A young mother has issued a vital warning after a seemingly insignificant paper cut spiralled into a life-threatening sepsis battle that left her unable to even give her children a thumbs-up from her hospital bed.
Chloe Doherty, 27, from Belfast, thought little of the minor cut on her finger. Within days, however, she was fighting for her life as the deadly infection ravaged her body, causing her to vomit violently and suffer from agonising joint pain.
The Descent Into Crisis
"It started with a small cut, nothing out of the ordinary," Chloe recounted. "But then the vomiting began, and the pain in my joints was excruciating. I knew something was terribly wrong."
Her condition deteriorated so rapidly that she was rushed to the Royal Victoria Hospital. Doctors delivered the terrifying diagnosis: sepsis, a condition where the body's response to an infection causes it to attack its own tissues and organs.
A Mother's Heartbreaking Struggle
The situation became so dire that Chloe's basic motor functions began to fail. "I couldn't even give my kids a thumbs-up to let them know I was okay," she shared, highlighting the profound physical helplessness caused by the illness.
Her story underscores the stealthy and rapid nature of sepsis, which can often be mistaken for less serious conditions in its early stages.
The Vital Signs Everyone Must Know
Chloe's harrowing experience is a stark reminder of the importance of recognising sepsis symptoms. Key signs include:
- Slurred speech or confusion
- Extreme shivering or muscle pain
- Passing no urine in a day
- Severe breathlessness
- Mottled or discoloured skin
Medical professionals emphasise that sepsis is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment. Every hour of delay increases the risk of mortality significantly.
A Message of Survival and Awareness
Now recovering, Chloe is determined to raise awareness so others can avoid her nightmare. "I was lucky. I got to the hospital in time, but so many don't," she stated.
Her powerful message serves as a crucial public health alert, reminding us that even the smallest wound can have catastrophic consequences if left untreated.
