Harriet pictured in hospital
A woman who became dangerously unwell with a rare and serious autoimmune illness has thanked teams at Ipswich Hospital for saving her life.
Harriet Hunt, 36, was diagnosed with acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) after what she now knows was a streptococcal throat infection.
It was completely out of the blue and happened so quickly. She was fit, healthy and “just a normal person” before that.
ADEM is caused by the body’s immune system attacking myelin – a protective coating around the nerves. It usually happens in response to a viral or bacterial infection and can lead to brief, but intense inflammation of the brain or spinal cord.
The assistant headteacher and mum-of-two, who is now on the road to recovery, thought she had tonsilitis. But she knew something more was wrong when she couldn’t pass urine. Her skin also ranged from feeling sunburnt and as if she was “wearing a wet suit” because she had no sensitivity to temperature.
Harriet, who lives in Ipswich with her partner, Josh, and daughters Ava and Iris, spent two weeks on Ipswich Hospital’s Capel Ward at the end of March after going to A&E.
Harriet, centre, with Capel Ward sister Sophie Campbell, left, nurses Shan King and Diana Damien, and Dr Simon Kerrigan, right
Although she looked better than her scans showed, Harriet had severe inflammation along her brain stem and down her spinal cord. She was able to talk, but she couldn’t feel her legs, and she was also in urinary retention.
Thanks to the ward team and neurology department’s care, and steroid treatment, Harriet’s most worrying symptoms improved quickly. Her recovery has taken time. She also needed to use a Zimmer frame to learn how to walk again, but she is now back at work and reflecting with gratitude on everything that happened to her.
From senior doctors and nurses, to cleaners, porters and kitchen staff, Harriet said they all “played their part” in getting her well and home to her family. They included consultant neurologists Dr Simon Kerrigan and Dr Mortada Elyas, Capel Ward nurses Diana Damien and Shan King, as well as ward hosts Diane Tricker and Toby Gould.
Consultant neurologists Dr Simon Kerrigan, left, and Dr Mortada Elyas, right, with Harriet Hunt, centre
“I will never forget those people,” Harriet said.
“I am so grateful to everyone who was working to save my life and for the experience I had.
“They did their jobs in such a diligent and incredible way that made everything so much better for me.
“Some parts were so nice, I actually miss it – the early cups of tea, the chats. I remember it fondly, despite the fact that I was seriously ill.”
Working with specialist colleagues at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge and John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford, “no stone was left unturned” to treat and care for Harriet.
“The multidisciplinary approach was so impressive and very reassuring,” she added.
Harriet still has some ongoing bladder issues, but apart from that, she’s made a “miraculous” recovery.
Harriet pictured with her daughters Ava and Iris
“I could’ve not been here,” she added.
“The care I’ve had since, including a tonsillectomy, has also been incredible. There hasn’t been anything that hasn’t worked well.
“All the staff have been friendly and understanding – you don’t feel like you are just a number.”
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