Courtney Lawes has revealed he spent 10 days in hospital after doctors found his infection markers were critically high during a battle with a serious illness. The 37-year-old explained that a staph infection caused his absence from the sport, having not played since Sale Sharks’ Champions Cup defeat by Glasgow Warriors on October 17.
Unusual Symptoms and Hospital Admission
Speaking on The Good, The Bad & The Rugby Xtra podcast, as reported by BBC Sport, Lawes said he initially thought he was suffering from the flu before experiencing severe muscle pains and losing the function of his right arm. A staphylococcus bacterial infection can live harmlessly on the skin but turns dangerous if it enters the bloodstream through a wound. Lawes believes the bacteria entered his body through a foot injury he sustained during a match that did not heal properly.
After consulting Sale Sharks medical staff, his condition rapidly worsened with a high temperature and severe physical lockup affecting his pelvis and abductors. Prompted by his wife Jessica, he visited an accident and emergency department. Following blood tests, doctors admitted him after discovering his infection markers were through the roof.
Treatment and Recovery Process
Lawes received a staph infection diagnosis four days into his hospital admission. Initial treatment with intravenous penicillin failed to lower his high temperature or reduce his rising infection markers until medical staff identified the correct source and prescribed appropriate antibiotics.
He described the first six days of his hospital stay as one of the darkest places he has ever experienced due to extreme muscle pain. Doctors warned him that untreated bloodstream infections can spread to vital organs and prove life-threatening. The former England and British & Irish Lions forward, who earned more than 100 caps for his country, is now focusing on his rehabilitation.
He is currently taking his recovery day by day while feeling improved after his ordeal.
