“Sepsis develops so quickly and I want others to be aware,” said Natalie-Anne Rowlett, the mother of Felicity-Jo Rowlett, who recently emerged from a two-week coma.
Felicity-Jo, 13, was initially treated for abdominal cramps and vomiting at the Royal Blackburn Teaching Hospital. Doctors suspected gastroenteritis and discharged her after a brief improvement. However, on March 15, she collapsed in extreme pain and was taken to Burnley General Teaching Hospital.
Upon further examination, doctors discovered that Felicity-Jo had congenital adhesions in her bowel, which caused a life-threatening obstruction. This condition led to septic shock, necessitating two emergency surgeries to remove portions of her bowel.
Felicity-Jo was placed on life support for 14 days in the pediatric intensive care unit at the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital. As of mid-April 2026, she has taken her first steps after recovery, although she now faces a permanent regimen of blood thinners due to two diagnosed blood clots.
“I’m not a doctor but I felt it wasn’t right. You know your own child,” Natalie-Anne reflected, emphasizing the importance of trusting parental instincts in medical situations.
Sepsis is described as a violent immune response that can damage the body’s own organs, making awareness crucial. Natalie-Anne’s warning highlights the dangers of sepsis and the necessity for prompt medical attention.
Felicity-Jo must now use a stoma bag following her surgeries, a significant change in her daily life. Her condition was linked to previously undiagnosed congenital scarring in the bowel, which underscores the importance of thorough medical evaluations.
As her recovery continues, the family is focusing on rehabilitation and adjusting to the new realities of Felicity-Jo’s health. The journey ahead will involve ongoing medical care and support.
“The danger in such cases is not the label attached at first glance, but the hidden process underneath it,” a medical expert noted, emphasizing the complexities of diagnosing conditions like sepsis.
The Rowlett family hopes that by sharing their experience, they can raise awareness and encourage others to seek immediate help when symptoms arise. The lesson is not panic over every case of vomiting or abdominal pain, but rather vigilance and awareness of the potential severity of such symptoms.
