“The diagnosis was like a bad dream come true” – 17-year-old Tejal who contracted sepsis in March 2021.
Tejal had been unwell with a fever on the 24th and 25th of March but “got well on the 26th”. She recalled: “It was like any other fevers I had in the past.” However, things started to take a turn a few days later: “I felt dizzy and, shortly after, I fainted. My parents heard the thud and carried me back to bed”. She developed two main symptoms of sepsis – consistent high temperature and shivers.
The next day, Tejal’s parents called 111 and got an appointment at a clinic. From there she was taken straight to A&E.
It was at the A&E, after blood tests were conducted, that the consultant diagnosed Tejal with sepsis. Her condition had deteriorated rapidly and she had been placed in an induced coma. Five days after being admitted to the hospital, she woke up from a coma and was informed of her diagnosis. However, she found it hard to accept: “I was shocked to hear that I was diagnosed with such a life-threatening illness. I was doing just fine and was fit and healthy – the diagnosis was like a bad dream come true.” Her family was shocked. Tejal said they thought sepsis “could have been diagnosed earlier if they had paid more attention.”
Tejal received treatment at the Royal Derby Hospital for a total of 51 days.
Tejal’s Sepsis Story, She said: “I was in the ICU for 12 days and was treated with medications to boost my blood pressure, along with antibiotics to treat the bacteria. I then spent the next 39 days in a ward for recovery and further observation.”
She credits the staff at the hospital who helped during this time. “All the doctors, nurses, and other staff members at the hospital were extremely kind and helpful. They continued reviewing my condition thoroughly throughout the 51 days.”
This diagnosis came at an important time for Tejal who was studying for her A levels. “I was due to sit my A level exams in May, so studying for it helped me divert my mind from illness and recover quicker”.
Remarkably, despite surviving sepsis and being in hospital for so long, Tejal achieved 4 A*s; we are delighted to report that Tejal subsequently accepted a place to study at Cambridge University starting in the autumn of 2022.
Tejal recovered from sepsis but she is aware that the outcome “could have been worse if I had not been taken to the A&E on time.”
Tejal’s Sepsis Story, Tejal’s message to others is clear: “It’s important to keep an eye on anything unusual with yourself. If diagnosed early, any disease can be prevented from becoming fatal.”