When Sarah Brown noticed blood in her urine, she dismissed it as "probably nothing to worry about." Just days later, the 34-year-old mother was fighting for her life in intensive care, her body ravaged by sepsis.
What began as a seemingly minor urinary tract infection rapidly escalated into a life-threatening medical crisis that serves as a chilling warning to everyone about recognising sepsis symptoms.
The Calm Before The Storm
"I'd been feeling generally unwell for a few days with what I thought was a water infection," Sarah recalls. "When I saw blood, I almost didn't bother my GP. I thought it would clear up on its own."
This initial hesitation nearly proved fatal. Within 48 hours, Sarah's condition deteriorated dramatically. "I started experiencing unbearable pain in my lower back and felt freezing cold, yet I was sweating profusely."
A Race Against Time
Sarah's husband called NHS 111, who immediately dispatched an ambulance. "The paramedics knew it was serious straight away," she says. "My blood pressure had plummeted and my heart was racing."
At the hospital, doctors delivered the terrifying diagnosis: sepsis caused by a kidney infection. Sarah was rushed to intensive care where she spent five days receiving strong antibiotics and fluids intravenously.
The Silent Killer: Recognising Sepsis Symptoms
Sarah's experience highlights how quickly sepsis can develop from common infections. Key warning signs everyone should know include:
- Slurred speech or confusion
- Extreme shivering or muscle pain
- Passing no urine in a day
- Severe breathlessness
- Mottled or discoloured skin
- Feeling like you're going to die
"I had several of these symptoms but didn't realise how dangerous they were," Sarah admits. "I just thought I had a bad infection."
A Life-Changing Recovery
Though Sarah survived, her recovery has been long and challenging. "I was weak for months afterwards and needed support looking after my young daughter. The psychological impact has been significant too - I now worry constantly about every minor illness."
Medical professionals emphasise that sepsis affects approximately 250,000 people in the UK annually, with around 50,000 deaths. Early recognition and treatment are crucial for survival.
An Urgent Message To Others
"Don't dismiss symptoms, even if they seem minor," Sarah urges. "Blood in urine isn't normal and should always be checked. If I'd sought help sooner, I might have avoided intensive care."
Her story serves as a powerful reminder that infections can turn deadly within hours. "Trust your instincts - if something feels seriously wrong, it probably is. Don't hesitate to seek medical attention."
The UK Sepsis Trust advises that if you suspect sepsis, you should ask healthcare professionals: "Could it be sepsis?" This simple question could save your life.
