Sepsis

[LucyCarroll]

Hi all, this is Carrollco, but I couldn't remember my password and log in. I have just been released from the hospital where I had sepsis. I woke up last Sunday with fever and all over body/muscle pain. The on call doc told me to take Tylenol and wait to call the office on Monday. I did and when I called they told me to go to ER.

To make a long story short, I had sepsis. They threw me on a bunch of IV antibiotics and on Thursday with a normal temp they sent me home (with more antibiotics). I see my doc this Friday. Since my doc was on vacation I saw the o/c surgeon, gastroenterologist, and hospital doc. None of them could decide if it was a fistula or not though there was a small pocket of pus found that didn't require draining.

That said, no one has ever done an upper GI on me or small intestine scope. I am worried there are other fistulas. (They only did an ultrasound of the bottom area at the hospital.)

I'm on Humira and 6MP though they've taken me off the Humira until I see my doc this week. I've been on 6mp for five months and two months for Humira. Any advice? The sepsis scared the heck out of me and my family. I'm out of town until Thursday (this makes me really nervous) but will be back late afternoon on Thursday and look forward to your replys.

 

[Terriernut]

They sent you home even though you may have further fistulas or problems???? Did they do a CT scan?

I ended up almost dead twice from a perforated bowel. Sepsis is certainly nothing to mess with!

I sure hope they get you on the mend and look ALOT closer at what is going on with you.

Meanwhile, all I can do is send you huggggggssss!

 

[LucyCarroll]

Yes they sent me home. I was uncomfortable going home, but what was I supposed to do? I guess I could have kicked up a storm and I probably should have, but I wasn't in the space at that time to do so. I just knew I was scared and wanted my own freakin bed. Really though, I feel pretty good. Though the antibiotics have made me a little ill.

Oh, and no CT scan--no nothing except an ultrasound of you know where.

 

[Terriernut]

So, they know where the problem is? It doesnt sound like it? You could wait a long time for a CT scan if you're not an inpatient.

I'd have a very loooonnggg moan and get all those tests done ASAP!!!!

Not just for your peace of mind is it? It's to find out what the hell is going on!

 

[LucyCarroll]

What tests should I request? The only thing I've ever had done was a colonoscopy, blood work, and some gene sequensing. Ergh, this is so frustrating.

 

[Terriernut]

CT scan, barium with follow thru would be a great start. Along with a full blood work request. Another colonoscopy if you have a perforation isnt a good idea.

Let us know how things go with you!

 

[archie]

I agree with misty you need a CT. I had an abscess (pocket of pus!!) whatever they want to call it and it caused a perforation but this was diagnosed via CT and the fact my CRP was 280...I was assessed thoroughly by the surgeons and emergency surgery was not required and therefore I was also treated with IV antibiotics and I too felt good after a week. They lined up a string of investigations as an outpatient non emergency thank goodness and I was reviewed by the surgeon 1 month later and I ended up needing a resection afterall. An ultrasound isn't the best investigation on the planet so if I were you I'd request a CT and small bowel series and repeat bloods.

 

[DustyKat]

You need to get a CT done. If you have a perforation or fistula it will show up as gas outside the bowel. Also continue to have your bloods checked to see what your white cell count and CRP are doing.

If you have small bowel disease we were told that the biologics will not heal a fistula in this region. Also the fact that there is now an abscess would negate Humira so I guess that is why they have suspended it for now.

Dusty. xxx

 

[starfish]

definately a ct scan my hubby had sepsis twice the first time he nearly died but this time 5 weeks ago he had iv antibiotics and also elemental diet to rest the bowel this worked really well for him make a fuss get those investigations done good luck x x

 

[carrollco]

I'm back...

Made it through the last few days just fine. For the first time in a year my fever is normal and staying normal. I see the doc tomorrow at 11:30 and I'm keeping my fingers crossed. Will check with him about the CRP and CT scan. Thank you so much for your help. I was feeling a little lost. Sepsis is a scary thing when you've had a close family member die from it.

Blessings to all.

Louann

 

[Terriernut]

Glad you feel better! Dont let up on those tests, make em do it!

 

[xJillx]

Crossing my fingers for you, Louann, that you get better and better each day!

 

[LucyCarroll]

Update

Went to the docs yesterday. All my blood levels are perfect except for low Potassium and Magnesium which is correctible by vitamins. The doc thinks that because I was on Humira I picked up a staff infection in my blood which is not directly attributable to Crohn's except by the use of Humira. So, I'm off the biologics until next Thursday when I can start injecting again.

He recommended that I take my temperature often and if it starts going up again we'll schedule all the tests, but right now everything looks great. I'm feeling pretty good too. Better than I have in months.

Thanks for all your help and advice.

 

[Terriernut]

Oh dear! There is a Humera thread here in the Treatment forums. I'm soooo glad you are feeling much better :thumleft::thumright:

Anyway, it might be good to post your experience in there as well.

Glad you are well again!!!!! Huggles!