Woman Nearly Dies From Undiagnosed Mystery Illness, ICU Admission Reveals Multiple Organ Failure
A woman was hospitalized with a mysterious illness that caused multiple organ failure and a critically low platelet count, though doctors were unable to identify the infection despite extensive testing.
On September 23, a TikTok user shared her harrowing experience with a mysterious illness that nearly killed her. She wrote: "I still don't know what disease I have or what infection I caught. Some people said it looked like dengue fever or a mosquito-borne illness, but I've been tested for everything possible. The doctor said no infection was found, but suspected something was there anyway. The nurses who admitted me provided excellent care, and I'm grateful."
She described her ordeal day by day: On days 1-2, she developed severe headache and high fever. Taking paracetamol for two days brought no improvement. On day 3, she visited a hospital where COVID-19 and influenza tests came back negative. She was given ibuprofen and cough and sore throat medication but showed no improvement; instead, she became increasingly breathless and exhausted with every word.
On day 4, her fever reached 40 degrees Celsius. After being told she could take pain medication continuously, she asked for additional tests. The doctor ordered a dengue fever test, which also came back negative.
On day 5, despite feeling feverish and dizzy, she went to work but was sent home by her supervisor due to worsening symptoms. She noticed red spots appearing and disappearing on her skin. She switched hospitals and was given a five-day course of intravenous antibiotics.
On day 6, her condition deteriorated sharply. Blood tests and chest X-rays revealed dangerously low platelet count (29,000) and high liver enzyme levels, but the hospital couldn't admit her due to insurance restrictions. She was transferred back to the first hospital and admitted at 3 a.m., requiring oxygen and IV fluids.
On day 7, her oxygen levels dropped critically, and doctors moved her to the ICU for close monitoring. Her platelet count plummeted to 9,000. CT scans, cardiac monitoring, and repeated blood tests were performed.
On day 8, test results revealed low platelet count, hepatitis, enlarged heart, gallbladder inflammation, and pulmonary edema. She was shocked as her entire internal system appeared to have failed. Doctors suspected an unknown infection that triggered her immune system to attack her own body.
On day 9, she received supportive care and intravenous antibiotics. She was restricted to one liter of water daily and required a urinary catheter. She struggled to sleep, feeling as though her body was becoming numb, and had to constantly move to stay conscious. The experience was deeply traumatic.
