Alison & David's Great North Run 2015
Alison Phillips is raising money for UK Sepsis Trust
Participants: David Phillips
Story
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*** You don't have to read my story, but please visit the UK Sepsis Trust Website http://sepsistrust.org
Knowing the symptoms and signs of sepsis may just save the life of a loved one***
September 13th is not just the date of the Gt North Run, it is World Sepsis Day and will mark two and a half years, to the day, that my heart stopped (multiple times) due to severe septic shock. Ironically the words of the ICU consultant to my parents on my first night in ICU were
"She needs the heart of a marathon runner to get through the night"
Why are we doing this?
1. To save others
- Somehow I survived. I was able to come back and tell my friends and family how much I love them. For too many, this is not the case.....37,000 a year too many.
- By raising money for the UK Sepsis Trust more lives will be saved and fewer people will suffer in the way I, and my family, suffered.
2. To give hope
- I never knew that I would get better, that I would leave hospital, or that I would walk again
- I am running give hope to all those waking-up from a coma terrified, unable to move or speak. For all those trying to learn to walk again, wondering if you will ever feel their feet again or be able to move them. For all those who are being cared for by friends and family, unable to wash or dress yourself - independence and identity stolen. It's tough and it takes time, but 2yrs ago, that was me. These legs will run and they will run for a good cause.
3. To prove to myself that I survived
This part is for me, for the part the outside can't see, the part that of me that can't be hidden by make-up, high heels or a glass of champagne. You see, aside from the aches, the pains, the nightmares, my body feels very different and makes it impossible to forget. This is where I learn to trust my body again and will know I really did survive.
My Story
In March 2013, I was the victim of a head on collision and airlifted with suspected internal injuries. Three days later, I was in multi-organ failure, in severe septic shock and fighting for my life. During the impact the seatbelt had crushed my insides, causing my intestines to rupture. This caused severe peritonitis, septic shock and my organs to shut down. I was rushed to Intensive care and to emergency surgery, but i was too unstable for the surgery to be completed so my abdomen was left open. On life support, fighting for my life, I was taken back to ICU with the hope that I would stabilise. That was a Friday. The next day was my 35th birthday and the Sunday was Mother's Day. I can't imagine the torture my parents faced. It was on Mother's Day that my brother came to see me - not knowing if I would make it.
Three days later, surgery was completed, but it was too much for my heart. I had septic cardiomyopathy and my heart just couldn't take anymore. Two days after the second surgery my heart stopped- something no parent should witness.
Somehow, I pulled through and I was taken off the ventilator and brought out of the coma. All I will say is that a coma is not like being asleep, you don't just wake-up....the memories are not like dreams/nightmares....it is torture and it's real.
I woke-up not understanding where I was, unable to move (only one finger), unable to speak, with tubes everywhere. My brain wasn't there....unable to process the situation, but with it's own realty and with no comprehension of how sick I was.
When I was moved from ICU, the fight continued. I became septic again (due to my central lines) developed a clot in my jugular and arm, and abscesses on my liver. Chest drains were inserted to help me breathe, as fluid was causing my lungs to collapse. I took my first steps with the physio holding the canister of 'lung fluid' and clots.
When I was finally released from hospital, I had to move back to my parents. I looked like a skeleton with skin, still unable to speak properly, unable to wash or dress myself. Even sleep was impossible.
Day by day, week by week I started to gain strength. Stubborn and focused I was determined to get my life back.
I have no idea how I would have got this far without the love, care and support of my family and friends. You saw and experienced things you should never have had to - I love you all so very much.
As for my brother, David, the fact we are doing this together means so much. Love you.
Oh, and David, I may even let you beat me 😜 Golly, competitive little sister wouldn't have said that before. Finishing is good enough for me.
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