Recovering After Sepsis

Sepsis is a serious illness, and after it the body and mind need time to recover. Rehabilitation usually begins in the hospital, with help sitting up, standing, walking, getting to the bathroom, bathing and other everyday tasks. The aim is to get back to your earlier level of health, or as close to it as possible. Work with a health care provider on a rehabilitation plan and on which activities are safe, build up activity slowly, and rest when you are tired.

What you may notice at home

Physical symptoms can include:

• breathlessness;
• brittle nails;
• difficulty moving around;
• trouble sleeping;
• dry, itchy, peeling skin;
• general aches and pains;
• weakness and fatigue, from mild to extreme;
• hair loss;
• weight loss, poor appetite, or food tasting different.

Feelings can include:

• confusion about what is real;
• depression, anger or lack of motivation;
• anxiety or more worry than usual;
• flashbacks and bad memories;
• frustration at not managing everyday tasks;
• not caring about your appearance;
• poor concentration;
• self-doubt;
• wanting to be alone and avoiding friends and family.

Talk with a health care provider if you or your caregivers are worried about any of these.

Tips for recovery at home

With your provider, choose steps such as:

• asking family to fill in gaps in your memory of what happened;
• eating a balanced diet;
• exercising if you feel up to it;
• learning about sepsis to understand what happened;
• listing questions to ask at checkups;
• keeping a journal of your thoughts, struggles and milestones;
• resting and rebuilding your strength;
• setting small weekly goals, such as bathing, dressing yourself or climbing the stairs;
• talking about your feelings with family and friends.

Long-term effects

Many survivors recover completely. But as with other illnesses that need intensive care, some have lasting effects, which may appear only after leaving the hospital:

• risk of amputation;
• reduced mental (cognitive) function;
• trouble falling or staying asleep;
• disabling muscle and joint pain;
• kidney failure, breathing problems and other organ problems;
• loss of self-esteem and self-confidence;
• nightmares or panic attacks.

These effects generally improve with time. Some hospitals have follow-up clinics or staff to support patients and their families after discharge; ask whether yours does, or about local resources. Call a health professional if you are not getting better, are struggling to cope, stay exhausted, or want more information.

Sepsis can come back

Survivors are at higher risk of getting sepsis again. If you or a loved one has an infection that is not improving or is getting worse, get medical care right away and ask: "Could this infection be leading to sepsis?" and "Should I go to the emergency room?" With fast recognition and treatment, most people survive.

Sources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: "Managing Recovery from Sepsis." The thumbnail of CDC's fact sheet, which includes a stock photograph, is not reproduced.