A woman who lost both her parents to sepsis nearly died from the disease, which was triggered by a urinary tract infection (UTI).
Lyndsey Feeney, 45, lost her father Archie, 73, in April after he suffered an arm injury. The wound became infected and bacteria entered his skin, causing cellulitis, which then progressed to sepsis.
Three months later, in July, Feeney’s mother Cathy, 72, who had chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), developed a urinary tract infection. Like her late husband, she was unable to fight off the infection and succumbed to fatal sepsis.
“It was really horrible, to lose them both so close – I still haven’t come to terms with it,” Feeney told the South West News Service via The Daily Mail.
Sepsis occurs when a person’s immune system has a dangerous reaction to an infection, causing extensive inflammation throughout the body, according to the Cleveland Clinic. It is considered a medical emergency and must be treated as soon as possible because it can lead to tissue damage, organ failure, and death.
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Lyndsey Feeney (left) with her mother, Cathy.
Lyndsey Feeney / SWNS
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“[My father had] he became delirious and was withdrawing his IVs,” Feeney said. “We were told he was going to wake up, but his organs started to shut down.”
Her mother, who died 16 hours after arriving at the hospital, also struggled with mental confusion.
“Mom was very confused and lethargic, so my sister Debbie called 911, but they didn’t arrive until almost 3 a.m.,” Feeney told the publication.
In late November, Feeney, who lives in South Lanarkshire, Scotland, said she started experiencing back pain and a high fever and had trouble urinating.
She went to the hospital a few days later and found out she had a urinary tract infection. Like her mother’s infection, it was not treated quickly and progressed to sepsis.
Fortunately, she was given antibiotics and her body responded well.
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Lyndsey Feeney hopes to spread awareness about the symptoms of sepsis.
Lyndsey Feeney / SWNS
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Now she hopes to raise awareness of sepsis, saying: “They call her the silent killer for a reason. If it is not detected early enough, nothing can be done.”
She urges people to recognize the symptoms of sepsis — confusion, high fever, chills, low blood pressure and a fast heart rate, according to the Cleveland Clinic — and to seek medical attention immediately. Feeney’s prompt treatment with antibiotics after she arrived at the hospital helped stop the sepsis from progressing.
“It’s devastating,” Feeney said, “but if sharing my story can help save someone else’s life, then it’s worth it.”
Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education