Struggling with Recurrent Sepsis
I’m a 31-year-old female, and I have quite a bit to share regarding my health situation, which has been quite alarming. Just last week, I was discharged from the hospital after undergoing treatment for sepsis, which stemmed from COVID and possibly a urinary tract infection. It all began when I noticed severe pain in my kidneys and started experiencing frequent urination—every 5 to 10 minutes. I also had a mild cough attributed to the COVID infection. Initially, I went to the emergency room where tests revealed elevated levels of lactic acid and white blood cells, alongside a temperature of about 100.7°F. My heart rate was already quite high, reaching the 120s. After receiving fluids and an injection of rocephin, I was sent home, despite my pleas to stay because I felt something was gravely wrong. The very next morning, my temperature skyrocketed to 102°F, and I felt significantly worse. Returning to the ER, I found that my temperature had climbed to 102.7°F and my heart rate surged to 150 beats per minute. Ultimately, my temperature peaked above 103.5°F before they began administering intravenous doxycycline, which finally provided relief since the previous treatments had not done so. I remained in the hospital for a few days until my labs and symptoms improved enough to be discharged with oral doxycycline—this was on the 25th. I was managing well until last night when I once again experienced kidney pain and developed a low-grade fever. Concerned for my health, I decided to revisit the ER. Upon arrival, my vital signs prompted the staff to initiate a sepsis protocol once more. Laboratory results indicated that my lactic acid, white blood cell count, and anion gap had increased again. Additionally, my urine tests showed a trace of bacteria coupled with a significant number of red blood cells. They treated me once more with fluids and rocephin before sending me home, repeating the same process as before. At this point, I find myself in a distressing cycle. My temperature is on the rise, the pain is intensifying, and the frequent urination is back. I am confused and worried about why my lactic acid levels spike again after initial treatment, and why my kidneys are causing me such intense discomfort despite no significant evidence of an infection. I am terrified—I almost felt like I was on the brink of death last time, and I can’t go through this ordeal again. If anyone has insights or suggestions on what might be happening, I would greatly appreciate your help!
Answers (1)
8/2/2025, 5:20:45 AM
OpenHealth AI
I'm really sorry to hear about your distressing situation. Dealing with recurrent sepsis, especially following a COVID infection and urinary issues, can be incredibly overwhelming. It's important to acknowledge how serious this can feel, and it's understandable to be worried given your experiences.
Main Points:
- You are experiencing recurrent symptoms despite treatment, indicating a potential underlying issue.
- Monitoring your symptoms and maintaining communication with your healthcare providers is essential.
- There are actionable steps you can take to manage your symptoms and possibly prevent further episodes.
Explanation: Recurrent sepsis can result from various factors, including ongoing infections, inflammation, or issues related to kidney function. Elevated lactic acid levels suggest that your body's systems might be under strain or not functioning optimally. Your kidney pain and urinary symptoms, along with elevated white blood cell counts, could indicate an unresolved infection or another complication. It's concerning when symptoms persist or recur, and it's essential to understand the root cause to manage them effectively.
Next Steps:
-
Track Your Symptoms: Keep a detailed log of your symptoms, including when they occur, their severity, and any other changes, like medication taken or activities done. This information can be helpful for healthcare providers to assess what's happening.
-
Stay Hydrated: Ensure you are drinking plenty of fluids, as dehydration can exacerbate kidney pain and symptoms of infection. This is especially critical post-discharge after sepsis.
-
Manage Pain and Fever: Over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help manage fever and reduce discomfort. However, consult your healthcare provider for advice on appropriate use, especially considering your recent medications.
-
Communicate with Your Healthcare Provider: Be proactive in discussing your ongoing symptoms with your doctor or specialist. Given your cycle of symptoms and treatment, they may consider additional tests (like imaging studies) to rule out complications like obstructions or chronic infections.
-
Avoid Potential Irritants: If you have recurrent urinary issues, consider avoiding irritants (like caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods) that can worsen urinary symptoms.
-
Follow-Up Care: Ensure you schedule a follow-up appointment soon to assess your ongoing symptoms and discuss any concerns you may have regarding your treatment plan.
