A routine hospital visit turned into a living nightmare for one mother after a rare reaction to common pain medication left her in an induced coma, fighting for her life.
What began as severe stomach pains quickly escalated into a medical crisis when 34-year-old Jodie Thomas developed a terrifying allergic reaction to medication administered at Royal Cornwall Hospital.
The Sudden Descent
"It was like something out of a horror film," her partner, Tom, recounted. "One moment she was complaining about stomach pain, the next she was being rushed into intensive care."
Doctors made the difficult decision to place Jodie in a medically induced coma after her body began shutting down from the severe reaction.
A Family's Agony
For Tom and their two young children, the experience has been traumatising. "The doctors told me to prepare for the worst," Tom revealed, his voice breaking with emotion. "I had to explain to our kids that mummy might not wake up."
The family maintained a constant vigil at her bedside, praying for any sign of improvement while medical teams worked tirelessly to stabilise her condition.
Medical Mystery Unfolds
Doctors identified the reaction as DRESS syndrome - a severe and potentially fatal condition triggered by certain medications. The rare disorder affects multiple organs and requires immediate, specialised treatment.
Key symptoms that emerged included:
- Widespread skin rash covering her body
- High fever and severe inflammation
- Liver and kidney dysfunction
- Respiratory complications
Road to Recovery
After weeks in critical condition, Jodie finally began showing signs of improvement. Her awakening from the coma marked the beginning of a long recovery journey.
"When she finally opened her eyes, it was the most beautiful moment of my life," Tom shared. "But we know this is just the start - she has a long road ahead."
The incident has raised awareness about rare medication reactions and the importance of monitoring patients closely when administering new drugs.
