Carla Cardwell

I had my fourth baby by medical C-section in December 2019 in Spain. Following the birth I was prescribed a drug called Nolotil, a painkiller given post-surgery, which I have since learned is banned in most countries. One of the major side effects of Nolotil is agranulocytosis. This causes the bone marrow to not produce enough white blood cells, and can be fatal. I only took it for 2 days (although it was on repeat prescription), as I didn’t feel it was helping. (Sepsis and Pregnancy & Childbirth, Sepsis and Impaired Immune System)

A few days after I got home I developed numerous ulcers in my mouth and on my tongue, which became so painful I sought medical advice after a couple of weeks. I was also having issues with my C-section surgical staples which weren’t healing. I was given mouthwashes and gels to help my ulcers, which were so painful I was unable to eat or drink properly, causing me to lose around 2 stone in just 4 weeks. I looked like a skeleton! As I had only given birth, naturally before I just assumed I was run down after my C-section.

In January 2020, 4 weeks into my recovery, I went to A&E as I felt exhausted and very shaky. I don’t remember much of what happened next. I had 0.0 white blood cells and was immediately taken into isolation. Doctors thought it may be cancer based on my blood results.
A specialist later informed me that the Nolotil I’d taken for the 2 days had completely killed my white blood cells. He said he’d no idea how I’d managed to walk into A&E, and that if I hadn’t, I wouldn’t have survived longer than 4 hours before my organs shut down due to septic shock.

I began G-CSF injections (which are usually used for cancer patients) to stimulate the bone marrow to produce stem cells and release them into the blood. The side effects were awful – the bone pain was indescribable (even whilst taking morphine). I lost clumps of hair and eventually the growths on my tongue fell off. I was able to drink by myself after 8 days, and my white cells began regenerating themselves.
I now take regular medication, primarily for my tongue that hasn’t fully regenerated. My bladder is scarred and I had an operation the year after to investigate this further – an abscess was discovered and drained (which likely occurred following sepsis). I get out of breath and tired easily, and found my hair falling out so emotionally traumatic, even though no one else could really tell. I had some therapy for PTSD following my ordeal. When I get infections now I’m totally wiped out.

I will be forever grateful to the consultant who saved my life, and his team  who were completely amazing. I take them chocolates but that will never be enough. I knew something was wrong with me, I knew I was seriously poorly, but sepsis never crossed my mind. On a positive note, I was able to return to work just four months later and I’m alive!

I have PSS which is a battle but I’m grateful I’m here to enjoy life with my children and Fiancé, Mark.