It's vital to keep advocating for yourself and seek clarity on your health. If there are still no improvements, press for further investigations to understand why symptoms persist despite treatment. Please remember that you are not alone in this, and your concerns are valid. Reach out for support and continue to communicate your needs with your healthcare team.
Related Questions
Micronodules Detected in Lung
Hello, I recently underwent a coronary artery calcium (CAC) scan to assess arterial plaque, and I was pleased to receive a favorable score of 7.75. However, the report highlighted the presence of several clustered micronodules located in the right upper lung, accompanied by adjacent ground-glass opacities. I am a 60-year-old male, 6 feet tall and weigh 190 pounds. I do not currently take any medications and generally enjoy excellent health. There is a family history of heart disease on my father's side. Additionally, I am a non-smoker, apart from occasional use of cannabis, and consume alcohol very infrequently. Thank you in advance for any insights you can provide!
Experiencing Widespread Muscle Weakness
I’m a 36-year-old male and have recently been facing a troubling situation where the muscles throughout my body seem to be losing function—including my eyelids. The trouble began in May 2021 when I lifted a heavy garbage can with my right arm in a shrugging action. Following that, I felt a combination of pain and weakness concentrated in my right shoulder blade, as well as my shoulder and collarbone. Soon after, I noticed my shoulder began to pop and click. Afterward, I consulted with an orthopedic specialist who conducted x-rays on both of my shoulders. He informed me that everything appeared normal and dismissed the popping sounds as inconsequential. I also mentioned experiencing neck pain, but he indicated that addressing neck issues wasn’t his area of expertise. He diagnosed me with bilateral shoulder and neck discomfort and recommended physical therapy. The day after my appointment, I attempted to adjust my position in my desk chair by leaning on the left armrest, putting my forearm under the weight of my body. Suddenly, my shoulder jolted, and I felt a sharp weakness in my arm, accompanied by popping and clicking noises, similar to what happened with my right arm. I reached out to the orthopedic office to inform them about this incident, but the physician assistant who responded said the doctor would not see me again simply due to how I was sitting, and suggested I attend physical therapy first. She mentioned that if I continued to experience weakness, a neurologist might be necessary. Feeling concerned, I returned to my primary care physician for a follow-up appointment and recounted my experience. He didn’t appear worried, and my blood tests returned normal results. During the summer of 2021, I began physical therapy where the therapist diagnosed me with strains in my trapezius and rhomboid muscles. The subsequent therapy sessions consisted of painful exercises and stretches, yet I observed little to no improvement in terms of strength or stability. Activities like using the arm bike and weight machine were excruciating, and I frequently inquired whether my symptoms could be attributed to a tear or nerve damage, but the therapist insisted that was not the case and dismissed my concerns. After my tenth session, I decided it was best not to return. In April 2022, I visited a neurologist. I struggled to lift myself onto the examination table and needed assistance from a step stool. He didn't suspect any neurological issues when I asked him about an EMG or other assessments, he declined to proceed with those tests. Disheartened by these experiences, I chose not to pursue further medical consultations. Fast forward to April 9, 2025, I misstepped while descending some stairs, causing my right heel to catch, and I landed hard with my toes pointed. I had no visible signs of injury such as swelling or bruising, but soon after, I began to experience persistent pain and weakness, especially in my toes and the arch of my foot. By April 13, I instinctively elevated the toes on my left foot, and to my dismay, the same pain and weakness emerged, again without any visible signs like bruising. Since then, both feet have lacked strength, and my big toes feel unusually floppy. In July 2025, I had a troubling experience after having my hair washed at a salon. I held my neck in an awkward position for the duration, which resulted in a burning sensation. Regrettably, I didn’t express my discomfort, fearing a scene. Following this, I noticed significant weakness in the muscles at the front of my neck, under my chin, which gave the appearance of a receding chin. Additionally, my facial muscles, particularly in my cheeks, felt weak and could easily be pressed in with minimal resistance. In January 2026, I bought a new game controller for my laptop, having not played video games for a long time. Initially, it was manageable, but soon after, my hands and forearms began to feel uncomfortable and painful. This discomfort escalated significantly to where I had to discontinue use completely; my hands felt drained of energy and experienced achiness, tingling, and numbness. Then, on February 3, 2026, while seated and using my laptop, I noticed a peculiar sensation when moving my eyes. My eyelid muscles felt weak, and one of my eyelids began twitching. I found it increasingly difficult to open my eyes as widely as I used to. I plan to see a primary care physician once more, but I’m uncertain how to communicate all of this effectively to receive proper care. My circumstances have reached a point where my parents must assist me with everyday tasks, including driving, opening doors, and even lifting light objects. My ability to raise my arms above my head has become severely limited as well.
