Former Conservative MP Craig Mackinlay candidly shared his harrowing experience with sepsis which led to the amputation of both his feet and hands
Sepsis is a life-threatening condition caused by the body’s overreaction to an infection – and there are 13 key signs when you need to act immediately.
Former Conservative MP Craig Mackinlay candidly shared his harrowing experience with sepsis, which led to the amputation of both his feet and hands. He was urgently admitted to hospital after his wife, Kati, discovered he had cold arms and a missing pulse. Upon arriving at the clinic, it turned out the former South Thanet MP had fallen into septic shock, which is the ultimate and most deadly phase of sepsis.
It’s highlighted that sepsis is an uncommon but grave condition caused by the body’s overreaction to an infection, resulting in the immune system damaging its own tissues and organs. In cases like Mr Mackinlay’s, where sepsis evolves into septic shock, victims face extremely low blood pressure and the risk of organ failure.
With a mortality rate hovering around 30 to 40 per cent as indicated by the Mayo Clinic, Mr Mackinlay was faced with a meagre five per cent survival chance. His treatment necessitated a medically induced coma. When he woke up, he found his limbs had necrosed, leaving amputation as the only option, reports Birmingham Live.
Marking his return to Parliament on May 22, Mr Mackinlay opened up in a BBC News interview, stating: “You’re in the land of nod having a nice dream, and then you wake up and it’s ‘I haven’t got any hands’. That is the realisation every morning.” He said: “It’s very easy to say – and I do try and stick to it – there’s not much point moaning and complaining or getting down about the things you can’t do. You’ve got to be cheerful and positive about things you can do and I find every day there’s something new that I can do.”
One in five deaths worldwide are linked to sepsis, and there are 13 key warning signs to be aware of. According to the NHS : “Sepsis is life-threatening. It can be hard to spot. There are lots of possible symptoms. They can be like symptoms of other conditions, including flu or a chest infection. If you think you or someone you look after has symptoms of sepsis, call 999 or go to AandE. Trust your instincts.” And people are warned that while it is rare, it can lead to multiple organ failure and death if it is not treated quickly.
Symptoms of sepsis to look out for
- loss of consciousness
- severe breathlessness
- a high temperature (fever) or low body temperature
- a change in mental state – like confusion or disorientation
- slurred speech
- cold, clammy and pale or mottled skin
- a fast heartbeat
- fast breathing
- chills and shivering
- severe muscle pain
- feeling dizzy or faint
- nausea and vomiting
- diarrhoea