The cases of sepsis and meningitis that led to people losing their limbs are fingers have recently been reported. However, there could be another reason, not-so-known that could cause you your limbs. This is UTI, also stands for urinary tract infection.

Dr Kunal Sood, MD, who practices internal pain medicine in Maryland, also a health educator on his social media platform, including Instagram @doctorsood posted a reaction video where an elderly woman shared who her UTI developed into sepsis, resulting in her losing her fingers and limbs. She says while showing her hands with no fingers, "This is caused by UTI, I lost my hands and my legs...because of UTI."

Cut to Dr Sood, who explains that while a UTI may seem minor, however, in some cases, it may turn into a life-threatening experience. "Sepsis occurs when the body goes on the overdrive while fighting an infection damaging its own tissues," he says.

He further explains that when a UTI spreads, especially to kidneys or bloodstreams it can trigger this response leading to urosepsis, which accounts for large portion of sepsis cases. The immune system floods the body with inflammatory signals, which can cause tissue damage, drop in your blood pressure, and organ failure. He says, "If circulation is severely affected, oxygen cannot reach the limbs leading the tissue death and in some cases amputation."

He explains that people with chronic illness like diabetes, or those who previously hospitalized are at higher risk.

Urosepsis: All About It

The National Library of Medicine notes that sepsis is a systemic inflammatory response to infection that can lead to multi-organ dysfunction, failure, and even death. Whereas, urosepsis is sepsis caused by infections of the urinary tract, including cystitis, or lower urinary tract and bladder infections, and pyelonephritis, or upper urinary tract and kidney infections. Nearly 25% of sepsis cases originate from the urogenital tract. This activity reviews the etiology, pathophysiology, and presentation of urosepsis and highlights the role of the interprofessional team in the management of patients with this condition.

What Can You Do To Prevent Urosepsis?

Prevention is always better than the cure. While treatment options are available, the focus must also be in the prevention. To prevent urosepsis, one should seek medical attention immediately and not delay it. If you think you may have a UTI or other problem with your urinary tract, pay visit to a nearest physician or a urologist. If you are diagnosed with a UTI, follow your doctor’s instructions carefully to prevent urosepsis and ensure a full recovery.

How Is Urosepsis Treated?

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are usually easy to treat when caught early. Doctors often recommend drinking plenty of water along with a course of antibiotics. Since antibiotics are the standard treatment, it’s important to take the full dose exactly as prescribed. This ensures the bacteria are fully cleared from the urinary tract.

Urosepsis, however, requires more urgent and complex care. Early treatment is critical, as the main goal is to stabilize the body and eliminate the source of infection. Like UTIs, antibiotics are used here too, but they must be given immediately after diagnosis to control the bacteria causing the infection. In some cases, surgery may be needed to drain pus or remove an abscess.

If urosepsis is not treated promptly, patients often require close monitoring in an intensive care unit (ICU). Treatment there may include:

• Intravenous (IV) fluids
• Medications
• Oxygen therapy
• Other supportive care

In severe cases, when septic shock develops, lifesaving measures are necessary to support heart rate and breathing. Doctors may also use vasopressor, medications that tighten blood vessels and raise blood pressure. These are especially important if blood pressure remains dangerously low even after receiving fluids.

"I had a very very strong voice until I was 46 years old. It was unusually strong," said the US Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr. in a 2023 broadcast. Why bring this back up? Recently, at Charlie Krik's funeral service on September 21, RFK Jr.'s strained voice raised concerns among many.

What Happened To RFK Jr.'s Voice?

In a previous interview on The Diane Rehm Show in 2004, he said, "I have a tremble in my voice...particularly when I start talking."

In another interview for a new broadcast 2023, he said, "It makes my voice tremble. At the time, I didn't know what was wrong with it. But when I would go on TV, people would write me letters and say, 'You have spasmodic dysphonia."

In an interview to Los Angeles Times, he said, "My voice doesn't really get tired. It sounds terrible. But the injury is neurological, so actually the more I use the voice, the stronger it tends to get." In the same interview he said that he "can't stand" his own voice. He said, "I feel sorry for the people who have to listen to me."

What Is Spasmodic Dysphonia?

Spasmodic Dysphonia or SD is a rare disorder that causes involuntary movements of the voice box. It happens to about 1 in 100,000 people worldwide. As per Saul Frankford, an assistant professor in the School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences at the University of Texas at Dallas, who has researched the condition tells Time that there are two main types of SD. What RFK Jr. has is adductor spasmodic dysphonia, where "the vocal folds press too tightly together during a speech."

