Mike Jones went to the hospital with a toe blister that wasn’t healing but terrifying scans revealed a severe bone infection requiring an emergency leg amputation
A man who visited his GP due to a blister on his toe ended up having his leg amputated less than 24 hours later.
Mike Jones, 43, is now facing an uncertain future ahead of Christmas and has spoken out about the “shock” he has experienced this month.
Initially seeking medical help because his toe blister wasn’t healing, scans soon revealed a severe infection that had spread to the bone. The severity of the infection led to his leg being amputated below the knee just hours later.
Mike, who balanced full-time work with being the sole carer for his mum, was discharged from hospital at the weekend and shared his life-altering experience with the Mirror.
When asked how he was managing, he responded: “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.
“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, led an active lifestyle and his job as a security consultant involved travelling across the country to meet clients.
Despite his determination to look forward, he did share how his unfortunate situation began and how rapidly it became critical.
“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 attended a walk-in centre at Crawley Hospital where medical staff confirmed the ‘blister’ appeared infected. He was then transferred to East Surrey Hospital before being moved to St George’s Hospital in Tooting due to the concerning 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.”
Describing his initial response, he added: “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.”
Yet, while coming to terms with the necessity of losing his leg in the operation carried out on December 11, he explained his thoughts quickly turned to concerns about loved ones, particularly his mum.
He acknowledged it has been “difficult” for those around him to comprehend and grasp what the implications might be for both his personal life and his career. Mike explained: “I am a primary carer giver 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.”
His mother’s condition has worsened significantly over the past three years, with hip and knee operations leaving her unable to walk properly or manage everyday activities.
Given these circumstances, Mike’s friends launched a GoFundMe campaign to help him navigate what promises to be a challenging festive period.
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!”
The appeal has already gathered more than £1,000, and expressing his gratitude, Mike commented: “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.”
When asked if he had anything else to add, he implored readers: “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!”
You can make donation on Mike’s GoFundMe page here
