“Sepsis develops so quickly and I want others to be aware,” stated Natalie-Anne Rowlett, the mother of 13-year-old Felicity-Jo, who recently emerged from a two-week coma caused by septic shock.
Felicity-Jo’s ordeal began when she was treated for abdominal cramps and vomiting at the Royal Blackburn Teaching Hospital. Initially diagnosed with gastroenteritis, she was discharged after a brief improvement. However, on March 15, she collapsed in extreme pain and was rushed to Burnley General Teaching Hospital.
Upon arrival, doctors discovered that Felicity-Jo had congenital adhesions in her bowel, leading to a life-threatening obstruction. This condition, linked to previously undiagnosed congenital scarring, necessitated two emergency surgeries to remove portions of her bowel.
After the surgeries, Felicity-Jo was placed on life support for 14 days in the pediatric intensive care unit. Her recovery has been remarkable; as of mid-April 2026, she has taken her first steps. However, she now faces a permanent regimen of blood thinners due to two diagnosed blood clots and must use a stoma bag following her surgeries.
Natalie-Anne Rowlett emphasized the importance of recognizing the signs of sepsis, stating, “I’m not a doctor but I felt it wasn’t right. You know your own child.” Her experience serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with misdiagnosed conditions.
Sepsis, described as a violent immune response that can damage the body’s own organs, can escalate rapidly. The Rowlett family’s experience underscores the critical need for awareness and vigilance regarding symptoms that may initially seem benign.
As Felicity-Jo continues her recovery journey, her mother hopes to raise awareness about sepsis and its potential consequences. “The danger in such cases is not the label attached at first glance, but the hidden process underneath it,” Natalie-Anne remarked.
Moving forward, the Rowlett family plans to advocate for better education on sepsis and its symptoms, aiming to prevent similar situations for other families.
