A Virginia Beach woman, Audrey Leishman, found herself grappling with a life-threatening health crisis after initially believing her symptoms were due to a stomach bug. She suffered from a severe case of sepsis and toxic shock syndrome (TSS), which nearly cost her life. In an effort to raise awareness about these critical health issues, Leishman has established the Begin Again Foundation.
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Leishman, a mother of three, underwent the removal of her Intrauterine Device (IUD) in March 2015 in the hope of conceiving again. However, shortly after the procedure, she began experiencing troubling symptoms. “Two days later, my first period in 18 months started, and I resumed using tampons,” she recalled. Unfortunately, what she assumed was a common upset stomach soon escalated into a serious health scare.
The following day, Leishman suffered debilitating stomach cramps accompanied by peculiar pains in her right elbow and left big toe. She also developed a high fever that reached 102°F, as well as nosebleeds, diarrhoea, and shortness of breath. “I could barely hold my 18-month-old son because I was so weak,” Leishman explained. The gravity of her condition prompted her to seek urgent medical attention.
Initially, doctors speculated that Leishman might be suffering from an autoimmune disease. “I thought I was going a little bit crazy,” she admitted, feeling perplexed by her symptoms. The diagnosis process was lengthy and complex, involving multiple tests before she was finally admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). There, she spent ten days, five of which were in a medically induced coma.
Eventually, she received the alarming diagnosis of sepsis and toxic shock syndrome. Sepsis is a serious immune response to infection that can result in organ failure or death if not treated immediately. Toxic Shock Syndrome, on the other hand, is associated with certain bacterial infections and is a rare but severe complication. “I had never heard of sepsis before, and I realised that was why I almost died,” Leishman stated. She expressed a deep regret for not being aware of the symptoms, believing that earlier intervention could have made a significant difference in her treatment journey.
Recovery proved a daunting challenge for Leishman. Waking from the coma, she faced the arduous task of relearning to walk and adjusting to a new health regimen, which included physical therapy and managing her medical needs with a peripherally inserted central catheter.
Realising the lack of public awareness surrounding sepsis and its fatal implications, Leishman and her husband Marc founded the Begin Again Foundation. The organisation aims to educate the public about the dangers of sepsis and provide support to individuals and families affected by similar health crises. “If I can help ease that burden for others during difficult times, I feel honoured to be part of that process,” Leishman shared. Her commitment is to ensure that others might avoid the challenges she faced during her own recovery.
The Begin Again Foundation is now focused on spreading knowledge about sepsis and TSS, empowering individuals to recognise symptoms and seek timely medical attention. Leishman hopes that by sharing her story, she can inspire others and spark conversations about these critical health issues.
As public awareness about sepsis continues to grow, Leishman remains steadfast in her mission. She believes that through education and community support, her foundation can contribute to saving lives. “It is my absolute passion to continue this vital work,” she emphasised, underscoring the foundation’s commitment to increasing understanding of these dangerous health conditions.
In highlighting her journey, Audrey Leishman has not only illuminated the risks associated with sepsis and TSS but has also taken significant steps to ensure that others are better equipped to identify the symptoms. Her ongoing work with the Begin Again Foundation stands as a testament to her resilience and dedication to helping others navigate similar health challenges.