A mother, initially believing her back pain was caused by an old mattress, was shocked to learn she had aggressive leukaemia after her symptoms worsened and medical tests failed to reveal the true cause.
Gabrielle Altoft, a 32-year-old mother of three, began experiencing severe lower back pain and fatigue in November 2025, which she attributed to an old mattress she swapped with her son. Despite taking painkillers and consulting her GP, who dismissed her symptoms as an injury and suggested physiotherapy, Gabrielle's condition continued to deteriorate. Blood tests showed low white blood cell counts, but doctors failed to identify any other abnormalities, leading her to believe her issues were mattress-related.
As Gabrielle sought relief from her pain by purchasing a new mattress, her symptoms persisted and even worsened, prompting further investigation. Feeling increasingly concerned about her health, Gabrielle pushed for more tests, which ultimately led to the unexpected diagnosis of aggressive leukaemia. The situation highlights the importance of thorough medical evaluations when patients present with seemingly common symptoms, as critical health conditions can sometimes be overlooked.
The emotional toll of being diagnosed with such a serious illness after assuming her discomfort was due to something as mundane as a mattress swap has been significant for Gabrielle. This case serves as a powerful reminder to individuals to advocate for their health, seek second opinions, and ensure that unusual or persistent symptoms are taken seriously by healthcare providers, particularly when they do not respond to standard treatments.
