Lyndsey Feeney, 45, lost both her parents within eight weeks of each other in 2024, both due to sepsis. Just four months later, Lyndsey herself developed the same life-threatening condition, known as urosepsis, caused by a urinary tract infection. She was admitted to the hospital but made a recovery after spending five days receiving treatment. Lyndsey, who is on disability allowance due to mental health conditions, emphasizes the importance of recognizing sepsis symptoms and the need for increased awareness about the illness in order to prevent tragic outcomes like those experienced by her parents.
Her father, Archie, initially went to the hospital for an arm injury but ultimately succumbed to sepsis, passing away from septic shock in April. Her mother, Cathy, fell ill just two months later and also died from severe sepsis and multi-organ failure. Lyndsey suspects that the trauma of losing her father may have contributed to her mother’s rapid decline. The emotional toll of losing both parents so close together was immense for Lyndsey, and her own battle with sepsis only added to her grief and fear of losing her life in the same way.
After experiencing symptoms including back pain, high fever, and difficulty passing urine, Lyndsey was diagnosed with urosepsis in November 2024 and admitted to the hospital for treatment. She has since been discharged but continues to experience lingering back pain and worries about the potential for a recurrence of sepsis. Despite her own health struggles and the loss of her parents, Lyndsey is determined to raise awareness about sepsis, often referred to as the “silent killer,” to help save others from experiencing the same devastating outcomes.
Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body’s immune system overreacts to an infection, causing widespread inflammation and potential organ damage or failure. Anyone can develop sepsis, but certain factors can increase the risk, including age, underlying medical conditions like diabetes or weakened immune systems, recent surgery or childbirth, and infections in various parts of the body. Recognizing the symptoms of sepsis, such as severe pain, high fever, rapid heart rate, confusion, and lethargy, is crucial for early detection and treatment to prevent serious complications.
Lyndsey hopes that by sharing her story, she can help raise awareness about sepsis and its potential dangers. She emphasizes the importance of early detection and treatment to prevent the devastating consequences of the condition. Despite the challenges she has faced, including the loss of both parents and her own battle with sepsis, Lyndsey is grateful for the support of her husband and children throughout her health struggles. Through her advocacy efforts, she aims to educate others about sepsis and its warning signs, with the hope of saving lives and preventing similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
