June 23rd 2024.
Louise Fawcett, a 58-year-old woman from Chesterfield, Derbyshire, recently had a terrifying experience in her own garden that almost took her life. It all started innocently enough, with Louise simply tending to her plants on a sunny day in April. But as she was walking around, she suddenly felt a small cut on her right foot from some rubble. Little did she know, this seemingly minor injury would lead to a life-threatening infection.
After a few days, Louise noticed that her foot was swelling and she began to feel unwell. She was eventually diagnosed with necrotising fasciitis, a rare but serious condition that can occur when a wound becomes infected. This news came as a shock to Louise, who had initially been told she had cellulitis. She was immediately rushed into surgery, where doctors worked tirelessly to remove the flesh-eating bug from her infected tissue.
Unfortunately, the infection had already spread, causing Louise to have memory loss for three days after her surgery. It took six operations and a skin graft from her thigh for her to finally be allowed to go home. However, her recovery was far from over. She had to learn how to walk again and relied on crutches for support. Louise believes she contracted the bug from the soil in her garden, which entered her bloodstream through the small cut on her foot.
Reflecting on her ordeal, Louise considers herself both unlucky and lucky. Unlucky to have caught such a rare and dangerous infection, but lucky to have survived it. She also realizes how fortunate she is to live in a suburban area like Chesterfield and still be at risk for such a serious illness.
While in the hospital, Louise feared for her life and even thought she might lose her leg. She vividly remembers the moment when doctors took her into a small room to discuss her condition. The redness from the infection was spreading rapidly and the doctors were concerned about the possibility of amputation. Thankfully, Louise was able to keep her leg, but she now has a brace to support her ankle and must regularly bathe her foot to prevent further infection.
Aside from the physical challenges, Louise also had to postpone the launch of her business, Sight Loss Solutions, due to her hospitalization. Her goal is to provide support and resources for individuals who have experienced sight loss, as well as their caregivers. Despite the setback, Louise remains determined to help others and hopes to hold individual and group sessions in the future.
Looking back on her traumatic experience, Louise is grateful to be alive and cherishes every moment she spends with her family and friends. She still struggles to come to terms with the fact that she almost lost her leg, and sometimes feels disconnected from her own foot. But she remains resilient and determined to recover fully and continue making a positive impact in the lives of others.
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