Sian Alderton, 18, had shared a vape with her friends during a night out in Norwich, Norfolk, but fell ill the next day and was rushed to hospital where she was found to have bacterial meningitis
A mother has shared the heartbreaking moment a doctor told her to say her goodbyes to her teenage daughter, who caught a serious infection after sharing her vape with her friends.
Sian Alderton, 18, at first thought she had caught a bug when she fell ill but her mum, Kerrie Durrant, rushed her to Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital when she spotted red spots on her daughter’s body. Within four hours of arriving at the hospital, Sian was diagnosed with bacterial meningitis and placed into a medically induced coma for four days.
Kerrie, 36, said: “Sian was put into an induced coma and the doctors and consultants told us Sian was very poorly. We would need to prepare for the worst and to say our goodbyes as she may not come out of the coma.
“By lunch time Sian was complaining of a headache and I noticed she was drinking a lot of water. I suggested to Sian to move to get more comfortable and this is when Sian said ‘I can’t move mum, I ache’. I pulled back the duvet to help her get into a more comfortable position and that’s when I noticed the rash on her legs and stomach.
“They looked like chicken pox or insect bites but the rash was not raised – it felt smooth to the skin and they were red in colour. I started to get concerned at this point and I went to get a glass and the rash did not disappear.
“Me and Sian’s stepdad decided to take her to A&E ourselves but knowing what I know now I would have called 999. During the 20-minute car journey, Sian started holding her head saying ‘It hurt really bad’ and then started to develop more of a rash on her neck but that was purple. “Everything happened so quickly when we arrived at the hospital.
“I want to make people aware doctors have to find a source or where the meningitis bacteria started from. During tests Sian showed symptoms of sinusitis meaning it could have possibly been contracted through saliva from such things as vaping, kissing or sharing drinks.”
Sian spent 14 days altogether in the hospital where doctors treating her explained it might have come from sharing a drink vaping or kissing somebody while she was out but they couldn’t pinpoint the cause. She remarkably passed her driving test less than a week after being discharged.
She said: “I’m not a heavy drinker and prefer the socialising of going out. I had three or four drinks.
“I shared my vape with three mutual friends and this is not unusual as everyone shares vapes on a night out. I didn’t think anything of it because they were my friends.
“The last thing I remember is walking into the hospital entrance. I know I was aching and it was hard to move so I sat in a wheelchair but then it got blurry. When I woke up a few days later I was still pretty out of it but was told I had bacterial meningococcus or meningitis. It was one of the very few cases the hospital had ever seen.
“It was a really difficult time but my family visiting me every day helped the most. My mum came every single day and slept over a few nights so I wasn’t alone all the time.”
Kerrie, added: “Myself and the family would really like to thank the NNUH doctors, consultants, nurses and everyone else involved in Sian’s care. The staff in A&E, resus, ICU and the Heydon Ward really are amazing.”
Dr Tom Nutt, CEO of the charity Meningitis Now, said: “Bacterial meningitis is a life-threatening illness that can strike suddenly and progress rapidly. While not everyone exposed to the bacteria becomes ill, close contacts of someone with meningitis are at higher risk and may require preventive antibiotics. Avoiding the sharing of personal items and staying up to date with vaccinations can help reduce the risk of transmission.
“If you suspect meningitis, trust your instincts and seek urgent medical attention. Early diagnosis and treatment can save lives.”
