In the spring of 2015, doctors determined that I needed a partial knee replacement after several unsuccessful knee scopes. On the morning of May 26, I arrived at the hospital, unaware that stepping into the elevator would be my last clear memory for some time.
My wife later recounted that after the surgery, I was able to walk the hallway, enjoy a hamburger, and even text my brother. However, the doctor informed us that my only chance of survival was to be placed on a ventilator. I was told I signed the necessary forms with my wife, but I had no memory of doing so.
I was then put on a ventilator and urgently transferred from Good Sam Hospital to the University of Kentucky Hospital. The medical team believed I had experienced an allergic reaction to the anesthesia, which caused my lungs to bleed and ultimately led to septic shock. As my condition deteriorated, my organs began to fail, including my kidneys and lungs. My right lung collapsed, necessitating a chest tube, and I developed Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). To prevent blood clots from reaching my heart and lungs, the doctors inserted an inferior vena cava (IVC) filter.
Eventually, they determined that a tracheostomy was necessary, marking a critical turning point in my recovery. When I began to regain consciousness about 20 days later, I realized I had lost all muscle mass and was unable to move or speak. I remained in the ICU until June 30, 2015, holding onto a mix of unforgettable memories—both good and bad.
After becoming stable enough, I was transferred to two rehabilitation hospitals for tracheostomy removal and to regain overall strength. Years later, I still face lingering challenges from this traumatic experience, including PTSD, anxiety, muscle weakness, neuropathy, and other mental health issues. I also have a scarred lung from ARDS, which has affected my breathing.
Throughout this journey, I could not have made it without my family—especially my wife—and the dedicated doctors and staff at the University of Kentucky, particularly Dr. Ashley Montgomery.
EZ Caregiver was created to raise awareness about sepsis and the journey that follows. Since the summer of 2015, I have been honored to receive several awards and share my story through inspirational speeches across the country. I wouldn’t trade my journey for anything; it has been a blessing, allowing me to forge many new friendships along the way. I truly believe that only God had this path mapped out for me from the very beginning.
Interested in hearing a sepsis survivor's journey? Learn firsthand about the trauma of enduring a prolonged ICU stay, the complexities of Post-Intensive Care Syndrome (PICS), the challenges of Post-Sepsis Syndrome (PSS), PTSD, and navigating life afterward. I am passionate about sharing my story and would be honored to speak at your event. Please reach out to me for more information.
Darrell Raikes
[email protected]
My wife later recounted that after the surgery, I was able to walk the hallway, enjoy a hamburger, and even text my brother. However, the doctor informed us that my only chance of survival was to be placed on a ventilator. I was told I signed the necessary forms with my wife, but I had no memory of doing so.
I was then put on a ventilator and urgently transferred from Good Sam Hospital to the University of Kentucky Hospital. The medical team believed I had experienced an allergic reaction to the anesthesia, which caused my lungs to bleed and ultimately led to septic shock. As my condition deteriorated, my organs began to fail, including my kidneys and lungs. My right lung collapsed, necessitating a chest tube, and I developed Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). To prevent blood clots from reaching my heart and lungs, the doctors inserted an inferior vena cava (IVC) filter.
Eventually, they determined that a tracheostomy was necessary, marking a critical turning point in my recovery. When I began to regain consciousness about 20 days later, I realized I had lost all muscle mass and was unable to move or speak. I remained in the ICU until June 30, 2015, holding onto a mix of unforgettable memories—both good and bad.
After becoming stable enough, I was transferred to two rehabilitation hospitals for tracheostomy removal and to regain overall strength. Years later, I still face lingering challenges from this traumatic experience, including PTSD, anxiety, muscle weakness, neuropathy, and other mental health issues. I also have a scarred lung from ARDS, which has affected my breathing.
Throughout this journey, I could not have made it without my family—especially my wife—and the dedicated doctors and staff at the University of Kentucky, particularly Dr. Ashley Montgomery.
EZ Caregiver was created to raise awareness about sepsis and the journey that follows. Since the summer of 2015, I have been honored to receive several awards and share my story through inspirational speeches across the country. I wouldn’t trade my journey for anything; it has been a blessing, allowing me to forge many new friendships along the way. I truly believe that only God had this path mapped out for me from the very beginning.
Interested in hearing a sepsis survivor's journey? Learn firsthand about the trauma of enduring a prolonged ICU stay, the complexities of Post-Intensive Care Syndrome (PICS), the challenges of Post-Sepsis Syndrome (PSS), PTSD, and navigating life afterward. I am passionate about sharing my story and would be honored to speak at your event. Please reach out to me for more information.
Darrell Raikes
[email protected]
*Erin K Flatley Sepsis Award
*International ICU Hero Award
*Edwards Life Sciences Patient Experience
*American Delirium Society Speaker
*Chest Convention Speaker
*Kentucky Sepsis Protocols Champion
*University of Kentucky Hospital Volunteer
*Erin K Flatley Sepsis Award
*International ICU Hero Award
*Edwards Life Sciences Patient Experience
*American Delirium Society Speaker
*Chest Convention Speaker
*Kentucky Sepsis Protocols Champion
*University of Kentucky Hospital Volunteer
Click on pictures below for stories
Sepsis Story
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UK Saves a Lebanon's man life
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ICU Heros
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Sepsis Survivor Finds New Purpose
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ARDS Hero's
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Sepsis Partnered with FCCLA
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The Sepsis Diaries
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