Irish News political correspondent highlights dangers of sepsis after small cut led to life-threatening condition

An Irish News journalist who was hospitalised by a bite from his own dog is helping raise awareness of sepsis.

Political Correspondent John Manley has opened up about his personal battle with sepsis in an attempt to educate and inform others about this life-threatening condition.

John’s Sepsis ordeal began with a bite from his dog Jessie in early March 2020, just before the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, which led to an infection that nearly cost him his life.

Speaking ahead of World Sepsis Day on September 13, he said it was important people realised how a seemingly innocuous wound can escalate very quickly into something potentially deadly.

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“When I look back now, I realise how lucky I am to be here and very fortunate for early treatment. I would urge anyone who feels that they may have Sepsis to get treatment quickly,” he said.

“Never underestimate the perils of a small cut, no matter how insignificant it is. Always be aware!”

Recounting his story, John explained how he initially cleaned the wound and felt fine.

“However, a few days later, I began to feel unwell. My feet got very cold and I had a sore back, I was in a lot of discomfort. I then decided to attend the Urgent Care Centre at the Downe Hospital as I really didn’t feel well at all,” he said.

During his visit to the Urgent Care Centre, John was initially isolated under suspicion of having COVID-19 due to his symptoms, which included extreme thirst, coldness and a high fever. However, it was soon confirmed that John was suffering from Sepsis, a condition that occurs when the body’s response to infection causes widespread inflammation, leading to potential organ failure.

He was transferred from the Downe Hospital to the Ulster Hospital, where he spent 13 nights in the Intensive Care Unit, receiving life-saving treatment and dialysis. He was then moved to a ward for an additional four days before being discharged.

“I normally run the Jimmy’s 10k in Downpatrick and I had aspirations to do this again, but I soon realised that I couldn’t even walk,” John recalled.

Following his discharge home, John’s recovery was a slow and demanding process, exacerbated by the lockdown measures in place during the pandemic. He had to return to the hospital for dialysis weekly over a period of four weeks, as his kidneys took time to regain function.

“My feet were in a really bad way and I had developed bruising on all my extremities, from the tip of my nose to the soles of my feet,” he said.

Despite these challenges, John’s resilience shone through. Within ten weeks of being discharged, he was able to walk again and soon after, he began jogging. To mark his recovery, John and his wife hiked up Nephin Mountain in County Mayo in September, a personal milestone that highlighted his determination and return to fitness.

“Apart from the scarring on my finger and legs, I have been pretty lucky and I have returned almost to full fitness,” John said.

Highlighting the signs and symptoms of Sepsis, South Eastern Trust Consultant in Emergency Medicine, Dr Conor O’Toole stated, “Sepsis occurs when the body’s immune system has an extreme response to an infection, causing damage to tissues and organs. It is a serious condition that requires emergency treatment due to the risk of potential organ failure.

“The symptoms of Sepsis can present as feeling cold, shivers or rigors, cold hands and feet, a mottled or ashen appearance and decreased urinary output. Higher-risk patients are those undergoing chemotherapy and those on biological treatments. Infection can be more severe in these groups.

“Early treatment of Sepsis is vital to preserve organs and tissues and to prevent further damage to the body that requires intensive care.”

Reflecting on his experience, John admitted that, while he was always aware of sepsis, he did not fully understand the symptoms or how it started.

“It is so important to seek treatment as soon as possible,” he said.

“My outcome could have been a lot worse if I had not received early intervention by the medical teams at the Ulster and Downe hospitals – they were incredible and I would like to thank them so much.”