Craig Mackinlay, a conservative MP from the U.K., recently returned to work after losing both his hands and feet due to septic shock. He began feeling ill last September and was rushed to the hospital after his arms turned cold and he went into septic shock. He was placed into a coma for over two weeks and was given a 5% chance of survival by health care workers. Mackinlay woke up with his limbs turning black and underwent a quadruple amputation in December. Despite the challenges he faced, he remained stoic and focused on his recovery.
Septic shock is the most severe stage of sepsis, a life-threatening infection reaction that can cause organ failure and extremely low blood pressure. Mackinlay’s experience with septic shock resulted in him losing his hands and feet. After his amputation, he received prosthetics for his missing limbs, but adjusting to them was difficult. It took weeks of building up muscle strength and adjusting to his new way of moving before he was able to take his first steps. Mackinlay remains positive and determined to overcome the limitations imposed by his condition.
Mackinlay described the challenges of adjusting to life with prosthetic hands, emphasizing the difficulty of not having the functionality of his natural hands. Despite these challenges, he is determined to move forward with a positive attitude. He aims to educate others about sepsis and raise awareness about the condition. Mackinlay wants to be known as the “bionic MP” and hopes to inspire others with his story of resilience and determination. He encourages positivity and focuses on the things he can do rather than dwelling on what he has lost.
Mackinlay’s experience with septic shock serves as a warning to others about the seriousness of the condition. He hopes to use his platform as a member of parliament to raise awareness and educate the public about sepsis. By sharing his story and advocating for greater awareness and prevention measures, Mackinlay hopes to prevent others from experiencing the same complications that he faced. His determination to overcome his challenges and remain positive in the face of adversity serves as an inspiration to others facing similar hardships.
Despite the challenges he has faced, Mackinlay remains determined to make a positive impact and continue his work as a member of parliament. His resilience and optimism in the face of adversity are commendable, and his dedication to educating others about sepsis is inspiring. By sharing his story and advocating for greater awareness and prevention measures, Mackinlay is making a significant contribution to public health. His journey serves as a reminder of the importance of early detection and treatment of sepsis, and the potential consequences of overlooking warning signs.
