Hello everyone
I'm typing this after just been discharged from Hospital. Last week I had a slight cough and on Friday morning my throat was on fire and I felt terrible. My temperature started to rise during the day and reached 39.1 and my heart rate was right off the scale. I went to bed thinking I could beat it off with Paracetamol and hot drinks but after less than 30 mins I rang the Hospital and was admitted early into AEU as there were no beds in haematology. The Nurse showed me to my room and said I would be assessed shortly which was after nearly 2 hours (4.30 am). Details were taken and then the tests started,Chest Xray,ECG,Blood Cultures,Urine and all the usual blood testing. My blood pressure was low at 112/68 but it was the pulse rate that was most alarming. I was given oral and infused antibiotics along with 2 units of blood and a bag of platelets which have been at a low level forever and a day. Because of this I began coughing up blood in the sputum and after 24 hours on antibiotics my temperature came down to 36.6 and my heart rate was down to 91 but then during the night everything went pear shaped Temp back up to 38.5 and my heart felt like it was going to burst out of my chest,I've never known anything like this ever. The Doctors decided to administer the strongest Antibiotic they had and one I've previously had and after 2 hours my Temp was back down to 35.9 and pulse at 83 and I felt much better but the Doctors said they wanted to see it stay that way for at least 48 hours which fortunately it has but it was a very unnerving 4 days I can tell you. I have read about Sepsis and Pyrexia before and it is very dangerous if not spotted soon enough,fortunately because of me going to hospital as soon as I started to feel unwell it was caught early and I'm here to type this post. It's potentially life threatening if not treat early and I was lucky. It comes on so fast and catches you unawares, in fact the day before I was fine. I was given GCSF-filgastim injections under the skin and have taken with me 3 different Antibiotics to be taken over the next 7 days. My 2nd cycle of Bendamustine has had to be postponed until I get some strength back.
And all of this because my blood counts have been flat for so long in particular the Neuts. My veins are totally wrecked with all the needles I've had stuck in me but I'm so glad to be in my own home again. But I hope that my experience is a warning to all,if you feel unwell don't ignore it or waste your time with GP's because time is everything,get into Hospital. And remember even if you feel well and have been for some time you should never take your eye off this disease because it will sneak up on you and bite you hard.
Take care everybody and lot's of good health.
Keith.
Helen 11 years, 10 months ago.
