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Knee Surgery Turns Deadly: Woman Fights Sepsis

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2026/02/1 .. ee-surgery-turns-deadly-woman-fights-sepsis.html
  Published in House and Home on Tuesday, February 17th 2026 at 7:59 GMT by The Mirror
      Locales: England, UNITED KINGDOM

Lancashire, UK - February 17th, 2026 - A seemingly straightforward knee operation nearly cost Sarah-Jane Harrison, 42, her life, serving as a stark reminder of the rapid and devastating nature of sepsis. Harrison, a mother of two from Lancashire, shared her harrowing experience, hoping to raise awareness about the often-overlooked condition that claims thousands of lives annually.

In August 2023, Harrison underwent surgery to address a persistent problem with her kneecap. Following unsuccessful physiotherapy, a surgical intervention was recommended to alleviate the pain. The procedure itself appeared successful, but within 24 hours, Harrison began to experience concerning symptoms. Initially dismissed as residual effects of the anesthetic, these symptoms quickly escalated into a life-threatening emergency.

"I felt a bit feverish, which I just put down to the anaesthetic," Harrison explained. "But the next morning I was struggling to breathe, and my skin started to turn grey. My husband, Mark, knew immediately something was terribly wrong. I was delirious, drifting in and out of consciousness."

Mark Harrison's quick thinking and immediate action were critical. He rushed his wife to Royal Preston Hospital, where doctors swiftly diagnosed sepsis - a life-threatening condition triggered by the body's overwhelming and dysregulated response to an infection. The diagnosis came just in time; medical professionals indicated that a delay of even a few more hours could have proven fatal.

Understanding Sepsis: A Systemic Threat

Sepsis isn't simply an infection; it's the body's extreme reaction to one. When an infection takes hold, the immune system, instead of containing it, goes into overdrive. This results in widespread inflammation and tissue damage, ultimately leading to organ dysfunction and potentially, organ failure. Any infection - from a minor cut or scrape to a post-surgical wound - can potentially lead to sepsis if left unchecked. The speed at which it progresses is particularly alarming; symptoms can worsen rapidly, making early recognition paramount.

During Harrison's two-week stay in intensive care, she received aggressive antibiotic treatment and supportive care. "It was incredibly traumatic for everyone," she recounted. "The fear of not seeing my children again was overwhelming." Thankfully, she responded to the treatment, but her story serves as a chilling testament to the severity of the condition.

Raising Awareness and Demanding Improved Protocols

Harrison is now a vocal advocate for sepsis awareness, urging individuals to understand the early warning signs. These include:

• Fever or a high temperature (above 38?C)
• Chills
• Rapid heart rate
• Rapid breathing
• Confusion or disorientation
• Slurred speech
• Extreme pain or discomfort
• Decreased urination

Crucially, sepsis doesn't always present with all these symptoms, and they can vary significantly, especially in young children and the elderly. The UK Sepsis Trust ([ https://www.sepsis.org.uk/ ]) provides comprehensive information and resources on recognizing and responding to sepsis.

Beyond raising awareness, Harrison is also calling for improvements in healthcare practices. She believes a greater emphasis on patient education regarding potential post-operative complications is essential. "Patients need to feel empowered to ask questions and voice their concerns without fear of being dismissed," she stated. "Clearer communication between healthcare providers and patients is vital in ensuring early detection and intervention."

A Growing Concern: The Scale of the Sepsis Crisis

The UK Sepsis Trust estimates that sepsis affects 250,000 people in the UK each year, and causes approximately 52,000 deaths - more than breast cancer, bowel cancer, and prostate cancer combined. Despite its prevalence, sepsis remains significantly underdiagnosed, contributing to unnecessary morbidity and mortality. Improved public awareness, coupled with enhanced healthcare protocols, are crucial steps toward tackling this silent killer. The story of Sarah-Jane Harrison is a powerful call to action - a reminder that even routine procedures can carry risks, and vigilance is the key to saving lives.