Rosie Brown thankful to be ‘one of the lucky ones’ who survived deadly sepsis
Sepsis kills more people than road accidents or breast or prostate cancer. How it took a young Tasmanian woman two years to return to good health after suffering sepsis.
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As she lay in her hospital bed, falling in and out of consciousness and fighting life-threatening sepsis, Rosie Brown’s family was told to prepare for the worst.
She was on her third antibiotic treatment and the prognosis was grim – but thanks to the dedication and skills of her medical professionals she recovered.
“Just after my family was told to prepare for the worst, the medical team began to see small signs of improvement,” Ms Brown said.
“I know not everyone with sepsis is so fortunate, and I’m so thankful I was one of the lucky ones.”
Ms Brown, 32, a public servant, is sharing her story about sepsis to help raise awareness and save lives.
After a small celebration on New Year’s Eve in 2022, she and her friends contracted Covid.
But while her friends recovered her symptoms worsened and a telehealth appointment attributed the symptoms to Covid.
“It wasn’t until I began experiencing intense rigours, nausea and confusion that my doctor urged me to call an ambulance,” Ms Brown said.
“I was deteriorating rapidly due to a UTI that had progressed to a kidney infection (and sepsis).”
She was moved from a private hospital to the Royal Hobart Hospital where her condition worsened.
The fear, she says, of being isolated in hospital was “overwhelming” because no visitors were allowed due to Covid restrictions.
“The isolation period during my illness was one of the most challenging parts of my journey.
“Looking back, the mental and emotional toll of that isolation often felt heavier than the physical symptoms.
“I was acutely aware that I wasn’t improving, and the fear of not seeing my family became overwhelming.
“Due to Covid restrictions, I wasn’t allowed visitors. Medical staff entered my room in full PPE. I was deeply frightened. My thoughts turned to the possibility of not being able to say goodbye to my loved ones.
“The lack of visible human connection, like a reassuring smile or a comforting hug, made everything feel more distant and surreal.”
The time in hospital she said was a “sobering experience”.
“Facing the reality of mortality in your late twenties is something I wouldn’t wish on anyone.
“But in the aftermath of recovery, it also became a turning point, an opportunity to reassess what truly matters.
“That experience gave me the clarity to make meaningful changes in my life (get a dog) and, most importantly, to express to the people around me just how much they mean to me,” Ms Brown said.
She pays tribute to RHH staff describing their dedication as “extraordinary”.
“One nurse, in particular, went above and beyond, calling to check on me during her days off.
“That simple act of kindness still brings a tear to my eye.
“It was their compassion, diligence, and professional care that helped me recover.”
After 10 days in hospital, it took her two years to return to good health.
“One of the more visible symptoms was losing approximately 60 per cent of my hair and dropping 8kg during my hospital stay.
“But the most difficult part wasn’t what others could see it was the flashbacks to hospital, fatigue and cognitive challenges that lingered long after.”
Ms Brown is an advocate for Sepsis Australia and the vital work the organisation does to raise awareness.
“If just one person had asked earlier, ‘Could it be sepsis?’—my story might have unfolded differently. And I wouldn’t have missed one of my best friend’s weddings.
“Life after sepsis has been challenging, managing medical PTSD, cognitive challenges and a slow return to ‘normal’ life.
“I’m incredibly fortunate to have a compassionate GP and psychologist who have been steady sources of reassurance throughout this journey.”
Her advice to others is that recovering from sepsis “is not a straight path, while the road may feel long and uncertain, you are not alone”.
“Lean on your trusted network of family and friends, their support is a powerful aid in itself.
“Engage with the right medical professionals who understand your journey and can guide your recovery with compassion and expertise.
“Don’t hesitate to ask questions, express concerns, and celebrate small victories with them.”
Know the signs of killer illness
Sepsis kills more people than road accidents and breast and prostate cancer and a leading physician says early recognition and treatment of sepsis is critical.
Infectious diseases physician and clinical lead for sepsis at the Royal Hobart Hospital, Dr James Wolfe, said sepsis occurs when the body’s immune system has an uncontrolled inflammatory response to an infection.
“This response causes damage to the body’s own organs and tissues,” he said.
“Sepsis is a serious illness and a medical emergency.
“Approximately 80 per cent of sepsis cases start in the community.
Just ask: “Could it be sepsis?”
Each year in Australia, sepsis affects more than 55,000 people and 8700 people die from the illness.
Dr Wolfe said people who were particularly at risk included the elderly, the very young, those who are immunocompromised, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
“Sepsis is most often caused by bacterial infections, but infections that trigger sepsis can also be viruses, such as Covid or influenza, fungi, or parasites.
“If you think you or someone you care for may have sepsis, it is important to seek treatment immediately by attending an emergency department or calling 000.”
Signs of sepsis in adults include rapid breathing, rapid pulse rate, fever, shivering, or very low temperature (hypothermia), confusion or disorientation, blotchy, blue, or pale skin, rash that does not fade when pressed and not passing urine
Signs of sepsis in children include also include working hard to breathe, appearing floppy.
Sepsis Tasmania spokeswoman Sallyann Geale said increasing awareness was vital in reducing deaths and disability from sepsis.
“We have a way to go in increasing awareness not just in the community but for all health professionals,” Ms Geale said.
“My friend died nine years ago and it was beyond shocking.
“She was healthy but had an infection that was being treated.
“Some people have long Covid type symptoms for years and years or the rest of their lives.”
Sepsis Australia says every hour of delay in treating sepsis increases the risk of death or long-term disability.
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