Sepsis took my feet and my hand
Donation protected
Early on the morning of January 15, 2018, Neeta’s husband Phil brought her to the ER for what they thought was a bad case of the flu. Throughout the day they quickly became aware that it was something much more serious as Neeta’s condition began to rapidly deteriorate. By early afternoon she began to show signs of respiratory distress as she was finding it difficult to breath and her kidneys were starting to fail. The cause soon became clear as her lab results showed that her blood cultures were positive for streptococcus A, which is a type of bacteria that is very invasive and can cause severe illness. The ICU team was contacted and Neeta was quickly moved to the trauma bay where she was intubated and placed on a ventilator. Soon after, the ICU physician responsible for her care gave us an update on her condition and he said the words that no one wants to hear. He said that Neeta was in septic shock and that it was likely she would die. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the term, sepsis refers to an infection that is caused by bacteria that spreads through the blood. Septic shock refers to an infection that is so severe that a person is no longer able to maintain their blood pressure on their own and if left untreated results in multiple organ failure and death.
Later that night, Neeta was admitted to the ICU where her condition was listed as critical. Her blood pressure was dangerously low despite the high doses of medication administered to maintain it and her organs had begun to shut down. She was placed on continuous dialysis and received multiple intravenous infusions in an effort to combat the infection and keep her alive. The infection was so severe that she also sustained a minor heart attack due to the incredible stress that was placed on her body. The team prepared us for the worst but never let us lose hope as that was all we had to hold on too. Neeta spent a total of 4 weeks in the ICU, 2 weeks in a high acuity unit and has since been transferred to a general ward where she remains today.
As we watched her slowly stabilize and enter into recover mode, we soon began to see how devastating sepsis can be for those who are lucky enough to survive. Neeta was and continues to be in constant pain from nerve damage and massive wounds that cover her entire body. She required dialysis for the first 6 weeks after her admission but thankfully regained her kidney function, which means no more dialysis. She was not able to move for the first 6 weeks but has since made incredible gains with the support of physio and the nursing staff. Her left hand has very limited movement due to nerve damage and it is not yet known whether or not this will be permanent. But worst of all, her right hand and both feet have turned black with necrosis as a result of the medication used to save her life. Because of this, Neeta will soon need to have both legs amputated from below the knee and possibly her right hand.
Those of you who have met Neeta know that she’s a fighter and will not let anything stand in her way. She pushes herself to get stronger everyday and is determined to walk again. Physio and the nursing staff have all said that Neeta never refuses any type of physical therapy even on her worst days. She is always smiling and ready to do what ever it takes to get stronger. Once she is discharged from hospital she will spend 6 to 12 weeks at a rehab facility for intensive daily physical therapy to learn how to walk and live independently using prosthetics.
We are asking for donations so that Neeta will be able to walk and be independent. 100% of the funds received from this page will go directly to Neeta and Phil so they will be able to purchase prosthetic legs a prosthetic hand and modify their home for her. This will cost upwards of $250,000.00.
Neeta has the support of her husband Phil, her twin 10-year-old sons Deven and Cameron, her mother and father, her brother Raveen, a large extended family and friends. She and her family have won the hearts of everyone at the hospital.
We also want to say a huge thank you to all the hospital staff. Without them, Neeta would not have survived. The care and support they have provided to Neeta and her family has been exceptional. We will be forever grateful.
This page was started by Neeta's friend Jennifer in response to overwhelming support from all of Neeta's friends. Thankyou so much.
Later that night, Neeta was admitted to the ICU where her condition was listed as critical. Her blood pressure was dangerously low despite the high doses of medication administered to maintain it and her organs had begun to shut down. She was placed on continuous dialysis and received multiple intravenous infusions in an effort to combat the infection and keep her alive. The infection was so severe that she also sustained a minor heart attack due to the incredible stress that was placed on her body. The team prepared us for the worst but never let us lose hope as that was all we had to hold on too. Neeta spent a total of 4 weeks in the ICU, 2 weeks in a high acuity unit and has since been transferred to a general ward where she remains today.
As we watched her slowly stabilize and enter into recover mode, we soon began to see how devastating sepsis can be for those who are lucky enough to survive. Neeta was and continues to be in constant pain from nerve damage and massive wounds that cover her entire body. She required dialysis for the first 6 weeks after her admission but thankfully regained her kidney function, which means no more dialysis. She was not able to move for the first 6 weeks but has since made incredible gains with the support of physio and the nursing staff. Her left hand has very limited movement due to nerve damage and it is not yet known whether or not this will be permanent. But worst of all, her right hand and both feet have turned black with necrosis as a result of the medication used to save her life. Because of this, Neeta will soon need to have both legs amputated from below the knee and possibly her right hand.
Those of you who have met Neeta know that she’s a fighter and will not let anything stand in her way. She pushes herself to get stronger everyday and is determined to walk again. Physio and the nursing staff have all said that Neeta never refuses any type of physical therapy even on her worst days. She is always smiling and ready to do what ever it takes to get stronger. Once she is discharged from hospital she will spend 6 to 12 weeks at a rehab facility for intensive daily physical therapy to learn how to walk and live independently using prosthetics.
We are asking for donations so that Neeta will be able to walk and be independent. 100% of the funds received from this page will go directly to Neeta and Phil so they will be able to purchase prosthetic legs a prosthetic hand and modify their home for her. This will cost upwards of $250,000.00.
Neeta has the support of her husband Phil, her twin 10-year-old sons Deven and Cameron, her mother and father, her brother Raveen, a large extended family and friends. She and her family have won the hearts of everyone at the hospital.
We also want to say a huge thank you to all the hospital staff. Without them, Neeta would not have survived. The care and support they have provided to Neeta and her family has been exceptional. We will be forever grateful.
This page was started by Neeta's friend Jennifer in response to overwhelming support from all of Neeta's friends. Thankyou so much.
Organizer
Neeta Long
Organizer
Coquitlam, BC