Audrey Leishman: Surviving Sepsis and Toxic Shock Syndrome After IUD Removal

Audrey Leishman, a Virginia Beach resident, survived a near-fatal case of sepsis and toxic shock syndrome in 2015 after initially mistaking her symptoms for a common flu. The medical emergency, which required ten days in intensive care and a medically induced coma, was linked by her physicians to the recent removal of an intrauterine device (IUD) and subsequent tampon use.

Did You Know? Sepsis is an extreme bodily response to an infection that can lead to tissue damage, organ failure, and death, according to MedlinePlus.

The Progression of Symptoms

Following the removal of her IUD, Leishman experienced a rapid onset of severe health complications. Within two days, she developed high fever, nosebleeds, diarrhea, and difficulty breathing. She also reported intense abdominal cramping alongside sharp pain in her right elbow and the big toe of her left foot. Initial medical assessments in the emergency room led doctors to suspect an autoimmune disorder before further testing confirmed a combination of sepsis, toxic shock syndrome, pneumonia, a urinary tract infection, and streptococcal pharyngitis.

Recovery and Long-term Health Impact

Leishman faced an extensive recovery period after waking from a five-day induced coma. She underwent physical therapy to regain the ability to walk and required long-term antibiotic treatment administered via a home catheter. Even years later, she reports persistent health challenges, including recurring exhaustion and memory deficits. Leishman noted that her immune system remained significantly weakened for the first year of her recovery, leaving her susceptible to frequent illnesses.

Expert Insight: The clinical stakes of sepsis are exceptionally high, as every hour of delay in treatment significantly increases the risk of mortality. The case illustrates the critical importance of early symptom recognition, as the patient’s lack of awareness regarding sepsis nearly resulted in a fatal outcome.

Advocacy and Future Implications

In response to her experience, Leishman and her husband, professional golfer Marc Leishman, established the Begin Again Foundation in 2015. The organization focuses on providing financial assistance to families affected by sepsis and promoting education regarding menstrual hygiene and infection risks. Leishman has also authored a children’s book, “La mordedura más grande de Katie Koala,” intended to help families identify the warning signs of serious infections. Future efforts from the foundation are likely to continue emphasizing that rapid medical intervention remains the primary defense against the high mortality rates associated with septic shock.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is sepsis?
According to MedlinePlus, sepsis is an extreme reaction of the body to an infection. It is considered a medical emergency that can cause tissue damage and organ failure.

What were the primary health complications experienced by Audrey Leishman?
Leishman suffered from sepsis and toxic shock syndrome, compounded by pneumonia, a urinary tract infection, and streptococcal pharyngitis.

Why is early detection important for sepsis patients?
Data from the Begin Again Foundation indicates that every hour of delay in receiving treatment significantly increases the patient’s risk of death.

Are you aware of the specific warning signs that differentiate a common infection from a medical emergency like sepsis?