Shannon McKenney

I have been blessed with good skin. Even in my teenage years, I had very little acne. Sepsis changed that. At the time, I was working for a spa/salon distributor, so I had access to Visia Skin Analysis. My skin was terrible. No matter what I tried, the skin around my eyes was in the worst state it could be. I was even using Methode Physiodermie skincare, a medical-grade skincare line used by plastic surgeons and dermatologists. Plus, it wasn’t just my skin that was atrocious. My hair was falling out, my big toenails fell off, and my fingernails were eggshells. It makes sense. Sepsis is a full-body inflammatory response to any infection. Some survivors lose limbs because of a lack of blood flow. In this state, the body prioritizes fueling your organs, not your extremities. Hence, you lose your hair, nails, and skin takes a hit.

My Husband was meant to be a DAD!!! Unfortunately and fortunately, we were unable to have babies after my appendix ruptured. Unfortunately, because we were both meant to be parents, and fortunately, because I was too sick for too long to be a present parent. Gaven always tells me that he couldn’t work, look after the kids, and look after me. Truer words have never been spoken. But that doesn’t mean I don’t think of how to celebrate him every Father’s Day! He’s a father figure to our Niece, Bella, and the aforementioned Romeo. Plus, he’s an amazing cat Dad to our newly rescued kittens, Spicy and Taco. So I’ve compiled a list of things he would love! I’ve priced them as what I could afford to gift, what I would like to gift, and what I could gift if we won the lottery. I’m telling you, Disability payments don’t go too far!

I have just discovered hot yoga and I LOVE it!!! I love getting to the studio early to claim my spot. I love knowing I am doing something great for the longevity of my mobility, and I LOVE the heat! Yoga in 34C heat leaves you drenched and racing home for a shower, but it’s a whole vibe!

I love how my life dictates what I write about. I’m on my 3rd infection this year. That will teach me to leave my bubble. Like how dare I try to resume life?

A comparison of Samsung, Apple, Garmin, and Fitbit

Can we get a round of applause for the caregivers in our lives? These include healthcare professionals in the hospital, rehabilitation centers, long-term care facilities, homecare, general practitioners, family, and friends. Sepsis recovery is a long, up-and-down road, and we can be dependent or need assistance with our daily needs. I wanted to know how to make caregiving a little easier, so I asked AI & this is what I got: Caregivers can help with a variety of tasks, including:

In my last blog I touted exercise as a key to recovery from Sepsis. When you have sepsis, your whole body is inflamed, blood rushes from your limbs to support your organs causing circulation issues like heart attacks and blood clots. This is why it is so important to get your blood pumping efficiently post-sepsis. So how do you exercise when you barely have the energy to stand up? Strategically! I remember falling down every time I stood up due to POTS, Postural Tachycardia Syndrome, which many of us survivors have.

We rescued 2 kittens! Here is everything you need to rehome your furbabies!

Let's face it, when you're recovering from any illness, you are not looking your best, hygiene may be diminished, energy is depleted & your libido is GONE!!! Reclaim your sexuality!

Are you a sepsis survivor? Anyone recovering from a critical illness needs to have these items on hand!