Modern Medicine: Septic Shock - WMBB News 13 - The Panhandle's News Leader

Modern Medicine: Septic Shock

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Panama City, Fla. -

When Gulf Coast Medical Center Charge Nurse Deborah Armstrong first met Bernie Reams, she was fighting for her life.

"Bernie went on a trip and picked up a bug somewhere and it overwhelmed her...and that's called sepsis," Armstrong explained.

Bernie's sickness began with an ear infection and progressed to septic shock.  It's a condition that occurs when toxins are created as the body tries to fight infection.  Bernie was losing lung and kidney function and eventually lost blood to her fingertips and toes.  This lead to amputation.

Bernie was in the hospital for 96 days, clinging to life.  She's one of the lucky ones that survived such a severe illness.

Bernie said, "My hope for the future is to get the word out to the public so they know what sepsis is because I didn't know."  She goes on to explain what it means to be alive and able to tell her story, "It means the world. I praise our Lord for saving me, and I praise this hospital."

Medical experts say anyone is at risk for sepsis.  They say the best prevention is to wash your hands to eliminate germs and to always see a doctor if you are not feeling well.

For more information:

http://www.sepsisalliance.org/