Within 24 hours, he had his leg amputated below the knee
(Image: Mike Jones)
A man who went to the doctor concerned about a blister on his toe ended up having his leg amputated less than 24 hours later. Mike Jones, 43, shared the “shock” he experienced this month after losing his leg to a severe infection.
Initially, Mike sought medical attention because he had a blister on his toe that wasn’t healing, but scans soon revealed that a dangerous infection had spread to the bone. The infection was so severe, doctors made the decision to amputate his leg below the knee – just hours later.
Mike, who balanced full-time work in the security industry with being the sole carer for his mother, was discharged from hospital over the weekend. He told the Mirror it was a “massive shock”, but he is recovering. He said: “I’m doing okay… it’s been a massive shock to the system but I’m dealing with it as it comes. I am home now so I am just adjusting to a new way of life.
Mike underwent an amputation procedure to remove his leg just weeks before Christmas(Image: Mike Jones)
“I’m a strong-minded person. It was a whirlwind from initially going to A&E and, within 24 hours, losing a leg. But I can’t change what has happened, so there’s no point dwelling on it. I’m dealing with what’s in front of me and not what’s behind me, and I’m focusing on recovery and adaptation.”
Before his operation, Mike, from Crawley in England, led an active lifestyle and his role as a security consultant involved travelling across the country to meet clients. Despite his determination to focus on the future, he did share how his unfortunate predicament began and how rapidly it escalated into a critical situation.
“I went for a nice long walk, and my trainers had rubbed my toes, and I hadn’t noticed,” he said. “As I have diabetes, I have limited feeling in my feet. It gradually got worse over the ensuing days until my leg had swollen and a couple of my toes had blackened.”
Mike visited a walk-in centre at his local hospital where medical staff informed him the ‘blister’ appeared infected. He was then transferred to two more hospitals due to the discolouration of his toes. He recalled: “There were X-rays taken and they had found the infection had gotten into the bones and there was no other choice but to amputate.”
“It was of shock… But I had sepsis last year. I had three septic spinal cord abscesses that took two operations and seven weeks in hospital to clear up and nine weeks of home-administered antibiotics, so I knew if that’s what was needed, then it was an easy decision to make.”
His leg was amputated on December 11. He described it as “difficult” for those dearest to him to comprehend and grasp what this might signify for him on both a personal and professional level. Mike continued: “I am a primary carer to my mum, who is housebound as well as working a full-time job. So not being able to do anything for her has been one of the toughest things to deal with.”
Mike said it was a ‘massive shock’ and shared his worries about being able to continue work and caring for his mum(Image: Mike Jones)
His mother’s condition has “deteriorated drastically” over the past three years, with hip and knee operations leaving her struggling to walk and manage basic daily activities. Recognising the challenging situation, Mike’s mates launched a GoFundMe campaign to help him navigate what promises to be a tough festive period and new year.
The fundraising page explained: “Mike is the main carer for his Mum due to her ill health so not only are we raising funds to help with Mike’s recovery and loss of earnings but also to organise carers for his Mum so he can relax and know that she is being looked after. Mike is a very proud man and doesn’t ask for help even when he needs it the most, he plays a huge part in raising funds for local communities via events such as iFest and various gigs.
“Mike has a great sense of humour even in this situation he is still making us laugh and cracking jokes at his own expense so it’s time for us to give back and help get him back on his foot!”
Mike expressed his gratitude: “It’s been moving that people would donate their hard earned cash, especially in these hard times leading up to Christmas. I only get paid four weeks sick pay and then will be on Statutory Sick Pay which is a drastic fall in income.
“With income taking four to six months, the fund will be used to keep a roof over our heads and food on the table for the coming months ahead.” And he urged others: “Only that if you feel ill or have something out of the ordinary develop, get yourself checked. You could save yourself a leg or three!”