At Home After Sepsis

A Guide to Recovery and Well-being

Sepsis is a significant illness and can cause long-lasting effects. Recovery takes time and patience.

Rehabilitation

After sepsis, you will remain in the hospital for a period, building the strength to stand, walk, and take care of daily activities such as using the restroom, eating, and bathing. Before going home, you may also stay in a rehabilitation or skilled nursing facility, depending on your strength. 

Whether you go home directly from the hospital or after a stay in a rehabilitation facility, you may need help at home for an extended time after severe sepsis. 

How Will I Feel at Home?

At home, you may continue to experience the following symptoms:

  • Weakness and getting tired easily

  • Trouble swallowing

  • Getting out of breath easily

  • Body aches

  • Difficulty with mobility, such as walking, standing up, and climbing stairs

  • Poor appetite, changes in taste, and trouble gaining weight

  • Dry, itchy skin; brittle nails; and hair loss

  • Sleeplessness

You Are Not Alone

1.4 million people survive sepsis each year in the United States. You can connect with other survivors through a local support group or the Sepsis Alliance Connect support network at https://www.sepsis.org/sepsis-alliance-connect/.

What Can I Do to Feel Better?

Set reasonable expectations for recovery and give yourself time to return to normal. Some things you can do at home include:

  • Get plenty of rest. Rest is essential to rebuild your strength.

  • Eat a healthy diet. Get plenty of protein to support healing. Try eating frequent snacks and small meals or drinking supplemental nutrition shakes if you struggle with a poor appetite.

  • Stay hydrated. Drink at least 64 oz. of fluid per day unless your doctor has instructed you differently.

  • Reduce stress. Try techniques such as deep breathing or meditation.

  • Exercise gently. Moving rebuilds muscle strength and helps prevent complications like blood clots and pneumonia. Try taking short walks every 1 to 2 hours during the day but be aware of your body and avoid overexertion.

  • Make small goals. Examples are walking a few feet further each day or being able to dress yourself.

Can I Get Sepsis Again?

Yes. After you have been through sepsis, you are at a higher risk of getting a severe infection and developing it again. Sepsis weakens your body and can interfere with your immune system. Take care to avoid infections and contact your doctor right away with any concerns.

Post-Sepsis Syndrome

Some people have long-term effects after sepsis, including:

  • Nightmares, panic attacks, and hallucinations

  • Trouble sleeping

  • Muscle and joint pain

  • Swelling in limbs

  • Weakness

  • Confusion and decreased mental function

  • Organ failure, including kidney failure

Most problems improve with time. Professional resources are available for those that don’t. Keep track of your symptoms and discuss them with your doctor during your follow-up visits. They can connect you with the right treatments to help.

Warning Signs

Get emergency care if you have an infection that is not getting better or signs of sepsis:

  • Fever 

  • Low body temperature

  • Chills

  • Fast heartbeat

  • Confusion 

  • Extreme muscle pain 

  • Difficulty waking 

  • Trouble breathing

  • Pale or blotchy skin

I Don’t Feel Like Myself

It’s common to feel unsure, anxious, and depressed after surviving sepsis. You may also experience:

  • Trouble concentrating

  • Flashbacks and memories about when you were sick

  • Anger and frustration at being unable to do things you once could

  • Feelings of disconnection and being unsure of what is real and what is not

Sepsis can trigger post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Recognize your feelings and why you have them. Talk about them with friends and family. If your symptoms linger, you may benefit from professional counseling.

References: 

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