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In December 2020, I was diagnosed with a rare and incurable blood cancer. Multiple Myeloma 

This news was devastating ,after time, a lot of research and support from the staff in haematology I started to come to terms with the situation and began making future plans -  A bucket list.

But on 28th May 2021 plans were brought to a sudden holt.

A couple of days before, my husband, Martyn and I had returned from a trip visiting friends and family in the Scottish Borders.I felt a little extra tired, not quite myself and put it down to a virus and the long drive home.

The morning of the 28th went from bad to worse in a short space of time.Fortunately Martyn was home too, just as well. 

I was rushed to Salisbury District Hospital after a sudden decline in my physical and mental state.Following further deterioration I was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit and put into an induced coma and unknown to me, my fight to survive had just began.

I had Sepsis that led to Septic shock, an infection that causes your immune system to overreact and attack its own tissues and organs.My body was failing and shutting down.The NHS Doctors and Nurses worked tirelessly, giving me and my family the best possible care.

After seven days I started waking up, a very slow process, my body had been through such a lot.

Sepsis had been cruel and left me with life changing injuries.My limbs had been starved of oxygen and over time my fingers and feet blackened.

By the end of June 2021 my health had improved, which meant I was strong enough to be transferred to the Plastic and Burns Unit - Odstock Ward, Room Five.It was here where decisions were made, my feet and fingers were lifeless and were never going to mend.I had to have below knee amputations to both legs and amputation of all my fingers.

Its pretty difficult to sum this all up or even to find the right words to express how I was feeling.I remember it taking time for the news to sink in.I have never cried so much in my life,I was so sad not just for me, but for my family too. 

I had survived Sepsis but life I had known had been taken away.

Adapting to the new me has had its moments, from the get go I was determined to walk and regain my independence again. 

Following weeks of mending and with the exceptional care and support given to me by the Surgeons,Nurses,Physiotherapists and Occupational therapy teams, I was ready for my next move. 

I arrived at Queen Mary’s Hospital in London on the 13th of September 2021 and began the Intensive Rehabilitation program for amputees.

After a tough and exhausting seven weeks, walking back into my home with Martyn, on my new legs had become a reality.

I have been back home now seven months and every day has been a struggle, mentally and physically.

Sepsis has taken my body to its limits, leaving me and every one around me, to pick up the pieces.My family have been simply amazing and have been by my side on this journey every step of the way, giving me strength and self believe.

I’m back up on my legs and mobilising independently and with each day I continue to get stronger and walk further.My wheelchair is always around and not far away, for those just in case days.

Despite the loss of my lower legs and all of my fingers,I am managing, giving everything ago and finding new ways of doing even the most simplest of tasks.

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