My journey with sepsis began in September of 2010. I had a procedure done on my left knee to remove scar tissue and treat the swelling from arthritis.

Within a week or two I noticed puss oozing from the surgical sight. Oral antibiotics didn’t seem to work. The infection had gotten worse and I was admitted to the hospital for treatment.

Numerous antibiotics were tried, and nothing seemed to work. Another surgery was performed on the left knee to treat the infection. After surgery and returning to my room I was told that I needed blood. Over the next couple of days, I received 5 units of blood.

My doctors told me that I had become septic and my red blood cell count had dropped to 6. During the crisis, I went into acute kidney failure. I was also told that if the infection got into the bone of my lower left leg that the lower leg would have to be amputated.

During my hospitalization I was weak, had no energy or appetite nor could I stand the smell of food. I went from 228 pounds to 189 during my stay.

After 4 surgeries and an antibiotic that finally worked, I was able to return home. I was sent home with a pic line and an infusion pump. I spent the 4 months recovering from the infection and sepsis.

Having lived through this experience, more needs to be done in combating sepsis and the conditions that causes it.

 Claude Debnam

Savannah, Georgia