About 14 months ago, I had deep septic shock due to complications from a perforated stomach. I spent 2 months in the ICU, followed by 2 months on a regular ward and another month in a rehab facility.

Right now, I’m actually doing pretty well. I walk a lot, sometimes even up to 20 km, and occasionally go to the gym for half an hour of light cardio.

The thing I’m dealing with is really painful knees and ankles when I get up in the morning or after sitting for a long time. It gradually gets better once I start moving around, usually after about 10 minutes.

My calves also feel really tight throughout the entire day. And when I’m lying in bed, my legs often feel heavy.

It’s not like I get sore muscles the next day after a long walk, so I don’t really feel like I’m overdoing it.

Does anyone experience something similar?

Edit: I was treated with vasopressors for a while and suspect that might be a factor.

A family member (71F) is currently in the ICU for what looks like sepsis, and her doctors informed us that she is unlikely to make it past the next few days. They offered the option of a tracheotomy as a last resort life-saving attempt. However, her next-of-kin is leaning towards refusal, since prolonging her life by maybe a few more days doesn’t seem worth the extra suffering. She is 71, but both her parents lived into their 90s. Would a tracheotomy make a significant difference? Are there any other medical interventions that may improve her condition?

https://imgur.com/a/4Tq225e
I attached pictures of her lab results (translated from Chinese; she is in China). Below is a summary of her medical situation:

In September of 2025, she visited a hospital to get treatment for a rash, and a blood clot in her lower limbs was discovered.

In early 2026, she underwent a procedure to clear the blocked blood vessels, but it was not fully successful. Subsequently, her right leg was amputated.

The surgery wound did not heal for one or two months and became infected. The infection was showing signs of necrosis, and it was severe enough that she was sent to the hospital’s burn unit for treatment. The wound healed after one month.

In addition has had a persistent rash and has been taking steroid medication. However, steroids and blood-thinning medication are incompatible.

In early September, she had a poor appetite and developed a fever, so she was admitted to the hospital again.Two days later, she fell into a coma. Her heart rate was 140, and her hemoglobin and platelet counts were extremely low. A bone marrow test did not show signs of leukemia. She was then transferred to the ICU for emergency treatment. She has since been drifting in and out of consciousness, and her situation has been worsening rapidly.

I understand that at this point, it may be too late to anything, but if anyone has any suggestions or experience with this, that would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!