Mum’s warning over hot tubs after life-threatening infection entered through daughter’s ear and spread to her brain
A MUM has warned against buying hot tubs during the coronavirus lockdown after her daughter almost died from brain abscesses caused by water bacteria.
Jemma Hamilton, 26, from Motherwell, Scotland, took to social media this week to share the agony of her child Ameilia's ordeal a few years ago.
And the biomedical science student is now urging other parents to watch out for the warning signs after their lucky escape.
Jemma took to Facebook to share her story after seeing other warnings messages on social media.
She explained that Ameilia, who was five at the time, had become lethargic after spending time in a family hot tub.
And she was given the terrifying news by medics that the schoolgirl had developed the life-threatening growths on her brain.
Jemma wrote: "She spent the night being observed in Wishaw and the CT scan results came the following day and confirmed her diagnosis.
"She had not one, but THREE puss filled abscesses on her cerebellum which were putting pressure on her optic nerve, hence the squint/dizziness/double vision etc.
"Caused by a bacterial infection which probably entered her brain through the ear (remember her ear infection a few weeks previous which we thought had cleared up?)
"She needed immediate treatment, but Wishaw was not equipped for this kind of condition.
"We were told it was very rare and she needed specialist paediatric neurosurgeons to take over her case.
"We were even asked if student doctors/specialists could meet her and look over her notes as things like this don’t happen often so would be very beneficial for them to see.
"That night, we were transferred for the 4th time in two days, by ambulance to the Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Glasgow.
"On arrival, they sat her dad and me down, and explained that her condition was life threatening and that she must start IV antibiotics straight away.
"I thought she would be kept in for a week or two. I was wrong.
"The neurosurgeon explained she would be in for at least 8 weeks, with weekly MRI scans to monitor her progress.
"We were told she more than likely caught a severe ear infection from the hot tub as the warm temperatures are breeding grounds for bacteria.
"When we thought it had cleared, the amoxicillin had just masked her symptoms for a few weeks as it wasn’t strong enough to kill this strain of bacteria."
In the heartfelt post, Jemma goes on to explain that her daughter was in hospital for months as she battled the life-threatening infection.
She decided to share her story after it was reported that hot tub sales have rocketed during the coronavirus pandemic.
But thankfully Amelia has now made a full recovery.
Now the grateful mum is raising cash for the Glasgow Children's Hospital Charity.
Jemma said: "I just wanted to share this as it was the most frightening time of my life.
"Please, please be extra careful when treating your hot tubs/pools and make sure you do this as regularly as possible.
"Try to keep the kiddies out or at least from going under water.
"Also make sure to be vigilant when it comes to ear infections, they can be serious too!
"I was lucky that the IV antibiotics she received over those few months were enough to combat this infection and that she narrowly avoided brain surgery.
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"She fought it off at 5 years old and is fighting fit today.
"My wee warrior".
The post has now gone viral, racking up over 18,000 likes and shares on social media.
And punters have been quick to praise Jemma and Amelia after their ordeal.
The grateful mum has now raised hundreds of pounds for the Glasgow Children's Hospital Charity.