Be aware, know what causes sepsis and seek help if you don't feel well.
February 9, 2024
The mere mention of the word “sepsis” can send chills up many spines.
It conjures up thoughts of failing organs, amputations, blood clots, respiratory failure, and, ultimately, death.
But not for Tony Moran. It took some doing, but the 61-year-old emergency medical technician (EMT) beat sepsis. After wanting to avoid being hospitalized, he finally went to Conemaugh’s emergency room (ER) at the urging of his coworkers and younger sister, Margie, a registered respiratory therapist of 30 years.
“I was in intolerable pain. I had a fever, and my coughing was nonstop, uncontrollable. I was lethargic and really didn’t want to go to the ER, but they convinced me,” Tony said. “I was so bad, that they called an ambulance.”
His health was quickly deteriorating. Conemaugh physicians immediately diagnosed him with pneumonia – which triggered sepsis. He suffered three cardiac arrests. The sepsis progressed to where some were concerned, he was in danger of becoming brain-dead.
“My sister – who was with me the entire time – said, ‘Tony open your eyes.’ And I did,” the Franklin Borough resident said.
“She said, ‘wiggle your toes,’ then ‘show me two fingers.’ She laughed when I held up my two index fingers,” he said with a smile. “Since I was working math with my fingers, the neurologist didn’t have to order an electroencephalogram (to measure brain activity).”
He remained in Conemaugh’s ICU for two weeks, was transferred to a regular room for another week of treatment and spent five days in transitional care.
“They insisted that I keep moving. It was a real chore just sitting up in bed,” he said, “let alone using a walker to go down the hallway to the nurses’ station and back.”
Today, Tony continues to receive breathing treatments and medication to prevent blood clots, “but I’m doing pretty good.” So good, in fact, that his friends and neighbors call him “The Miracle.”
“I learned an important lesson. Be aware, know what causes sepsis and seek help if don't feel well. Go to your family doctor, MedWELL or the ER,” he said.
“Please don’t put it off. Doing that almost cost me my life.”