Frankford says, "This causes this raspy or creaky kind of voice, often with voice breaks as well." Whereas abductor spasmodic dysphonia is the kind where vocal cords suddenly opens and leads to a "breathier kind of voice."

As per the Cleveland Clinic, spasmodic dysphonia is a rare, lifelong neurological disorder that affects speech by causing involuntary spasms in the muscles controlling the vocal folds. These spasms disrupt normal voice production, making the voice sound shaky, breathy, strained, or hoarse, sometimes as if the person has lost their voice.

The spasms may tighten the vocal cords, creating a strained, tense sound, or pull them apart, resulting in a breathy tone. A person’s voice can unpredictably shift—from a soft whisper to a harsh, broken sound—causing words to cut off mid-sentence.

Though there is no cure, treatments like Botox injections, voice therapy, or thyroplasty can help manage symptoms and make speaking easier.

What Cause Spasmodic Dysphonia?

Spasmodic dysphonia originates in the basal ganglia, a part of the brain that helps control involuntary muscle movements. When the brain sends faulty signals, the muscles in the larynx and vocal cords spasm. Because it’s a type of dystonia, conditions linked to abnormal muscle control—it’s also known as laryngeal dystonia.

The exact cause is still unclear. In some cases, it may be tied to inherited gene variants, about one in four people with the condition have a family history of dystonia. It can also develop after an illness or injury. Notably, women are three times more likely to be affected than men.

Treatment for Spasmodic Dysphonia

Botox injections (most common): Botox works by blocking the nerve signals that trigger spasms, allowing smoother speech. The effects usually last around four months, so regular injections are needed to maintain results.

Voice therapy: Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) can teach exercises to improve voice control. Voice therapy is most effective when combined with Botox treatment.

Communication aids: Devices and apps can amplify the voice or convert typed text into speech, providing additional support in daily communication.

Surgical options for adductor spasmodic dysphonia:

Type II thyroplasty: This procedure repositions the vocal cords by adjusting the supportive tissue in the voice box, helping them stay farther apart.

Selective laryngeal adductor denervation-reinnervation (SLAD-R): In this surgery, certain nerves controlling the vocal cords are disconnected and then reconnected to different nerves, altering how signals travel from the brain to the vocal cords.

As for RFK Jr., he underwent experimental titanium bridge surgery in Kyoto, the surgery is not yet approved in the US. The surgery comprises of surgeons implanted a titanium bridge between his vocal cords to prevent them from pressing together.

Every year, nearly 20 million new cancer cases are diagnosed worldwide, and as per the World Health Organization (WHO), cancer deaths accounted for 10 million deaths in 2020. Not only is it a leading cause of death worldwide, but it has a mortality rate of 1 in 6.

This is why World Rose Day is observed every year on September 22. It is dedicated to raising awareness about cancer and showing solidarity with patients and their families. It is a day to extend love, empathy, and encouragement to those fighting the disease, while also reminding caregivers and survivors that they are not alone in this journey. The rose flower was chosen as the symbol of the day because it represents love, care, and compassion, qualities essential for supporting patients during their battle.

The History Behind World Rose Day

The observance of World Rose Day began in 2000, in memory of Melinda Rose, a 12-year-old girl from Canada who was diagnosed with a rare form of blood cancer known as Askin’s Tumour. Despite doctors giving her only weeks to live, Melinda survived for six months and used her time to spread joy and hope to other cancer patients. She reached out through poems, letters, and emails, offering comfort and encouragement to countless others facing the disease. Her kindness and positivity continue to inspire the world, making her the face and spirit behind this special day.

Why the Day Matters

World Rose Day is not only about honoring Melinda’s legacy but also about reminding the world of the ongoing battle against cancer. It encourages people to support patients, appreciate caregivers, and spread awareness about early detection. By fostering empathy and community, this day creates a sense of togetherness among patients, survivors, and supporters.

Understanding Cancer

Cancer refers to a group of diseases in which abnormal cells grow uncontrollably, often forming tumors and spreading to other parts of the body. There are many types of cancer, each with unique symptoms and challenges.

Common Cancer risk factors include:

• Genetic mutations
• Environmental exposures (like smoking and radiation)
• Lifestyle factors (such as poor diet, lack of exercise, or alcohol use)

Cancer Treatment and Care

Treatment options for cancer typically include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy. Beyond medical treatment, holistic care, including psychological support, counseling, support groups, and healthy lifestyle changes, is essential for improving patients’ quality of life. Proper nutrition and regular physical activity can aid recovery, while emotional encouragement helps patients maintain hope.

