Billy Porter, 56, Was ‘Dead’ for 3 Days From Sepsis—the Warning Signs Women Need To Know
The Emmy winner fought back from the brink of death—and his story could save your life
When Broadway star Billy Porter, 56, went to the hospital last September for kidney stone pain, he found himself trapped in a nightmare—one that should be a wake-up call to us all. “I was dead for three days,” Porter shared on the podcast Outlaws with TS Madison after recovering from sepsis, a life-threatening condition that strikes every 20 seconds and is the leading cause of death at U.S. hospitals. Women face unique risks that make early detection critical, says Brynna Connor, MD, a family medicine physician in Texas and ambassador for NorthwestPharmacy.com. Keep reading for warning signs that could save your life or the life of someone you love.
What is sepsis? Billy Porter’s condition explained
Porter shared on the podcast that as doctors examined him, a massive infection lurking behind a kidney stone “bubbled up, and I went uroseptic in minutes.”
What does that mean exactly? Sepsis is an extreme immune system malfunction. Instead of releasing just enough chemicals to kill an infection, immune cells release mass amounts of these chemicals. “This leads to widespread inflammation and can cause tissue damage, organ damage and even organ failure,” says Dr. Connor. (Urosepsis refers to sepsis that originates from an infection in the urinary tract, such as the bladder or kidneys.) There’s currently no way to predict when sepsis will strike, and even minor infections can sometimes set it off.
Woman's World Answers
Who’s at risk for sepsis?
In general, studies show women are slightly less likely than men to develop sepsis, but “we can still be at significant risk depending on underlying health conditions,” says Duke University critical care physician Adjoa Boateng Evans, MD. Prime example: Female anatomy makes urinary tract infections more common for us. “While most UTIs are mild and easily treated, if an infection spreads to the kidneys or bloodstream it can lead to urosepsis,” she notes.
Women over 65 face the highest risk, but sepsis can strike at any age. It’s also linked to diabetes and any ongoing health condition that may weaken immunity. So the potential impact is wide. And sepsis can lead to septic shock, the most severe stage of the condition, characterized by extremely low blood pressure and organ failure. Sepsis is a medical emergency, which makes knowing the warning signs so crucial.
Billy Porter’s recovery—and his wise advice to us all
Porter shared that he lost consciousness on a Tuesday and doesn’t remember anything until that Saturday. He was put on life support; he also developed a complication and required a gruesome procedure to save his leg.
Though he eventually battled back, he told fans in an Instagram post it was “very, very challenging.” He had to leave his role in Broadway’s revival of Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club, and the show was permanently shut down.
Today, he’s grateful to have made it and is embracing the wisdom that came to him in his hospital bed. One revelation we can all learn from? The importance of prioritizing our health: “Work smarter, not harder,” he shared recently with E! News. He has also said: “I am a walking miracle.”
Experts agree he defied the odds for advanced sepsis, which can lead to organ failure and even death in mere hours. But keep reading, and you should be able to get help when the condition is less severe and before a miracle is needed. University of Illinois findings show 80 percent of deaths are preventable with early treatment.
How to protect yourself from sepsis
Knowledge is your first line of defense. Here’s what experts recommend:
Know the symptoms of sepsis
These include a high fever or very low temperature, rapid heartbeat, confusion or disorientation, extreme pain or discomfort, shortness of breath and clammy/sweaty skin. Even if you aren’t aware of an underlying infection, “seek medical attention immediately,” urges Dr. Evans.
Practice good hygiene
Regularly wash your hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer, especially after using the washroom, exposure to large groups of people and before eating. Keep cuts clean and covered until healed.
Stay up to date on vaccinations
This includes COVID-19, the flu, chickenpox, pneumonia, shingles and other vaccines recommended for your age and health. Vaccines can limit the severity of these illnesses and reduce their potential to lead to sepsis, says Dr. Connor.
Manage chronic illnesses
Ensure blood pressure, diabetes, kidney disease and other conditions are under control to keep your body strong enough to fight off infection. A healthy diet and lifestyle also helps bolster your immune system.
Advocate for yourself
If you feel something is seriously wrong, don’t let anyone dismiss your concerns. Porter’s experience is proof that sepsis can escalate almost instantly—so trust your instincts and insist on being heard.
The bottom line on beating sepsis
Porter’s survival story is a testament to the life-saving power of quick medical intervention—and now you know the warning signs to help prevent extreme measures from ever being necessary. Listen to your body and never hesitate to advocate for yourself at the doctor’s office, urgent care or ER. One last suggestion from Dr. Evans: “Share this story, and you might save a life.”
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