Hi,

My name is Denise Wiltse and I never imagined I’d be writing this.

On the morning of March 6, 2025, I woke and immediately called a friend to drive me to the clinic where I tested positive with influenza B. I went home thinking I would feel ill for the next few days, but all I needed was rest and I would get better. Unfortunately, as the day progressed, I became more lethargic, weaker, and without any other warning, I was taken by ambulance to the regional hospital as my body went into septic shock.

Due to my remote location and the medical care I required, I was medevaced (transported by airplane) to a larger hospital that could provide the necessary medical care. Over the next 3-days, I was intubated, sedated, and treated with antibiotics in the intensive care unit. When I woke, I was surrounded by my closest friends and family. Reflecting back, it was a very powerful moment I will never forget.

The septic shock lead to Disseminated Intervascular Coagulation (DIC), which is excessive blood clotting throughout the body, and multi-system organ failure. My kidney function had deteriorated to the point where I needed immediate hemodialysis. I was given a Central Venous Catheter and received both inpatient and outpatient dialysis. My last hemodialysis treatment was on April 9. However, my kidney function is still being monitored through labs. The DIC caused marbling/discoloration, swelling, and loss of sensation in my feet and fingers. The marbling in my feet led to sloughing and blistering, which required wound therapy over the next several weeks.

Before being discharged from the hospital, I went through a series of speech, occupational, and physical therapy sessions. While I was released from ongoing rehabilitation upon discharge, I still require focused and continuous exercising for strength, balance and mental well-being.

Multiple echocardiograms have produced findings indicating heart failure with preserved ejection fraction and heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. I have an upcoming appointment with a cardiologist to better understand, treat, and hopefully recover from this condition.

An additional visit to the ER and hospitalization in recent weeks led to a diagnosis Clostridium difficiile infection (C. Diff) and reactive arthritis. The inflammation started in my left knee, but migrated to other joints in my body causing a significant amount of pain. I have since completed the necessary antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications, so I truly hope that is behind me.

My journey to recovery is not yet over, I do require surgery to remove my gallbladder. The sepsis resulted from an infection in my gallbladder. I do hope for a minimally invasive procedure, but I have yet to schedule a consultation with a general surgeon.

I’m launching this GoFundMe to raise money to cover medical bills and medications (some of which are not covered by insurance).

Thank you for your support.

Denise