Model has near-fatal reaction to common medication that ‘destroyed’ her life
Warning: This article contains graphic images which some readers may find distressing.
A model has opened up about experiencing a pain 'so bad' she felt like she was 'going to die' after being given a common antibiotic.
On June 18 earlier this year, Sasinan Chuenlosang noticed she had red eyes and a sore throat and so went to Paolo Hospital Kaset in Bangkok, Thailand to see a doctor.
The 31-year-old model was told she had tonsillitis and given antibiotics, however, her condition deteriorated.
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Three days later, Sasinan returned to hospital with a swollen mouth, rash on her body and experiencing tightness in her chest, alongside blurred vision and being unable to walk properly.
She was diagnosed with chicken pox and administered another dose of the same antibiotics.
However, her condition continued to worsen, experiencing blindness in her left eye and so was sent to the ICU and administered another round of the antibiotic - called Ceftriaxone - but her right eye then became blurry too and she also felt dizzy.
Ceftriaxone 'is used to treat bacterial infections in many different parts of the body,' the Mayo Clinic explains.
It continues: "This medicine is also given before certain types of surgery to prevent infections. Ceftriaxone belongs to the class of medicines known as cephalosporin antibiotics. It works by killing bacteria or preventing their growth. However, this medicine will not work for colds, flu, or other virus infections."
And once Sasinan was transferred to Phyathai Phyaholyothin Hospital, it became clear to doctors her condition had resulted from the antibiotics - the adverse reaction known as Stevens-Johnson syndrome.
Mayo Clinic states: "Stevens-Johnson syndrome is a rare, serious disorder of the skin and mucous membranes. It's usually a reaction to medication that starts with flu-like symptoms, followed by a painful rash that spreads and blisters. Then the top layer of affected skin dies, sheds and begins to heal after several days."
Sasinan's condition was branded a 'severe level ten' and she ended up hospitalized for a month and a half.
She said: "The pain was so bad that I really felt like I was going to die. It was intense. My entire body was burning and sore. There are no words strong enough to describe how it felt."
She continued: "This condition has shattered my dreams. It's destroyed the life I had before."
Sasinan got in touch with a charity called Sai Mai District Must Survive organisation and is now being represented by Ekapop Luengprasert.
She isn't reported as pressing charges, but hopes the hospital accepts responsibility and wants to 'find an opthalmologist to help her restore her vision and return to work'.
Dr Janjira Kaewsamrit from Phra Nang Klao Hospital said 'the Ministry of Public Health will ensure she receives the best care'.
Minister of Public Health Assistant Thanakrit Jitareerat said that the government is also now investigating what happened.
He resolved: "We accepted the plea to investigate whether the medicine was up to standard and if the treatment adhered to medical practices."
UNILAD has contacted Paolo Hospital Kaset for comment.
Topics: Health, Mental Health, Viral, World News, Drugs
Poppy Bilderbeck