Mom warns others after mistaking viral infection that left her unable to walk for flu-like symptoms

A mom who thought that flu-like symptoms were nothing serious has issued a warning after a shocking diagnosis.

Vicki Purdey, 37, began having the symptoms back in March 2024, but initially didn't think that it was anything serious.

Her symptoms included fever, severe headaches, muscle aches, and light sensitivity, and at the time she believed that she had jut come down with a seasonal virus.

Vicki, from Dorset in the UK, said: "I was fit and well and at the height of my life. So when I first started feeling unwell, I thought it was just the flu."

But in reality, Vicki had picked up an extremely dangerous condition which would go on to make her 'forget how to walk', and is now urging people to be vigilant.

Vicki initially thought she just had a seasonal virus (SWNS)

"Never did I think it would be meningitis," said Vicki. "Many people think it's a illness that only affects babies and young persons - but that's not the case."

She added: "It had me nearly at deaths door and there are times now where I can't be the mum or wife I want to be."

Vicki's condition began to worsen, and eventually her mom called an ambulance.

"Over a few days, I just felt worse and thankfully my mum was there to call the ambulance," she said.

"At the hospital, I was pumped with antibiotics as my body was somewhat shutting down.

"But when I heard meningitis, the words hit me like a train."

As Vicki stayed in hospital there were signs that her recovery was not progressing as it should.

"I remember walking to the loo and I just lost the coordination to walk," she said.

"It was the strangest thing and doctors assumed it was because I was led in bed for ages.

"On top of this, I also developed short-term memory loss and there was a time where I couldn't recognise my neighbour."

Vicki was discharged after a week, but would need to be readmitted in April when the symptoms returned, and it turned out that it wasn't just meningitis.

Vicki said the condition has affected her mobility (SWNS)

Tests found that she had FND, a condition which can be caused by meningitis meaning that the brain has difficulty receiving and sending signals.

Despite being told her mobility should return after a few weeks, two years her independence has been severely affected.

"I essentially lost sensation from the waist down and my independence took a severe hit," she said.

"I was virtually housebound for a year," she said. "I relied on a wheelchair to get around and I missed out on being a mum and a wife.

"It was incredibly isolating. I couldn't go out without someone taking me out or enjoy the outdoors like I used to.

"And I didn't recover like doctors said I would."

Now, Vicki wants to raise awareness about FND.

"I've had a real rubbish past couple of years and I wouldn't wish it on anyone," she said. "Even though I am trying my hardest to recover."

"I don't think I ever will but I hope my story can help others to become more aware of the symptoms for meningitis and FND.

"You are not alone."