Maryland Woman Shares Near-Death Experience with Sepsis, Urges Others to Recognize Warning Signs

In a heart-rending account, Jackie Duda from Maryland shares her near-death experience with Sepsis, aiming to raise awareness during Sepsis Awareness Month. Duda’s harrowing battle with septic shock and subsequent recovery serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of recognizing the signs and symptoms of sepsis. Her story sheds light on the risk factors and long-term effects of this life-threatening condition.

It was in May 2021 when Duda’s life took a dramatic turn. Unbeknownst to her, her colon had ruptured from undiagnosed diverticulitis, leading to a severe infection. The symptoms she experienced, including bloating, fatigue, and hip pain, were initially dismissed as other unrelated issues. However, as the infection spread through her bloodstream, Duda went into septic shock, a life-threatening condition that causes organ shutdown.

Fortunately, Duda was rushed to Shock Trauma in Baltimore, where she underwent emergency surgery to save her life. Dr. Jonathan Baghdadi, a sepsis expert, explains that sepsis occurs when an infection enters the bloodstream, leading to a chain reaction that can result in multiple organ failure. Duda’s case serves as a stark reminder of how sepsis can quickly escalate and become deadly if not promptly diagnosed and treated.

After the surgery, Duda spent 15 days in recovery at the University of Maryland Medical Center. However, her journey toward recovery was far from over. She had to relearn how to walk after being on a ventilator and undergoing surgery to reverse a colostomy. The physical challenges were only part of the battle; Duda also faced mental and emotional hurdles. Thankfully, she found solace and support in an online support group for sepsis survivors, where she connected with others who had endured similar experiences.

Duda’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of recognizing the signs and symptoms of sepsis. By sharing her experience, she hopes to raise awareness and prevent others from suffering the same fate. Sepsis is a global issue, with over 11 million people dying from it each year. Existing evidence on risk factors for sepsis is primarily based on hospital-based studies in the U.S. However, a recent project conducted by the University of Manchester in collaboration with the UK Health Security Agency aimed to understand the relationship between clinical risk factors, health inequalities, and sepsis outcomes.

The project analyzed over 330,000 sepsis cases and controls, excluding cases related to COVID-19. The findings revealed that patients with socioeconomic deprivation, frailty, and chronic conditions faced an increased risk of sepsis. Risk prediction models that considered age, sex, chronic diseases, deprivation status, history of antibiotic prescribing, and learning disabilities achieved good discrimination in identifying sepsis cases.

While antibiotics are often effective in preventing sepsis-related complications, they are currently prescribed in primary care without considering the patient’s risk. As part of policy priorities for sepsis prevention in primary care, experts emphasize the need for risk-based prescribing, inclusion of common infection management in quality improvement schemes, remote monitoring of high-risk patients, strengthening treatment guidelines, and implementing a Learning Healthcare System.

The discovery of antibiotics, starting with Dr. Alexander Fleming’s penicillin in 1928, was a breakthrough in medical history. However, the misuse and overuse of antibiotics have contributed to the rise of antibiotic-resistant infections, making sepsis prevention even more crucial. With over 1.5 million adults in the U.S. experiencing sepsis each year, leading to more than 350,000 deaths, the need for awareness and preventive measures cannot be overstated.

Sepsis is particularly dangerous for vulnerable populations, including children, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Survivors of sepsis often face long and challenging recoveries, along with potential long-term effects. The key to combating sepsis lies in prevention. Simple measures like hand-washing, cleaning surfaces, and getting vaccinated can significantly reduce the risk of infection and subsequent sepsis.

Some healthcare institutions have implemented protocols to improve early identification and treatment of sepsis, leading to higher survival rates. Cottage Health, for example, has successfully implemented such protocols, ensuring that patients receive prompt and appropriate care. These initiatives demonstrate the positive impact that proactive measures can have on sepsis outcomes.

As September marks Sepsis Awareness Month, it provides an opportunity to amplify awareness and share stories like Jackie Duda’s. The more people are educated about sepsis and its risk factors, the better equipped they will be to recognize the signs and seek timely medical attention. Organizations like the Sepsis Alliance, End Sepsis, the Love For Lochlin Foundation, and the fundraiser Give Someone Another Birthday are dedicated to preventing sepsis occurrences and deaths through education, advocacy, and support.

For more information on sepsis, resources are available on websites such as Cottage Health and the Sepsis Alliance. By spreading awareness, promoting preventive measures, and sharing survivor stories, we can work together to combat sepsis and save lives.

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