A MUM-of-six has revealed harrowing photos of her son laying in a hospital bed “at death’s door” after his sore throat turned out to be deadly meningitis.
Ben Taylor, 18, was left fighting for his life just days after complaining of a sore throat.
Now his mum, Rikki Taylor, wants other parents to know just how quickly the deadly condition can take hold.
Ben, from the Isle of Wight, is still in a critical condition on life support after he was rushed to hospital on March 17.
Rikki, 37, said: “Ben deteriorated so quickly – initially he was complaining that he had a sore throat, and then three days later he’s fighting for his life with meningitis.
“I called for an ambulance on Saturday night because Ben was unresponsive, and then hours later he was put into an induced coma.
“I decided to take these photographs to show people that meningitis isn’t always just a rash, and doesn’t just occur in young children.
“He looked dead in these photos, he was in a coma, he was grey and he was hooked up to so many wires that were just keeping him alive.
“I had to share them because it’s the reality behind meningitis, and if these photographs can encourage people to understand the signs and symptoms of the illness it’s worth it.”
Ben first complained of feeling ill with a sore throat on Wednesday, March 14, and suspected he had tonsillitis.
But by Saturday he had become unresponsive and was diagnosed with bacterial meningitis.
“On Wednesday evening he complained that his throat was hurting, so we booked a doctor’s appointment for the next morning,” Rikki said.
KNOW THE SIGNS What is meningitis, how do you get it, is there a vaccine and what are the symptoms of Izzy Weall’s condition?
“At the appointment we were told he was fine, so we went back home and he got a lot of rest, vitamins and fluids.
“But then he started deteriorating and by Saturday night he was in the hospital being hooked up to life support.
“Initially, because he went to the pub the night before, I thought maybe his drink was spiked – but hearing it was meningitis was even more of a shock to me.
“I always thought that having meningitis meant you have a rash, but Ben has proved that wrong.
“On the run up to being hospitalised Ben was vomiting, constantly tired, had a sore throat and felt cold a lot.
“I want as many people as possible to know the symptoms of meningitis, and that it’s not just a rash, so that this doesn’t happen to anyone else’s son.”
Around 3,200 people a year get bacterial meningitis. One in 10 die and many more are left with life-changing disabilities.
The symptoms of meningitis develop suddenly and include a fever, being sick, headaches, a blotchy red rash that doesn’t fade when a glass is rolled over it, stiffness in the neck, sensitivity to bright lights, drowsiness and irritability or seizures.
MORE ON MENINGITIS
The Meningitis Research Foundation warned the symptoms can easily be mistaken for a hangover.
In Ben’s case, doctors are unsure if he will wake up or if he has suffered any long term side effects.
Rikki has set up a fundraising page to raise money for Ben, you can donate to her cause at her Just Giving page here.
A DEADLY CONDITION EASILY MISTAKEN FOR A HANGOVER
It can easily be mistaken for flu or a hangover in adults, but knowing the signs of meningitis can prove life-saving.
The deadly disease can affect anyone, but is most common in babies, young kids and young adults.
Meningitis causes an inflammation of the membranes that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord and can be triggered by bacteria or a virus.
If it is not treated quickly meningitis can develop in deadly septicaemia, or blood poisoning, that can cause permanent damage to the brain or nerves.
Around 3,200 people a year are diagnosed with bacterial meningitis and one in 10 die or are left with life-changing disabilities.
Viral forms of meningitis are less common and rarely life-threatening.
What are the key symptoms?
The symptoms of meningitis can develop very quickly, and include:
- a high fever – over 37.5 degrees (the average temperature)
- being sick
- a headache
- a blotchy rash that won’t fade when a glass is rolled over it
- stiffness, especially in the neck
- drowsiness, irritability or a lack of energy
- cold hands and feet
- seizures
In babies the symptoms can be slightly different, they may:
- refuse to eat
- be agitated and not want to be picked up
- having a bulging soft spot on their head
- be floppy and inresponsive
- have an unusual, high-pitched cry
- have a stiff body
Source: Meningitis Research Foundation
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