Teen who survived sepsis says relearning everyday tasks

A teenager who survived a life-threatening case of sepsis and had all four of her limbs removed said she had to relearn how to do basic everyday tasks throughout her recovery.

Sixteen-year-old Sophie Lanigan from Blanchardstown in Dublin underwent a devastating experience with the life-threatening blood infection in December 2022.

She had a temperature and her mother, Laura, brought her to a doctor for a check-up.

The GP became concerned after examining her and telephoned for an ambulance.

Her condition was deteriorating quickly and she was rushed to Temple Street Children's Hospital.

Doctors later diagnosed her with sepsis as a result of a bacterial infection.

As a result, she was given blood transfusions and put on a ventilator.

The life-saving medication she was administered stopped the blood flow to her hands and feet.

As a result, in January 2023, Sophie's four limbs had to be amputated.

"I had to get lots of physio to learn to walk again and to learn how to write again, and to do everyday things again," she told RTÉ News.

The life-threatening blood infection causes around 3,000 deaths in Ireland each year and the HSE said some cases are avoidable.

Sophie said that everyone should know all the signs and symptoms of sepsis and get checked quickly if they think they have it.

The HSE has launched a new five-year strategy to help earlier detection and treatment of sepsis.

The strategy promises improvements in sepsis outcomes, enhanced public and professional awareness, as well as better support for sepsis survivors.

HSE Chief Clinical Officer Dr Colm Henry said some cases are avoidable through earlier detection.

Key symptoms of sepsis include slurred speech, new confusion, being too unwell to communicate, drowsiness, extreme shivering, muscle aches and fever.

The strategy said certain instances of sepsis are likely to be avoidable, particularly amongst populations at the highest risk, such as the very young and the very old, people who are immunosuppressed and pregnant women.

Sepsis prevention measures in the strategy also include routine vaccinations, including the childhood vaccination schedule.

It also commits to marketing campaigns like public transport advertising which have worked well in other countries.