A man who went to his GP with what he believed was a simple blister on his toe has spoken of his shock after surgeons were forced to amputate his leg less than 24 hours later.
Mike Jones, 43, from Crawley, is now facing an uncertain Christmas after a severe infection spread rapidly through his foot and into the bone. The father and full-time security consultant, who is also the sole carer for his housebound mother, was discharged from hospital at the weekend and is adjusting to life following the below-knee amputation.
Mike initially sought medical help after noticing a blister on his toe that was not healing. Scans later revealed the infection had become so advanced that doctors had no option but to remove his leg to save his life.
“It’s been a massive shock to the system,” Mike told the Mirror. “It was a whirlwind from initially going to A&E and within 24 hours losing a leg. But I can’t change what’s happened, so I’m focusing on recovery and adaptation.”
Mike explained that his diabetes meant he had reduced feeling in his feet, which allowed the injury to worsen unnoticed. “I went for a nice long walk and my trainers had rubbed my toes and I hadn’t noticed,” he said. “It gradually got worse over the ensuing days until my leg had swollen and a couple of my toes had blackened.”
He first attended a walk-in centre at Crawley Hospital before being transferred to East Surrey Hospital, and later to St George’s Hospital in Tooting due to the severity of his condition. X-rays showed the infection had spread into the bone, leaving doctors with no alternative.
“It was a shock,” Mike said. “But I’d had sepsis last year, with spinal abscesses that took weeks in hospital to treat. I knew if amputation was what was needed, then it was the right decision.”
The operation took place on December 11, but Mike said his biggest concern since has been the impact on his family, particularly his mother. He has been her primary carer while also working full time, and said not being able to support her has been one of the hardest parts of the ordeal.
“My mum’s health has deteriorated drastically over the past three years,” he said. “Not being able to help her has been incredibly difficult.”
Friends have since set up a GoFundMe page to help Mike through the coming months, raising funds to cover lost income and arrange care for his mother. More than £1,000 has already been donated.
“I only get four weeks’ sick pay before going onto Statutory Sick Pay, which is a drastic fall in income,” Mike said. “The fund will help keep a roof over our heads and food on the table.”
Despite everything, Mike urged others to take warning from his experience. “If you feel ill or notice something out of the ordinary, get it checked,” he said. “You could save yourself a leg – or your life.”
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
