A father hailed as a "superhero" by his young daughter has undergone the traumatic amputation of both his legs after a seemingly ordinary cold escalated into a life-threatening medical crisis. Mathew Hicks, from Turriff in Aberdeenshire, initially dismissed his symptoms as a common fever, taking paracetamol to manage the discomfort. However, his condition rapidly deteriorated, leading to a harrowing hospital ordeal that resulted in the loss of his limbs below the knees.
Rapid Deterioration and Critical Diagnosis
When Mathew's wife, Rachael, called an ambulance after his health worsened, he was rushed to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary. There, medical professionals made a shocking discovery: Mathew was suffering from a severe combination of sepsis, Strep A infection, and pneumonia in his right lung. This trio of conditions triggered a swift and dangerous decline in his health, culminating in organ failure. To save his life, doctors placed him in a medically induced coma for two weeks.
Awakening to a Life-Altering Reality
Upon regaining consciousness, Mathew faced devastating news. Doctors informed him that blood circulation to his feet had ceased, necessitating the amputation of both legs below the knee. Reflecting on the moment, Mathew told the Daily Record, "I didn't really understand what was happening when I was told about my amputation because I hadn't seen my feet. I just accepted what the consultant told me, but once I did eventually see the grey colour they had gone I was completely shocked. Then I was desperate to have them removed."
Family's Emotional Struggle and Resilience
The family's trauma was compounded by separation during Mathew's hospitalization. His then three-year-old daughter, Evie, was unable to visit her father for seven agonizing weeks, a period Rachael described as the most challenging aspect of the ordeal. Rachael recounted the severity of the situation, stating, "He was taken straight to ICU and I was told he was critically ill. Mathew is usually fit and healthy. He had only been complaining about a bad cold and a high temperature but the paracetamol was helping so we both thought he was ok. I just couldn't believe how serious it was."
Life Support and a Fight for Survival
As Mathew's condition showed no improvement, doctors resorted to using an ECMO machine, a life support system that provides cardiac and respiratory assistance by oxygenating blood externally. Rachael recalled the doctor's "painfully honest" warning that if the ECMO failed to stabilize Mathew's organs, no further options remained. "We sat in silence and disbelief," she said. "We were so relieved when we were told Matthew had pulled through but then we were given more bad news about the amputation. Not for one minute did I think things would turn out this way."
Long-Term Health Impacts and Recovery Journey
After 12 weeks of recovery, Mathew was discharged from hospital, but his health battles continue. He has since been diagnosed with a heart condition linked to the severe sepsis, which has reduced his heart function to just 34%. Medical experts caution that only time will reveal the full long-term consequences. Despite these challenges, the family remains optimistic. Mathew's positive attitude has been a cornerstone of their resilience, with his focus firmly on his daughter, Evie, who now calls him her "superhero."
A Changed Perspective and Community Support
Mathew's outlook on life has transformed profoundly. He shared, "I feel relieved to finally be home after all this time. My outlook to life has definitely changed. Prior to my illness I would work as much as possible, but now I realise that work is not everything and I plan to spend more time enjoying life and spending more time with my family." In a heartwarming show of support, a fundraising campaign has been launched to make the family's garden accessible for Mathew, raising over £16,000 to aid his adjustment to his new circumstances.
