A salon owner shared her near-death experience, attributing her health scare to the demands of being a ‘girl boss’ that led to sepsis due to lack of bathroom breaks during grueling 12-hour shifts.

Justine McLellan, from Paisley, Renfrewshire, Scotland, recounted feeling unwell while relaxing by the pool at her holiday home in Didim, Turkey. Initially dismissing it as sunstroke, she eventually sought help when she started shivering in extreme heat, experiencing stomach pain and convulsions. Her husband, Fraser McLellan, quickly realized the severity of the situation and called for assistance.

Upon hospitalization, Justine, 38, received a diagnosis of sepsis and a kidney infection. She was promptly treated with IV drips and antibiotics. Video footage captured her visibly shivering under hospital sheets during her four-day hospital stay, crediting the medical staff for saving her life.

Recognizing the toll her hectic schedule took on her health, Justine reduced her work hours at her salon, Be Pretty, six months after the incident. She now prioritizes a healthier work-life balance and specializes in hair-loss solutions for clients.

Reflecting on her experience, Justine emphasized the importance of listening to one’s body and avoiding the pressure of constant work. She described how years of strenuous 12-hour shifts without breaks eventually led to her health crisis, cautioning others in similar positions to slow down and focus on specific strengths rather than trying to do everything.

Sepsis, a severe condition triggered by the body’s response to infections, can lead to life-threatening consequences. Symptoms in adults include confusion, muscle pain, reduced urine output, breathing difficulties, and skin discoloration.