Angry parents nearly died after a 13-year-old girl’s swollen face was mistakenly attributed to Covid.
Bonnie Gent tested positive for Covid on Boxing Day and a week later she had swelling around her eyes and a lump on her forehead.
Mom Joanna Curry said a family doctor dismissed Bonnie’s symptoms as fluid buildup because she had coronavirus and told her to take pain relievers.
As the swelling got worse over the next few days, Ms. Curry took her daughter to a shelter, but doctors advised her to take Piriton, which is normally used to relieve allergies.
He later came back and was told to simply put a bag of frozen peas on top of the piece.
The day after she was told to try frozen peas and the swelling did not go away, Mrs Curry and Bonnie’s father, Michael, took her to Bristol Royal Children’s Hospital.
Scans showed he had an eye infection that had spread to his forehead, which his mother said had “walked” him.
Surgeons removed the infected bone, leaving Bonnie with a scar from ear to ear.
He is now awaiting a second surgery to replace the missing bone with a metal plate.
“The doctors told us that if we didn’t get him to the hospital that day, he would die in two days,” said Ms. Curry.
The picture above is of Bonnie when she has a puffy face and eyes. Doctors eventually determined that it was caused by a bacterial infection that had spread to the bones.
Bonnie Gent tested positive for Covid on Boxing Day and a week later she had swelling around her eyes and a lump on her forehead. Doctors said it was probably due to Covid-induced cough and took painkillers. But scans show it’s actually an infection.
In some cases, untreated bacterial infections can spread to the bones in a condition scientifically known as osteomyelitis.
If caught quickly, the bacteria can be easily treated with antibiotics.
But if the infection lasts too long, surgery may be needed to remove the damaged bone.
People with weakened immune systems, recent injuries, or hip replacement surgery are at greater risk.
Osteomyelitis usually affects the leg bones.
Ms. Curry said she called her GP for the first time a week before Boxing Day, but she was only offered remote counseling.
They were only able to make a personal appointment when the lump on her daughter’s forehead appeared.
Talking about the ordeal she went through, Curry said, “All this because she wasn’t properly treated by her local family doctor.”
“This should not have happened and should have been investigated.”
She added: “I’m so happy we got him to the hospital on time.
“If you or your child has Covid bloat, please don’t let it happen to you, show it and don’t let the GP scare you.”
Bonnie is now fired, but must wear a helmet when leaving the house in case she falls or hits her head.
“She skipped school and couldn’t see her friends, it’s so tragic for a 13-year-old girl,” said Ms. Curry.
“We had to take breaks to care for Bonnie. She takes medication seven times a day, plus nurse visits and hospital visits for intravenous injections and saline in each nostril.
“The road is a long recovery”.
Source: Daily Mail
I am Anne Johnson and I work as an author at the Fashion Vibes. My main area of expertise is beauty related news, but I also have experience in covering other types of stories like entertainment, lifestyle, and health topics. With my years of experience in writing for various publications, I have built strong relationships with many industry insiders. My passion for journalism has enabled me to stay on top of the latest trends and changes in the world of beauty.
