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Glow That Led to 'Three Days to Live' Diagnosis
30 Oct
Summary
- A woman's tan was a symptom of a rare adrenal gland disease.
- She was diagnosed with meningitis and encephalitis, then Addison's.
- Despite fertility concerns, she gave birth to surprise twins.
Victoria Oliver, a 40-year-old from Guernsey, initially mistook her darkening skin for a long-lasting tan. For months, she suffered extreme fatigue, joint pain, and cravings for salty foods, symptoms she overlooked until she was rushed to A&E in May 2018. There, she was told she had only three days to live, diagnosed with meningitis and encephalitis.
Following her discharge eight months later, Victoria suspected a deeper issue. In August 2018, a doctor diagnosed her with Addison's disease, a rare condition where adrenal glands fail to produce vital hormones. Treatment with steroids provided immediate relief, alleviating her brain fog and pain.
Addison's disease, often caused by the immune system attacking the adrenal glands, can lead to a life-threatening adrenal crisis. Victoria's doctors believe a previous battle with sepsis may have triggered her condition. The disease also impacted her fertility, making future pregnancies unlikely.
Remarkably, Victoria later discovered she was pregnant, and against all odds, she gave birth to twins on January 6, 2019. She now cherishes life with her children, a testament to her resilience and recovery.
