During her honeymoon, Aimee Partridge noticed black and blue marks on her daughter Brogan’s legs, assuming they were bruises. Unbeknownst to them, the marks were a symptom of meningitis. Twelve days earlier, Brogan had been diagnosed with an eye infection and given antibiotics. The marks, initially thought to be bruises, did not resemble typical meningitis symptoms.
Upon seeing a GP, Brogan was urgently taken to Birmingham Children’s Hospital, where doctors amputated her left foot to save her life. Initially fitted with a prosthetic foot, Brogan faced ongoing challenges as her remaining leg experienced constant pain due to the infection. Eventually, the family, including Brogan, decided to amputate the remaining leg as well, as the infection had compromised the main blood vessel.
Brogan, now nine, has faced these challenges with resilience. While the process is daunting, Aimee acknowledges that children adapt quickly. Keeping the remaining leg posed risks of disease recurrence and further complications. Brogan’s adaptation to the situation reflects her realistic outlook, though losing the last bit of independence will be a significant change.
Aimee urges people not to ignore warning signs of meningitis, emphasizing the importance of awareness about symptoms beyond the commonly associated rash. Meningitis can manifest in various ways, and prompt recognition is crucial to seeking medical attention.
