Teenager shares photos of meningitis to raise vital awareness and save lives
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Charlene Colechin, 18, from near Chesterfield, has been in hospital for over a month and has spent nine days in a medically induced coma. Charlene has shared photos in an attempt to raise vital awareness of the disease and save lives. She hopes that sharing her photos will prevent other people from the life-changing effects of the disease.
Charlene faces surgery to remove her toes and potentially her feet. She described how her organs failed causing her "to die" until doctors managed to save her.
"I was screaming because I was in that much pain," she said.
"I kept throwing up, then I had a really bad headache like a migraine, and all my body was aching."
Paramedics were called out on the 6th of September but they thought that she may have had flu. Unfortunately her condition worsened and the next day she was rushed to hospital.
"Within minutes I was on a drip in the ambulance on the way to Chesterfield Hospital. I was in a coma for nine days because all my organs were failing. I did die but obviously they brought me back."
Charlene is now waiting for tests to see what parts of her feet will need to be amputated.
Meningitis Now is here to support Charlene and her family. The charity is also here for anyone concerned about the risk of meningitis. For support and advice get in touch with our helpline on 0808 80 10 388 or go for the signs and symptoms of the disease.
