Docs Tell Woman to Take Painkillers for a Cold. After She’s Found ‘Barely Breathing,’ She’s Diagnosed with Meningitis

A woman from Swindon has been left deaf and facing severe mobility challenges after a rapid progression of bacterial meningitis. Nicola “Nicky” Hillier, 49, initially presented cold-like symptoms which quickly deteriorated, leading to a medical emergency that would change her life irrevocably.

In early March, Hillier began experiencing fatigue, night sweats, and a high fever. Concerned about her worsening condition, she sought medical advice through an emergency hotline. According to her sister, Amanda Hall, Hillier described her symptoms in detail, stating, “I’m feeling really poorly, I’ve had a temperature for five days and I’m sweating so much that I’m having to change my pajamas every couple of hours.” Despite her deteriorating health, the advice she received was merely to take paracetamol and manage her symptoms at home.

The following day, Hillier failed to check in with her workplace, which was uncharacteristic for her. Concerned for her wellbeing, her ex-husband went to her home and found her in a critical state. Hall recounted, “He got over the gate at the back of the house, got into the house and found her collapsed in a very, very poor state, barely breathing.”

Once at the hospital, doctors diagnosed Hillier with streptococcus pneumoniae, which had escalated to meningitis, an inflammation of the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Meningitis can be caused by various pathogens, but bacterial meningitis is known to be particularly severe and can result in significant health complications.

Following her hospitalisation, Hillier was placed on life support and was subsequently brought out of a medically induced coma on March 21. However, she emerged with severe, life-altering consequences. Hillier, who works in human resources, has lost hearing in both ears and faces potential vision loss in one eye, making basic tasks incredibly challenging.

In a heartfelt appeal for support, a GoFundMe campaign was established to assist Hillier as she navigates her new reality. The fundraiser outlines her struggles, stating that she is physically and mentally drained and overwhelmed by the complexities of accessing disability benefits and other forms of financial aid. Friends and family have been trying to support her, but she faces a daunting uphill battle against the adjustments required for her changed circumstances.

Hall described Hillier’s current situation as deeply distressing, noting, “She’s basically living in her bedroom at the moment. She’s not really living life at the moment; she’s getting through it. It’s just been awful for everybody, it’s just been absolutely shocking.” The emotional toll on Hillier has been exacerbated by a profound love for music and social gatherings, activities that now seem far removed from her current reality.

In a message shared through the fundraising page, Hillier expressed her gratitude for the kindness exhibited by both friends and strangers alike. “I am totally overwhelmed by the generosity of you all. People I don’t even know have donated, and I am truly thankful to each of you,” she wrote, demonstrating her determination to face her challenges with resilience.

As Hillier embarks on this long road to recovery, she and her family face an uncertain future, burdened by the needs for both emotional and financial support. The community’s response to her plight serves as a reminder of the impact of kindness in times of crisis, illustrating how collective action can bring hope and relief to those in need.