When Life Hits Hard: My Sepsis Journey
““It ain’t about how hard you hit, it’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward” ”
Five weeks in a coma, sepsis, amputation – and yet the path back to life.
A true story about fighting spirit, support, and the power of never giving up.
■ From athlete to intensive-care patient in just a few days
I was healthy, athletic, conscious about nutrition, and even worked in the sports field. There were no warning signs, no pre-existing conditions, and yet sepsis hit me completely unexpectedly. It all started with the flu (Influenza A). “Get some rest,” they said. But a few days later my condition deteriorated dramatically: pneumonia, hospital, then immediate artificial coma.
■ Five weeks in a coma – life hanging by a thread
The influenza developed into a superinfection, leading to multiple organ failure and eventually sepsis. I spent five weeks in a coma. My chance of survival: at most 50 percent. Between life and death – and I had no idea.
■ Waking up to the hardest news
When I woke up, it was clear: my legs could not be saved. Necrosis on my toes and on my right lower leg made amputation unavoidable.
I couldn’t walk or stand, not even put weight on my legs. In early neurological rehab, I realized: I had to start from scratch.
■ Learning again what once was natural
Breathing without a ventilator, swallowing, eating, holding a spoon, moving in bed, I had to relearn it all.
My brain needed a reset. Even though I am right-handed, at first I could only do many things with my left hand. It felt strange, frustrating, but every little step forward was a victory.
■ Amputation – a paradoxical relief
The real turning point came with the amputation. As difficult as this step was, from that moment, I felt energy again. I wanted to fight. But my body was weakened, and I had lost almost 30 kilos while in the coma. Before a prosthesis was possible, I had to painfully rebuild muscle. During that time, I also lost half of my hair, a side effect of the life-saving medication. Hard to bear, but not a reason to give up.
■ “You’ll never be able to do that again!” — Yes. I will.
I often heard what supposedly wouldn’t be possible anymore. That only fueled my determination. My stubbornness helped me keep going. I wanted to prove that my life goes on.
■ Carried by others when I faltered
Without my family, friends, and colleagues, I wouldn’t have made it. They supported me when I didn’t have the strength.
The support I received at my workplace was also crucial. Through inclusion officers, disability representatives, and the inclusion office. Only through them did I learn what kind of support exists. For those affected, this is an important message: Don’t hesitate to accept help.
■ My life today – different, but strong
Today I have my life back, my child, my family, my sport, my job. Not everything is like it used to be, but much is possible again, and that’s what matters.
The article above was written by Beatrice W. and is shared here with her explicit consent. The views in the article do not necessarily represent those of the Global Sepsis Alliance. They are not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. The whole team here at the Global Sepsis Alliance and World Sepsis Day wishes to thank her for sharing her story and for fighting to raise awareness for sepsis.