A Mother’s Story: Mady’s Battle with Sepsis and Resilience

Kory Paige Loden, a mother from Tennessee, recounts a life-altering experience with her daughter Mady. At 18 months old, Mady appeared to have the flu. Within a day, her condition had worsened, leading to a life-threatening situation.

Initially, Mady showed mild symptoms and seemed lethargic but still active. Her brother had tested positive for Flu B, suggesting a similar diagnosis for her. However, as the day went on, her health declined. Her skin turned blue, prompting an immediate visit to urgent care.

“When her legs turned blue, I knew something serious was happening,” Loden reflects.

An ambulance transferred Mady to the nearest hospital where attempts to stabilize her included a failed IV insertion. These early warning signs painted a grim picture. The medical staff emphasized the urgency of her condition.

Eventually, Mady was airlifted to a specialized children’s hospital. Here, the severity of her situation became evident when doctors requested permission for emergency interventions. The first 48 hours proved critical as doctors scrambled to stabilize her.

While under care, Mady had multiple life-saving procedures, including heart surgery. During this time, her parents supported each other through their faith, seeking solace amidst the chaos around them.

The discovery of her interrupted inferior vena cava (IVC) explained her susceptibility to infections. Mady’s condition was further complicated by an absent spleen, which contributed to her severe case of sepsis.

Doctors diagnosed her sepsis as stemming from strep pneumonia, an infection usually mitigated by a spleen. This condition frequently leads to minor illnesses but became dire for Mady.

Mady’s battle included kidney failure and blood clots. Physicians worked tirelessly to restore blood flow to her limbs. Despite their efforts, prolonged lack of circulation led to leg amputations over a period of several months.

“We tried everything, but amputation became necessary,” Kory shares.

Today, Mady thrives as a bubbly, active child. Her resilience and adaptability have amazed those around her. Moving with ease, she has embraced life with prosthetic limbs and continues to inspire through her journey.

Sharing Mady’s story serves as a reminder. Early detection of sepsis can save lives. Kory’s experience underlines the importance of awareness and the unpredictable nature of sepsis in children.