03/17/2026
Jennifer Brod shares her sepsis story.
My sepsis journey began with dull pain in my mid-back and mild nausea. The second day, I had one episode of vomiting, decreased appetite, and episodes of violently shaking chills. Overnight on the second night, I had no urine output and assumed I had a viral illness with dehydration. The next morning, I presented to the ED for IV fluids, and my blood pressure precipitously dropped.
I was in septic shock from a kidney infection with acute kidney injury, likely related to a minimally symptomatic kidney stone. I was rushed to the ICU, where I received multiple fluid boluses, vasopressors, and antibiotics. After 24 hours, my blood pressure stabilized and I was moved to the regular floor for five more days. I anticipated recovering and being discharged in my prior state of excellent health—able to immediately return to work—but I didn’t realize my journey had just begun.
Turning Point and Impact
After discharge from the hospital, I was tremendously swollen from all the fluids I received and overwhelmed with crushing fatigue and weakness. I could not return to my job as an urgent care pediatrician, but I tried to continue administrative work from home to keep my brain functioning. This helped the brain fog I was experiencing resolve fairly quickly.
With wonderful support from my family, I was able to return to part-time work after three months and regained my prior level of fitness and strength after about six months. I have been fortunate to feel fully recovered for the past five years. One of the most disheartening parts of this period was that my disability insurance provider did not consider post-sepsis fatigue a disability, so much of my needed time off was unpaid.
Gratitude and Support
My wonderful husband was by my side throughout my entire hospitalization and recovery. Wanting to be there for him and our two young adult children kept me motivated to recover. I continue today to work as a pediatrician. Since my recovery, I have witnessed both of my children get married to wonderful partners and welcomed three beautiful grandchildren. I am eternally grateful to every member of my care team for their incredible talent and professionalism, enabling me to be present for all these milestones.
I was in septic shock from a kidney infection with acute kidney injury, likely related to a minimally symptomatic kidney stone. I was rushed to the ICU, where I received multiple fluid boluses, vasopressors, and antibiotics. After 24 hours, my blood pressure stabilized and I was moved to the regular floor for five more days. I anticipated recovering and being discharged in my prior state of excellent health—able to immediately return to work—but I didn’t realize my journey had just begun.
Turning Point and Impact
After discharge from the hospital, I was tremendously swollen from all the fluids I received and overwhelmed with crushing fatigue and weakness. I could not return to my job as an urgent care pediatrician, but I tried to continue administrative work from home to keep my brain functioning. This helped the brain fog I was experiencing resolve fairly quickly.
With wonderful support from my family, I was able to return to part-time work after three months and regained my prior level of fitness and strength after about six months. I have been fortunate to feel fully recovered for the past five years. One of the most disheartening parts of this period was that my disability insurance provider did not consider post-sepsis fatigue a disability, so much of my needed time off was unpaid.
Gratitude and Support
My wonderful husband was by my side throughout my entire hospitalization and recovery. Wanting to be there for him and our two young adult children kept me motivated to recover. I continue today to work as a pediatrician. Since my recovery, I have witnessed both of my children get married to wonderful partners and welcomed three beautiful grandchildren. I am eternally grateful to every member of my care team for their incredible talent and professionalism, enabling me to be present for all these milestones.
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