Retired Laois councillor who has survived Sepsis twice shares lifesaving advice
A retired Laois councillor who has survived Sepsis for a second time is urging people to have this one medical item in their houses.
Having a blood pressure monitor at home has helped to save the life of a retired Laois councillor who is battling Parkinson’s Disease.
Noel Tuohy from Portlaoise has just survived Sepsis for the second time, and it was only diagnosed after his blood pressure “plummeted” at home and he sought help.
He is advising the public to have a BP monitor at home, saying “it may save your life”.
With his wife, Portlaoise Municipal District Labour Cllr Marie Tuohy, they are urging others to act fast if they suspect the potentially fatal infection.
Noel ended up in Intensive Care in Tallaght hospital, and is back home after three months recovering in hospital.
“I am recovering now and want to take this opportunity to say a few things,” he said on social media.
“Firstly thanks to my friends and family for their concern and support. Thinking especially of my wife Marie who was there around the clock and also my daughters Naomi and Hannah and my sons NoelJohn and Zach plus their partners, not forgetting my wonderful grandchildren.
“It's a long journey, a lot of which I don't remember but somehow I knew I wasn't alone.
“I had Sepsis for the second time and I would advise and implore you to inform yourselves about this as it seems to be more common now.
“Sepsis is a life threatening, life altering illness. Act on your gut instinct, act fast and don't be afraid to voice your concerns or suspicions when you seek medical help in a hurry.
“There is plenty of information online. Have a look and invest in a BP monitor. It may be the indicator that saves your life,” Mr Tuohy said.
Cllr Marie Tuohy spoke further to the Leinster Express / Laois Live.
“Looking back on it, it’s a nightmare really. We are very grateful for the treatment, and the support. It’s a long journey. It would be great to create more awareness. Don’t second guess yourself, if you’re not feeling right, just look up the symptoms.
“When this happened first to Noel, in October 2024, that was from a wound from hip surgery. But sepsis isn’t just from a wound, you can get it in any area of your body.
“It can be very advanced before you realise, so the message is act fast, don’t be afraid to say if you feel unwell and can’t specify. Look up the symptoms, just act immediately, because time is of the essence.
“We were lucky that we had a blood pressure monitor in the house. Your blood pressure plummets and that’s an indicator. It’s time, it’s all about time. It seems to be really common,” she said.
The HSE has online advice on Sepsis, which presents differently in babies, children and adults. Symptoms can include high or low temperatures, unresponsiveness or confusion, not peeing, vomiting, difficulty breathing, rapid heartbeat or rapidly feeling worse.
It is described as a “life-threatening complication of an infection”.
“Most people make a full recovery if it's identified and treated quickly. Without quick treatment, sepsis can lead to multiple organ failure and death. It can be hard to tell if you have sepsis but trust your instincts,” the HSE advises.