Title: Woman given 24 hours to live after being misdiagnosed with stress
Author: Brooke Kato
Date: July 11, 2023 | 8:40pm
Victoria Danson, a 33-year-old mom from the UK, thought she was simply under a lot of stress. Little did she know that her symptoms were a sign of a life-threatening condition. After experiencing fatigue and excruciating abdominal pain, she brushed it off as typical stress. However, she was later diagnosed with irritable bowel disease and Crohn’s disease, which led to an abscess in her abdomen and deadly sepsis.
At the hospital, the situation took a turn for the worst as doctors informed Danson that she had only 24 hours to live. The life-threatening infection had taken over her body, necessitating immediate surgery to remove the abscess that was resting on her ovaries.
“I didn’t even have time to really take in what was going on,” said Danson. “All I knew was that I was in agony and would do anything to get rid of the pain.”
To save her life, doctors had to remove 18 inches of her bowel, resulting in the need for an ileostomy bag. Initially resistant to the idea, Danson accepted it as her only option for survival.
After her surgery in 2014, Danson’s previously carefree lifestyle disappeared. She feared being different, but she didn’t let her diagnosis keep her down. She has been forced to change her diet and has recently learned that her condition has returned to her small bowel, requiring further surgical intervention.
Danson has adapted to her new reality by avoiding high-fiber foods, drinking green tea, taking supplements, and avoiding caffeine, which has helped alleviate her symptoms. She has also had to do inner work to accept her condition. As a mother of a 7-year-old son, Danson has founded her own support group, “Crohn’s and Colitis Support Lancashire,” where she provides support to hundreds of people.
Her experience has motivated her to give back to her community. She educates others about Crohn’s disease and uses her experience with sepsis to raise awareness. Danson believes that body confidence is crucial and hopes to empower and inspire others through her journey. She hosts workshops at universities and manages her illness without medication.
“I’m living proof that with the right mindset, you can still achieve your goals no matter what – but always get medical advice if you’re not sure,” Danson emphasized. “It could save your life.”
As Danson continues her journey, she hopes to raise more awareness about invisible illnesses and provide emotional support to those who need it.
Note: This article has been created using content found on NeedToKnow.co.uk.