Doctor Reveals One Personal Item You Shouldn’t Risk Sharing After Woman Was Left Paralyzed
An Australian woman, Jo Gilchrist, nearly lost her life after using a makeup brush she borrowed from a friend in 2015. Unbeknownst to her, the friend had a bacterial infection called Staphylococcus. Unfortunately, Jo was exposed to a dangerous strain known as Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA), which is resistant to common antibiotics.
The bacteria entered her bloodstream through a small cut on her face, eventually reaching her spinal cord. This left her wheelchair-bound after the infection severely damaged her nervous system.
“I thought I was dying,” Jo recalled. “Lying in surgery, I kept thinking about my two-year-old son who needed me.”
Jo spent five months in the hospital and underwent intensive rehabilitation. Fortunately, she discovered a facility called Making Strides, where she regained the ability to walk—even run—despite doctors saying she never would.
Now, she urges people to take unusual symptoms seriously and seek medical attention. “Even if life deals you a tough hand, you can fight for independence and recovery,” she said. “You might come out stronger than you ever imagined.”
Jo Gilchrist first experienced severe back pain, which she described as unbearable. As the infection spread, she began to lose feeling in her body, eventually becoming paralyzed from the waist down.
Other possible symptoms of an MRSA infection include:
- Red, swollen, or painful skin (especially if there’s a cut or wound)
- Fever and chills
- Fatigue or weakness
- Difficulty moving or numbness (if the infection spreads to the spine)
Jo initially dismissed her pain, but it turned out to be a life-threatening infection. Her story highlights the importance of recognizing symptoms early and seeking medical help.
MRSA is spread through direct or indirect contact with an infected person or contaminated objects. In Jo Gilchrist’s case, the bacteria were likely transferred through a makeup brush used by her friend, who had an infection.
Ways MRSA Can Be Transmitted:
- Skin-to-Skin Contact – Touching an infected wound or person.
- Sharing Personal Items – Using contaminated objects like makeup brushes, razors, towels, or gym equipment.
- Open Cuts or Wounds – Bacteria can enter through even small breaks in the skin.
- Poor Hygiene – Not washing hands or disinfecting shared items can spread MRSA.
This is why it’s crucial to avoid sharing personal items and to keep wounds clean to prevent infections.
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