Liver Mass Assessment
Patient Profile: - Age: 61 years - Height: 5'9" - Weight: 240 lbs - Gender: Female - Lifestyle: Non-drinker, non-smoker, no illicit drugs Current Medications: - Atenolol 10mg (morning and evening) - Rosuvastatin 40mg (evening) - Duloxetine 60mg (evening) - Spironolactone 25mg (recently added) - Jardiance 10mg (recently added) Medical History: The patient has a notable history of multiple pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas, having undergone surgery on eight occasions. According to scans performed three years ago, two subcentimeter retroperitoneal masses were identified, suggestive of potential paraganglioma. Additionally, she suffers from secondary polycythemia and possesses the PHD1 gene mutation. Previously, she received treatment at a prominent research institution in the United States. However, her endocrinologist has since retired and returned to their home country. Current Condition: At present, she is mostly asymptomatic. However, in January 2026, she experienced a concerning event requiring an ambulance transport to a local emergency room, where her oxygen levels registered at 88-89%. This incident was unsettling, given her extensive medical history. The emergency physician initially diagnosed her with congestive heart failure (CHF), but upon discharge, her family medicine doctor suggested pneumonia. During her hospital stay, a cardiologist—who has never managed a pheochromocytoma patient—recommended a chemical stress test. A CT scan performed on her chest revealed a 3.2 x 2.5 cm mass located in the left lobe of her liver. Her blood tests typically show elevated levels related to pheochromocytomas; however, the laboratory does not conduct resting catecholamine testing, which leads to unreliable results, despite them being consistent over time. Furthermore, she has received care at major hospitals in Minnesota and both leading hospitals in Cleveland, Ohio. Unfortunately, when she required her last surgery, the tumor board declined her case, citing an unfavorable risk-benefit ratio. This leaves her without a specialist in pheochromocytomas. Request for Guidance: The patient is seeking advice or recommendations for her current health situation and management of her conditions.
Concerns About My Daughter's Morning Health Issues
My 17-year-old daughter experiences troubling symptoms each morning, particularly on days when she needs to rise early for school or work. She often wakes up feeling dizzy and nauseated, accompanied by a rapid heartbeat exceeding 100 beats per minute. This situation prevents her from being able to eat and may persist for several hours, or in some cases, throughout the entire day. Standing at 5 feet 8 inches tall (172 cm) and weighing 121 pounds (55 kg), her physical health otherwise seems fine. I have a personal history of inappropriate sinus tachycardia (IST), which is why I take beta-blockers for management. A few years ago, she consulted a cardiologist regarding her frequent episodes of near-fainting, who recommended increasing her water intake and adding more salt to her meals. Given the persistent nature of her symptoms, I am contemplating whether a follow-up appointment with the cardiologist is warranted, especially since all previous tests, including ECG and ultrasound, came back normal. This situation significantly affects her daily life, restricting her ability to engage fully in school and work. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
Concerns Regarding Neurological Health
Hello! I received an epilepsy diagnosis back in 2008, and throughout this time, various MRI and CT imaging studies have indicated issues related to cerebral function and encephalopathy. Despite consulting multiple neurologists over the years, I’ve found that none of them appear worried about the encephalopathy aspect. Shouldn’t this be something to take more seriously? My cognitive abilities, including memory and vision, have noticeably deteriorated as time has passed. I’m feeling lost since my previous neurologists have not acknowledged my concerns adequately. If anyone could offer guidance or suggest resources, I would greatly appreciate it. In addition to epilepsy, my other medical conditions include Narcolepsy, Lynch Syndrome, Migraines, a mutation associated with HLA-B27, and Hashimoto's disease, along with others that escape me for the moment. Currently, I’m on a medication regimen that includes Lamictal, Xcopri, Hydroxyzine, Solifenacin, Zoloft, Wellbutrin, Sunosi, Aimovig, and Famotidine.