IEHP Member Fights Rare Infection

For years, Sergio P. tolerated pain and discomfort, believing it typical for his ongoing prostate issues. But in 2018, Sergio experienced urine blockage, leading to an ER visit, a catheter and follow-up care with a urologist.

After a second, more serious blockage, Sergio wanted a surgical solution but instead received another catheter. And so it went: About every three months, the same problem, the same treatment. Meanwhile, Sergio got sicker and sicker.

“I didn’t have IEHP or any health plan, so they would not do surgery on my prostate,” said the 63-year-old Rialto resident in Spanish.
 

In 2022, Sergio – who also has diabetes – signed up for a health plan but still didn’t receive any options to resolve his prostate health problems once and for all. Pushing through his declining health, he lived life as best as he could, including frequent visits to the family home in the Piñon Hills High Desert area despite still using a catheter, which he later learned put him at risk for a rare bacterial infection.

 “It was the hardest fight of my life, but I refused to break,” Sergio said. “I had to keep living and being productive … I was trying to live my life with a positive attitude, thinking I could handle it all, but I wasn’t taking care of myself. I didn’t know how serious it was.”
 

Concerned he still wasn’t getting the care he needed, Sergio sought help at the San Bernardino County Medi-Cal offices, where he switched to Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) in 2023.

Then, just three months later, on June 3, 2023, Sergio hit rock bottom.

His mother passed away, and while traveling to attend her services, his health deteriorated significantly. He lost consciousness and awakened days later in a hospital bed.

At the hospital, Sergio learned a rare bacterial infection traveled through his urinary tract and into his bladder and kidneys. Because it went untreated for so long, the infection invaded his bloodstream.

“Few people survive,” the doctors told him.

Sergio remained hospitalized and on antibiotics for approximately two and a half months between discharges and readmissions.

But his body didn’t respond. He couldn’t eat. He grew weaker.

Fearing the worst, Sergio’s family requested IEHP transfer him to Loma Linda University Medical Center (LLUMC), where he was immediately assigned an entire care team: an infectious disease provider, a cardiologist, and a second doctor at the hospital.

They ran new tests and, within days, Sergio finally received good news. He could be healed. According to his care team, the bacteria Sergio contracted originates only in the desert region and likely infected him through his catheter during one of his trips – but the right antibiotic was available that same night.

“When the doctor said that, I felt a wave of relief; I felt motivated,” he said. “I owe my life to God and then to IEHP, because they saved me.”

The new antibiotic was administered to Sergio and within 24 hours, he regained his appetite and his positive outlook. But he would remain at LLUMC for an additional month. His physical condition improved, but he was unable to stand on his own.

The bacterial infection also left him with a severely compromised immune system as well as lung and heart issues.

Sergio’s next stage of care – including physical therapy to get him mobile again – took place at a skilled nursing facility for another month. And he finally underwent the prostate surgery he had hoped for from the beginning.

“When I got the IEHP plan, the doctor gave me a date for the surgery,” he said. Although his overall recovery happened slowly, Sergio held on to hope. “I’m grateful … My life changed for the better,” he said. “I overcame it and now I am active, I can walk.”

With his newfound energy, Sergio reignited his passion for singing rancheras and mariachi tunes.

He performs weekly for senior citizens at a nearby neighborhood center, where he also shares his story and encourages others to seek routine care with a primary care provider (PCP). He visits his own PCP and other specialists IEHP referred him to every three months.

Sergio regularly urges men over 40 to get preventive care, especially their annual prostate exams – no matter their personal feelings or possible awkwardness.

“As men, we feel very manly and we’re embarrassed when we get a prostate exam, but if we do not pay attention, we can get cancer,” he said.

Choosing IEHP has become quite a family affair. In addition to Sergio, his wife, brothers and sisters-in-law are all now members of the “health plan with a heart.”

“I’m grateful, I can’t stop thanking God and IEHP,” Sergio said. “If it wasn’t for this plan, I wouldn’t be talking today.”