- Fever
- Chills
- Shortness of breath
- Sweating or clammy skin
When these symptoms occur, do not wait. Get emergency medical help right away at the nearest hospital or medical center. Accurate and rapid treatment is essential when sepsis develops.
What Happens After Sepsis Treatment
Returning to the home environment after treatment can be very challenging for some sepsis patients. They may continue to feel fatigued, depressed, mentally foggy, and weak. So, rest and a gradual increase in activities of daily living are important strategies for long-term recovery.
Many sepsis survivors benefit from rehabilitation in a specialty care hospital where they can receive physical and nutritional therapies, occupational therapy, and counseling for the mental and emotional aspects of recovery. Patients are encouraged to communicate as much as possible with their healthcare providers regarding symptoms–even journaling about the sometimes-substantial ups and downs in how they feel physically and emotionally.
Getting Help for Recovery from Sepsis in Sherman, TX
For adults 18 years of age and older, Carrus Specialty Hospital offers the in-house rehabilitation services people need to cope with and recover from complicated medical conditions, such as sepsis. We feature onsite lab and imaging services, physical and occupational therapy, IV therapy, and more. Our caring team of physicians, nurses, social workers, and more customize patient care to bring about the best long-term rehabilitation and return to home.
For more information on our state-of-the-art services, please contact our team member at (903) 870-2600. If you wish to arrange a visit, fill out our secure online appointment request form.