A Reminder of Resilience

World Rose Day serves as a reminder that while cancer is a formidable disease, it cannot diminish love, hope, or the strength of the human spirit. On this day, people around the globe are encouraged to bring cheer and positivity into the lives of those affected by cancer, honoring the courage of patients, the dedication of caregivers, and the resilience of survivors.

Cardiff University medical student and triathlete Lily McGarry, 24, from Jersey, never imagined that what seemed like a mild case of “freshers’ flu” would spiral into a life-threatening illness. A fit, active young woman with a passion for swimming, running and triathlons, Lily’s life was turned upside down in January this year when she developed sepsis. Within hours, she went from watching television with her housemates to suffering two cardiac arrests, falling into a coma, and later losing all four limbs.

“I felt a bit under the weather, but I was still going about my daily life,” Lily recalled from her hospital bed at Cardiff’s Llandough Hospital. “I just thought I’d have a rest and sleep it off.”

From Flu-Like Symptoms to Emergency Care

On January 14, Lily went to bed believing she only needed rest. But her condition worsened overnight. Her housemate checked on her after noticing her bedroom light was still on and found her violently ill and incontinent. Friends Lucy and Ella rushed to clean her up and took her straight to A&E.

At first, Lily believed it was nothing serious. “I was able to walk into A&E, and I thought I’d just receive some antibiotics and go home the next day,” she said. However, her appearance of stability quickly deteriorated. A spreading rash and plummeting blood pressure revealed something far more dangerous.

In the resuscitation room, doctors moved swiftly. “I remember the consultant asking for my mum and dad’s mobile numbers,” Lily said. “That was the moment I realized something was very wrong.”

Also Read: What This 19-Year-Old Thought Was 'Freshers' Flu' Actually Turned Out To Be Meningitis

A Three-Month Blank

The next few months remain a blur. Lily fell into a coma and has no memory of the events that followed until April. During that time, she endured two cardiac arrests and was diagnosed with meningococcal septicaemia, a severe form of sepsis.

“I don’t think I really realized the scale of what had happened until about May when I was starting to look at my body,” Lily admitted. Her medical team explained that she had gone into septic shock, which starved her limbs of blood supply and ultimately led to amputation.

Understanding Sepsis

Sepsis occurs when the body reacts abnormally to an infection, damaging tissues and organs. It can strike anyone, regardless of age or health, and can progress at alarming speed. According to the UK Sepsis Trust, symptoms vary widely but there are six key warning signs to look out for:

• Slurred speech or confusion
• Extreme muscle or joint pain
• Passing no urine in 24 hours
• Severe breathlessness
• Intense feeling of impending death
• Skin that is mottled, discolored or very pale

If untreated, sepsis can cause organ failure, a drastic drop in blood pressure, and death. Experts stress that early recognition and urgent medical treatment are vital.

Adapting to a New Life

Despite the devastating changes to her body, Lily remains remarkably positive. “I’m fortunate to have lost my limbs in an age where there’s lots of technology,” she said. She is already looking ahead to adaptive sports, including hand cycling and returning to the water.

“I’ve always liked swimming and being in the water, and I’m really excited about the sense of freedom I’ll have without gravity in the water,” she said, hopeful about resuming her active lifestyle.

Lily is expected to return home to Jersey in November, where she looks forward to reuniting with her grandparents, spending time on the beach, and reflecting on her recovery.

The Power of Support

Her resilience has been matched by the outpouring of support from her community. Friends and family have launched fundraising campaigns to provide Lily with access to prosthetics and sporting opportunities. Messages of encouragement have poured in from Wales, Jersey and beyond.

Housemate Ella Jennings praised Lily’s character and determination: “She’s the most selfless person I’ve ever met. Since she’s got poorly she’s just that and more—so positive and determined. Honestly, she blows my mind. Every time I see her, she astounds me with her attitude and outlook on life.”

Looking Ahead With Strength

For Lily, the journey ahead will involve rehabilitation, learning to navigate life with prosthetics, and embracing new ways to remain active. But her focus is firmly on what she can achieve, not what she has lost.

“When you’re young, you think these kinds of conditions don’t affect you,” Lily reflected. “You feel a bit invincible. But I’m determined to make the most of the opportunities I have and to keep moving forward.”

Her story serves as a sobering reminder of how swiftly sepsis can strike, but also a powerful testament to resilience, positivity and the human spirit in the face of unimaginable challenges.