Craig Mackinlay, a conservative member of the U.K. Parliament, recently returned to work after losing both his hands and feet due to septic shock. Mackinlay first started feeling ill on September 27 and was rushed to the hospital after his arms turned cold and he couldn’t detect a pulse. He was diagnosed with septic shock, the most severe stage of sepsis, which can cause organ failure and extremely low blood pressure. Mackinlay spent 16 days in an induced coma and eventually had a quadruple amputation in December.
Health care workers informed Mackinlay’s wife that he was one of the sickest patients they had ever seen and had only a 5% chance of survival. When Mackinlay woke up, his arms and legs had turned black, leading to amputations on December 1. Despite receiving prosthetics for his missing limbs, Mackinlay struggled to adjust to his new way of moving around. After weeks of building up necessary muscles and getting used to his prosthetics, Mackinlay was able to take his first 20 steps by himself on February 28, marking a significant milestone in his recovery.
Mackinlay found it challenging to get used to his new hands, as even with prosthetics, he felt a significant loss. However, he remains determined to stay positive and focus on what he can do rather than lamenting what he can’t. Mackinlay aspires to be known as the “bionic MP” and is working on a campaign to educate others about sepsis. He hopes that his story will inspire and educate others, particularly children who visit Parliament, by showing them that it is possible to overcome challenges with a positive attitude.
Sepsis is a potentially fatal condition that can lead to severe complications such as brain damage, gangrene, and organ failure. Mackinlay’s experience with septic shock serves as a warning to others about the importance of recognizing the warning signs of sepsis and seeking immediate medical attention. By sharing his story and advocating for sepsis awareness, Mackinlay hopes to prevent others from experiencing the same devastating consequences. Despite facing significant challenges and setbacks, Mackinlay remains optimistic and determined to make a positive impact through his advocacy efforts.
