Jane Seymour, the renowned 70-year-old actress, recently opened up about her terrifying brush with death due to anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction. Best known for her roles in “Live and Let Die” and “Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman,” Seymour shared her experience on the Irish Public Television program “The Meaning of Life.”
During her interview with host Joe Duffy, Seymour revealed the harrowing details of the incident. When Duffy asked if she was on the verge of passing away or had actually died, Seymour replied with a poignant statement, “According to the doctors, I did die. I was killed.”
It all happened while Seymour was in Madrid, Spain, portraying Maria Callas in a film about Aristotle Onassis. Feeling seriously ill, Seymour notified the production team and expressed the need to see a doctor. Although the doctor advised two weeks of rest, the production insisted on her presence on Monday and decided to administer an antibiotic injection.
As the male nurse performed the injection, Seymour instantly sensed something was wrong. An anaphylactic shock took hold of her, causing her heart to race before abruptly stopping—a moment of profound stillness. In her recollection, Seymour describes a serene experience with a bright white light and a sense of detachment from her own body. Desperate to return and be there for her children, she pleaded to be given another chance.
The specifics of how Seymour was revived remain undisclosed. However, this ordeal shed light on the life-threatening nature of anaphylaxis, which can strike at any moment without warning, triggered by food, insect venom, or environmental factors.
Symptoms of anaphylaxis can vary but may include flushed or pale skin, hives, itching, low blood pressure, constricted airways, swelling of the tongue or throat, wheezing, difficulty breathing, rapid, weak pulse, dizziness, fainting, and gastrointestinal distress.
Epinephrine, commonly administered through auto-injectors, is the only treatment that can effectively stop and reverse the progression of anaphylaxis. This is why it is crucial for individuals with food or chemical allergies to always have two epinephrine auto-injectors readily available. One dose might not be sufficient, and having a backup is essential in case of device malfunction or improper use.
Jane Seymour’s unnerving experience serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of preparedness and understanding when it comes to anaphylaxis. By being proactive in managing allergies and carrying the necessary medication, we can help safeguard ourselves and prevent tragedies like the one Seymour faced.
