After UTI with sepsis - unsteadness, why? Any connection?

Posted by fdixon63 @fdixon63, Sep 18 12:38pm

Two and a half months ago I was admitted for UTI which turned septic and went into septic shock. I was in ICU for 6 days. Since then I've had occasions of unsteadiness walking and also dropping things. My hands would shake uncontrollably when I would try to type or write. That is some better but not as steady as it was. I'm wondering if there could be a neurological aspect after going through the sepsis. I will post this on a neurological site as well but hoping someone has an answer. Thank so much.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Intensive Care (ICU) Support Group.

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Sep 20 3:16pm

@fdixon63, I added your discussion to the Intensive Care (ICU) support group: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/intensive-care-icu/

There are several discussions where members are talking about their experiences with sepsis:
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/intensive-care-icu/
I think members like @andir @kb2014 @sreuler @morkat will be able to relate to what you are experiencing.

@fdixon63, are you familiar with post-sepsis syndrome or post-intensive care syndrome?

kb2014 | @kb2014 | Sep 20 10:38pm

I had bacterial meningitis of my brain from chronic sinusitis with abcess left temporal lobe removed via cranitomy. Yes I had similar symptoms like you but my sepsis was from a neurological cause. It took time for my symptoms to resolve. I was weak dizzy my hematocit was 8.0. I have ptsd still from this. May I suggest you consider a visit with a neurologist?

fdixon63 | @fdixon63 | Sep 25 8:01pm

kb2014 - Thanks for your post. Yes I am thinking of seeing a neurologist. Just within the day or two I did a search and found a condition called, Post-Sepsis Syndrome. I have a lot of the symptoms.

fdixon63 | @fdixon63 | Sep 27 7:46pm

In reply to @colleenyoung "@fdixon63, I added your discussion to the Intensive Care (ICU) support group: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/intensive-care-icu/ There are several..." + (show)

@colleenyoung - Thanks Colleen for the links. I'd done a brief google search and printed out some information on the subject. Wow !! I am experiencing so many of the symptoms listed. I'm having heart problems now as well and have had an ablation. Hoping that will help. See my Cardiologist in a couple of weeks. I'll check out the links you sent for sure. Thanks again. Faye

suzytoe | @suzytoe | Sep 28 10:03pm

I had septic shock in Aug 2022. Since then, I have felt dizzy and unsteady and have had difficulty walking. Sepsis causes nerve damage and has increased my neuropathy. I now use a cane to steady myself.

fdixon63 | @fdixon63 | Sep 29 8:29am

In reply to @suzytoe "I had septic shock in Aug 2022. Since then, I have felt dizzy and unsteady and..." + (show)

@suzytoe - Hi. Your post sounds like one symptom I'm experiencing. I'm 81. Can I ask your age? Have you seen any specialist--neurologist, etc.? Do you experience fatigue, sudden shortness of breath? Have you had any physical therapy? I'm desperate and looking for answers. Faye

suzytoe | @suzytoe | Oct 2 4:54am

Same. I'm now 4 years out from UTI/CDIFF/Septic shock/Organ failure/liver shock/Encephelopathy. Quite the ordeal, with an 80% fatality rate for my age group. My legs were damaged due to blood flow restriction and my Mom told me my legs had started turning blue. I already had neuropathy, but now it's gotten worse. I'm so unsteady that I now use a cane for steadiness. I'm finally going to seek Chiropractic care to see if this helps. So glad to have found this site for additional support. Godspeed.

suzytoe | @suzytoe | Oct 2 5:00am

In reply to @fdixon63 "@suzytoe - Hi. Your post sounds like one symptom I'm experiencing. I'm 81. Can I ask..." + (show)

@fdixon63 I'm 69 yrs old. I had all of this at age 65. I do have extreme fatigue, shortness of breath, and yes have had physical therapy. I started exercising 2 and 1/2 years ago from a chair. Then, when I could, I stood and held onto the chair. I've continued this daily and then went to the pool for leg work. I'm so grateful you survived my friend.

fdixon63 | @fdixon63 | Oct 2 7:46pm

In reply to @suzytoe "@fdixon63 I'm 69 yrs old. I had all of this at age 65. I do have..." + (show)

@suzytoe Thank you for the additional insight into your condition. I hope the chiropractor is able to help you. I think what I'll do is see my primary and go from there. I actually have a follow up (post-ablation) appt next Friday. Since damage nerves is possible I may see a Neurologist. Wishing you all the best. Faye

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