The cover photo was taken right before I left for carpool. Other than my stomach, I honestly looked and felt fine. Things changed quickly.
My experience was originally shared in March 2023. General sepsis information and resource links updated October 15, 2026.
Sepsis is a medical emergency. If you suspect sepsis, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department right away. Don't wait for every symptom listed below.
It started during school pickup
In 2023, I became seriously ill and was hospitalized with sepsis.
I was headed to pick up my kids from school when I began experiencing upper stomach pain. That quickly turned into chills and pain that even the car heater on full blast and the seat warmer couldn't help.
I knew something wasn't right, but I pressed on. I made it to two of the three schools before feeling like I was going to throw up. I texted my oldest, Lily, told her I'd be late, and headed home, where I started vomiting.
I called my husband, and we went to urgent care when he got home. I spent hours getting blood and urine tests and a CT scan. The medical team thought I might have appendicitis and sent me by ambulance to the local hospital for an appendectomy.
But that wasn't what happened. I was sent home around 1 a.m. with instructions to follow up with my primary care doctor the next day.
Back to urgent care—and into the hospital
Things didn't improve. I went in for morning blood and urine work, but by 4 p.m. I had spiked a fever and was in a lot of pain. Back to urgent care we went. The same doctor who had seen me the day before urged us to head to our Kaiser hospital for more comprehensive care.
I was hospitalized on IV antibiotics for two days. My liver, kidney, appendix, and spleen were all swollen. After three CT scans, an MRI, and two ultrasounds, my formal diagnosis was “sepsis without acute organ dysfunction.”
It was scary not knowing what was happening or what would come next. I'm grateful for the doctors and nurses who took care of me and got me the treatment I needed.
I'm also grateful we went back when things got worse. Being sent home didn't mean I should ignore what was happening to my body.
What is sepsis?
Sepsis happens when the body's response to an infection becomes life-threatening. It needs urgent treatment and can cause organ damage or death.
Warning signs to know
The CDC lists these possible signs:
- Sweaty or clammy skin
- New confusion or disorientation
- Severe pain or discomfort
- Fever, shaking chills, or feeling unusually cold
- A racing heart or weak pulse
- Difficulty breathing
These signs don't confirm a diagnosis. A medical team needs to assess you.
How infections can lead to sepsis
Anyone can develop sepsis. Most cases are linked to bacterial infections, but viruses and fungi can also cause it. Infections often begin in the lungs, urinary tract, skin, or digestive system.
The CDC estimates that about 1.7 million U.S. adults develop sepsis each year. At least 350,000 adults with sepsis die in hospital or are discharged to hospice annually.
Sources: CDC: About Sepsis · CDC: Get Ahead of Sepsis. Figures are U.S. estimates, not a prediction of an individual's outcome.
What I want other moms to take from this
I was doing school pickup. I looked fine in a photo. And within hours, I was seriously ill.
We get used to pushing through because there are kids to collect and people counting on us. I did it that day, too. But we deserve care before everything else is handled.
If something feels wrong or keeps getting worse, get help. Tell the medical team what's changed, even if you've already been seen.
I'm sharing what happened to me because I hope it helps another mom take her symptoms seriously.
Three years later
It’s been three years since this happened, and I’ve put a lot of work into my health. I prioritize myself now. I listen to my body, and caring for my whole health has become part of my everyday life.
I also just hit three years on the Peloton app, consistently working out three to four days a week. That’s been a whole lifestyle change for me.
I’m still figuring things out, but taking care of myself is something I make time for now.
xo, Sarah
This is my personal experience and general educational information, not a diagnosis or individual medical advice.
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Comments
Thank you for sharing your experience. I was hospitalized a year ago this past fall with sepsis, double pneumonia and a gastronomic infection. I was so sick but bc of my upper stomach pain I thought it was my gallbladder. However looking back I should have gone to the dr before I did but was confused also. I was in the hospital a week and had a complete recovery. A lady I know was hospitalized with sepsis this month and she can’t use her legs now. I pray it is temporary but do not know what the dr has told her regarding her legs other than it is from sepsis.
It is serious.
Thanks for your post.
So scary! Glad you are okay and thank you for sharing your experience and telling us what to lookout for. I always hear of sepsis but never really know what it might look like when it happens.