An outdoor instructor, Skye Owen, 24, recently shared her harrowing experience of being misdiagnosed multiple times before doctors discovered she was suffering from sepsis rather than sciatica. The ordeal began in September 2024 after Skye developed hip pain following an active weekend of hiking, surfing, and climbing. Initially dismissed as sciatica by her GP, her condition worsened rapidly, leading to her being labeled as “dramatic” by medical professionals despite her excruciating pain and immobility.
After being rushed to the Royal Cornwall Hospital in Treliske, Skye was eventually diagnosed with septic arthritis in her left SI joint and hip, which had progressed to sepsis. Her consultant emphasized the severity of the infection, stating that had she been sent home that day, the outcome could have been fatal. Skye, currently on the path to recovery, is now advocating for greater awareness of sepsis symptoms and the importance of self-advocacy in healthcare decisions.
Reflecting on her journey, Skye recounted the intense pain she endured, initially mistaken for sciatica. Despite her pleas for help, medical professionals continued to attribute her symptoms to the common ailment. Only after developing a fever did an MRI scan reveal the presence of septic arthritis and sepsis. Skye underwent surgery to remove the infection from her hip and underwent a course of antibiotics to combat the sepsis.
Following a month-long hospital stay and rehabilitation period, Skye faced challenges such as nerve damage and persistent pain. Despite these obstacles, she remains committed to her recovery journey, undergoing regular tests, scans, and physiotherapy sessions. Stressing the importance of trusting one’s instincts in matters of health, Skye urges others to advocate for themselves and not hesitate to seek a second opinion when necessary.
In response to Skye’s experience, the NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care System highlighted efforts to enhance sepsis awareness and early diagnosis through initiatives like Jess’s Rule for GP surgeries and Martha’s Rule in hospitals, aiming to expedite urgent patient reviews for conditions like sepsis. Skye’s story serves as a reminder of the critical role self-advocacy plays in ensuring timely and accurate medical care.
