A heart-breaking story unfolds as Kelly Simmons, a mum from Great Yarmouth, was kept apart from her newborn baby for three gruelling months. The cause? A horrifying encounter with necrotising fasciitis, a rare and life-threatening infection also known as the “flesh-eating disease”.
Just after giving birth, Kelly’s c-section scar became infected, and she was rushed back to the hospital. Despite the doctors’ best efforts with antibiotics, her wound continued to worsen, and her situation became terrifyingly serious. The infection, brought on by non-sterile tools during surgery, led to the wound reopening, creating a nightmare for Kelly and her family.
Kelly was treated with steroids to halt the spread, but her extended time in bed resulted in muscle wastage, confining her to a wheelchair for nine long years. She was unable to see or hold her newborn son during her entire hospital stay due to fears of contagion—a heart-breaking separation any parent would dread.
Eventually returning home, Kelly faced another extensive recovery period before she could hold her baby. Her journey was compounded by the development of a stomach hernia and later, a rare condition called pyoderma gangrenosum, which brought painful ulcers. Despite these massive challenges, Kelly’s courage shines through.
Two years post-infection, Kelly faced another surgery, and at times was given just hours to live due to complications. Yet she persisted, fighting through each health battle thrown her way. After nine years, she regained the ability to walk, only to be diagnosed with functional neurological disorder, returning her to a wheelchair.
Kelly’s story is one of resilience and determination in the face of adversity, a powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit. Let’s rally around Kelly and raise awareness of this rare condition that turned her life upside down. 💙 #BraveMum #NecrotisingFasciitis #Resilience