An outdoor instructor, Skye Owen, shared her harrowing experience of being misdiagnosed with sciatica multiple times before doctors discovered she was actually suffering from sepsis. The ordeal began when Skye started feeling hip pain after a weekend of outdoor activities in September 2024. Initially dismissed as sciatica by her GP, Skye’s condition worsened rapidly, leading to her being rushed to the hospital where she was initially labeled as “dramatic” by medical professionals despite her severe pain and immobility.
After being admitted for pain management, Skye’s condition escalated as she developed a fever, prompting an MRI scan that revealed septic arthritis in her left SI joint and hip, eventually progressing to sepsis. Reflecting on her near-fatal experience, Skye emphasized the importance of recognizing sepsis symptoms early and advocating for one’s health.
Following surgery to remove the infection from her hip and a course of antibiotics, Skye faced a challenging recovery period that included nerve damage resulting in a loss of sensation in her leg. Despite ongoing medical tests and physiotherapy sessions, Skye continues to deal with the long-term effects of her battle with sepsis.
Now, a vocal advocate for self-advocacy in healthcare, Skye encourages others to trust their instincts and seek prompt medical attention when needed. The NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care System has acknowledged the importance of improving sepsis awareness and early diagnosis, implementing new initiatives to enhance patient care and safety, particularly for time-critical conditions like sepsis.