Courtney Lawes has revealed he spent 10 days in hospital after doctors found his infection markers were “through the roof” as he battled a serious illness.
The 37-year-old said a staph infection, external was the reason for his absence from rugby, having not played since Sale Sharks’ Champions Cup defeat by Glasgow Warriors on 17 October.
Speaking on The Good, The Bad & The Rugby Xtra podcast,, external Lawes said he initially believed he was suffering from flu.
“I had flu symptoms but some really bad muscle pains with it. On the way home, my right arm basically stopped working, so really weird symptoms,” Lawes said.
A staph infection is caused by staphylococcus bacteria, which can live harmlessly on the skin but become serious if they enter the bloodstream through a wound or break in the skin.
Lawes said he believes the infection may have entered his body through a foot injury sustained during a match.
“It ripped up my feet, and it didn’t heal very well, so I think it’s from that,” he explained.
Lawes said he sought advice from the medical staff at Sale Sharks, who initially planned for a doctor to assess him the following day.
However, his condition continued to deteriorate.
“I continued to get worse, was running a really high temperature.
“My right arm didn’t work, my abductors and pelvis were completely locked off as well. My left arm was functional and that was about it.”
The former England and British & Irish Lions forward said his wife, Jessica, urged him to attend an accident and emergency department.
Lawes described the wait for the results from blood tests as one of the “darkest places” he had ever been in, before doctors informed him his infection markers were dangerously high and admitted him to hospital.
Four days into his hospital stay, Lawes was diagnosed with a staph infection.
Initially treated with penicillin via an IV drip, his temperature remained high and his infection markers continued to rise until doctors identified the source of the illness and prescribed the correct antibiotics.
“In the first six days in hospital it was proper dark. The pain in my muscles was like nothing I’ve ever had before.
“I don’t know how you measure pain but in those first five days that was the most pain I’ve ever tolerated.”
Lawes said he was warned that untreated bloodstream infections can spread to vital organs and have potentially life-threatening consequences.
The England international, who has won more than 100 caps for his country, is now on the road to recovery.
“I’m obviously feeling better, still recovering but we’ll just take it day by day,” he said.