A woman has undergone the devastating amputation of all four limbs after contracting a life-threatening case of sepsis, which medical professionals believe may have originated from a simple lick from her dog. Manjit Sangha, aged 56, endured an extensive 32-week hospital stay, during which she suffered several cardiac arrests, with doctors initially fearing she would not survive.
Rapid Onset of Sepsis Symptoms
Mrs Sangha first felt unwell on a Sunday afternoon, only to be discovered unconscious the following morning with cold feet, blue lips, and severe breathing difficulties. Her husband, Kam Sangha, 60, expressed his shock at the rapid progression, stating his mind was in turmoil as he questioned how such a critical condition could develop in less than 24 hours. He recounted that one day she was playing with their dog, and by Monday night, she was in a coma.
Medical Crisis and Hospitalisation
During her intensive care treatment at New Cross Hospital in Wolverhampton, Mrs Sangha's heart stopped beating six times, highlighting the severity of her condition. Sepsis occurs when the body's immune system overreacts to an infection, attacking its own organs and tissues. In the UK, approximately 50,000 sepsis-related deaths are recorded annually, according to the UK Sepsis Trust.
As the sepsis spread through her body, medical teams were forced to amputate both of her legs below the knee and both of her hands. Additionally, she had her spleen removed while battling complications including pneumonia and gallstones.
Recovery and Fundraising Efforts
After being discharged from Moseley Hall Hospital in Birmingham, Mrs Sangha admitted she is still coming to terms with her quadruple amputation. She described the experience as difficult to explain, emphasising that losing limbs in such a short time is a monumental challenge. Despite this, she remains determined to walk again and return to work, declaring that she has spent enough time in her chair and bed and is now focused on rehabilitation.
Her husband, a distribution worker at Screwfix, has been off work for seven months to support her, praising her strength throughout the ordeal. The couple, who celebrated their 37th wedding anniversary in the hospital, is now fundraising for advanced prosthetics and raising awareness about the dangers of sepsis. They have raised over £27,000 through a GoFundMe page and fundraising initiatives at Screwfix.
Awareness and Future Outlook
Mrs Sangha, a former pharmacy worker, stressed the seriousness of sepsis, urging others not to take it lightly. Her story serves as a stark reminder of how a seemingly innocuous event, such as a dog lick on a small cut, can lead to catastrophic health consequences. The family's efforts continue to highlight the critical need for early detection and treatment of sepsis to prevent similar tragedies.
