A woman who is passionate about fitness has shared her harrowing experience of almost losing her life due to sepsis, which was initially mistaken for a pulled muscle. Lauren Carson, 31, developed a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) in August and despite taking antibiotics, her symptoms persisted. While on vacation in Majorca, she began feeling back pain and feverish, attributing it to her activities and the change in environment.
Upon returning home, the pain worsened to the point where she could not walk, prompting her to seek medical help. Doctors diagnosed her with kidney stones caused by the untreated UTI, leading to septic shock. Lauren’s case is part of a concerning trend where women underestimate the severity of UTIs, putting themselves at risk of life-threatening sepsis.
Given just 24 hours to live without surgery, Lauren underwent a procedure to remove the kidney stones and spent five days in the hospital recovering. She now advocates for greater awareness of the complications UTIs can pose.
Recounting her ordeal, Lauren emphasized the importance of taking UTIs seriously and seeking prompt medical attention if symptoms persist. She urges women not to ignore signs like fatigue and confusion, as timely intervention can be life-saving. Sepsis, as explained by the NHS, is a critical response to infections that can lead to severe damage to the body’s tissues and organs.