A man expressed his appreciation for the medical team that saved his life when he was rushed to the hospital with severe abdominal pain, which turned out to be life-threatening sepsis. Craig Myall, a 36-year-old father, was put into a coma and spent five months in the hospital, having to learn how to walk again upon waking up.
Myall shared his terrifying ordeal fighting sepsis, brought on by an intestinal infection, which caused hallucinations of “scorpions on the ceiling” and visions of an IKEA store outside his hospital room. Despite now living with a stoma and ileostomy and undergoing nine surgeries, he remains thankful to be back home with his daughters.
Reflecting on his experience, Myall admitted he underestimated the severity of sepsis and the impact it had on his loved ones. He credited the exceptional medical care he received for saving his life, allowing him to reunite with his family.
Initially admitted to the William Harvey Hospital in Ashford, Kent due to excruciating abdominal pain, doctors diagnosed Myall with a severe intestinal infection that led to sepsis. After being placed in an induced coma, he underwent multiple surgeries during his hospital stay, eventually being discharged at the end of May.
Although faced with challenges such as speech and memory issues post-discharge, Myall managed to regain his ability to walk through extensive physiotherapy. He also acknowledged the unwavering support of his sister and partner during his recovery, emphasizing the importance of their presence during his hospitalization.
Grateful for the care he received, Myall recently visited the hospital’s critical care unit to express his gratitude to the NHS staff who played a crucial role in his recovery. He praised the teamwork of healthcare professionals involved in his treatment, highlighting the impact they had on his journey to recovery.
Despite the need for further abdominal surgery, Myall remains optimistic about returning to work as a forklift truck driver in the near future.