Is there a Sepsis Survivor's Support Group?

@ew62, you're in the right place to find support as a sepsis survivor. You may wish to share in this related discussion:
– Sepsis: What's your experience recovering from sepsis https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/sepsis/

Are you looking for a local, inperson support group?

Thank you for getting back to me, Colleen. I am looking for an in-person group. I would like to start an in-person group if there is none. I want to offer my services to support families and individuals who Sepsis has touched. It was a life-changing experience for me, and not many people (medical professionals) truly understand the lasting effects of surviving Sepsis.

I look forward to hearing back from you!

Sepsis Alliance might be a good place to inquire about in-person support groups or if they help people create local chapters.

You're so right that sepsis is a life-changing experience. I know that members here on Mayo Clinic Connect benefit from your support, understanding and experience.

I had sepsis and my recovery has been hard

I am looking for a support group for Septis as I was recently released from the hospital after pneumonia and Septis. Would really like to hear other post hospital experiences while recovering from the continued effects of Septis.

Hi @snapper8182, From what others have mentioned in the forum, having pneumonia and sepsis was a harrowing experience. I’m so sorry you’ve had to go through that.
Here are a few of the discussion in Connect from members who have dealt with sepis and icu experiences.

This discussion is older, having been started in 2011. But the more current replies are easy to find if you reverse the chronological order in the button below the opening paragraph.
You’ll meet members, @amylee1111 @plexiclone
@vlbondon @lonna72789 and several other members here:
Sepsis: What's your experience recovering from sepsis?
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/sepsis/
Another discussion which might be helpful for you is this post with @ew62 @cindylb @yvonne55 @tanner0515 and others:
Post Sepsis and ICU Syndrome: There are days I feel so down
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/post-sepsis-and-icu-syndrome/
Are you doing better now? How long were you in the hosptial?

Hello. I knew that I had pneumonia because I have struggled with it before, however I kept getting sicker and told my wife I was going to the hospital. After running some tests I was told I had to be transferred to a different hospital so an ambulance took me to LaCrosse and I was admitted to the ICU there. Was in the hospital for five days and I must say its the sickest I have ever been. Much better now however still struggling with weakness and shortness of breath. I am very active so I hope this improves. Its been aprox 2 months since this whole ordeal began and I don't wish septis on anyone. Would love to know some recovery time of others. I also realize this could have been much worse, from what I understand over 50 per cent dont make it out of the hospital.

Wow, that had to be really frightening for you! I’m glad you’re feeling so much better but considering the toll it took on your body it may be a slow recovery period. I know from experience with another illness that it’s tough to keep active people down! We don’t have the patience for a ‘slow recovery’. LOL. But slow and stead wins the race sometimes. It’s ok to take naps between periods of activity. Pushing doesn’t always net benefits.

I know there are other members who have gone through similar with Sepsis, whether from pneumonia or other events. So read through some of the discussion links I provided. There are more by typing in Sepsis in the top search bar. Don’t hesitate to tag a member by typing in their @name or simply by clicking the blue reply button in a reply that you’d like to comment on. That member will be notified.
I hope you continue to improve steadily. If you went to LaCrosse you’re in my home state of Wisconsin. Yikes, it’s a hot one right now so I’m sure that’s adding to the shortness of breath. Stay cool!
What does your doctor suggest for the shortness of breath. Have there been any pulmonary function tests for you?

Thanks so much for the reply. Well to make matters worse I am an X smoker so I have cold. And yes we actually live in Weyerhauser Wisconsin which is about 20 miles from Rice Lake, and yes it is warm and humid which doesn't help much. I will take your advice and keep searching for more information on here. Thank you so much.

Have you checked out Sepsis Alliance? They have a lot of good information about Sepsis and recovery. I had sepsis in 2022 which came from a perforated bowel during a hernia surgery. I became very ill and was in the hospital for 33 days, two weeks of it in the ICU. During my time in the ICU I also had pneumonia due to aspiration from being intubated. I was a mess. Recovery is a slow process, so give yourself time and grace. I feel like I am still in recovery as I fight fatigue and confusion from time to time.

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out!