Roy Suryo
After an arduous 32-week battle within the confines of a hospital, marked by multiple cardiac arrests and a life-altering quadruple amputation, sepsis survivor Manjit Sangha has finally been discharged and reunited with her family. The 56-year-old, once given a grim prognosis by medical professionals who believed her survival was highly unlikely, received a triumphant welcome from her loved ones at their home in Penn, situated on the Wolverhampton and Staffordshire border, upon her departure from Ward 9 at Moseley Hall in Birmingham.
The insidious onset of sepsis in Mrs. Sangha’s case is believed by doctors to have stemmed from an unexpectedly innocuous source: a lick from her beloved dog on a minor cut or scratch. As she embarks on the challenging journey of recovery and begins the monumental task of rebuilding her life, she is driven by a powerful desire to raise public awareness about the dangers of sepsis, emphasizing that "it could happen to anybody."
Reflecting on her harrowing experience, Mrs. Sangha stated, "It’s difficult to explain the experience. Losing your limbs and your hands in a short time period is a very big thing. It’s very serious and not to be taken lightly." This sentiment underscores the profound and devastating impact of sepsis, a condition that can rapidly escalate from seemingly minor symptoms to life-threatening complications.
Sepsis is a rare but extremely serious medical condition that arises when the body’s immune system, which is designed to protect against disease and infection, mistakenly begins to attack its own tissues and organs. This overreaction by the immune system can lead to widespread inflammation and damage to vital organs, a cascade of events that can prove fatal if not promptly and effectively treated.
The devastating turn of events for Manjit Sangha began on a Sunday afternoon in July of the previous year, a day she had returned home feeling unwell after working seven days a week in her previous role. By the following morning, her condition had deteriorated so severely that she was unconscious. Her extremities had become icy cold, her lips had taken on a disquieting purple hue, and she was experiencing severe respiratory distress.
Her husband, Kam Sangha, a 60-year-old distribution worker at Screwfix, recounted the heart-wrenching experience, expressing the profound shock and disbelief he felt. "Your mind is all over the place," he said. "You’re thinking ‘how can this happen in less than 24 hours?’ One minute on a Saturday she’s playing with the dog, Sunday she’s gone to work, Monday night she’s in a coma." This rapid and catastrophic decline highlights the unpredictable and aggressive nature of sepsis.
During her time in intensive care at New Cross Hospital in Wolverhampton, Manjit Sangha’s heart stopped an alarming six times, a testament to the severity of her condition and the immense strain her body was under. The ensuing battle against the rampant infection necessitated further drastic measures. Surgeons at Russells Hall Hospital in neighbouring Dudley were compelled to amputate both of her legs below the knee, as well as both of her hands, to prevent the further spread of the necrotic tissue caused by the sepsis.
The former pharmacy worker’s ordeal did not end with the amputations. She also suffered the loss of her spleen, battled a severe bout of pneumonia, and developed gallstones, a complication that doctors indicated might require additional surgical intervention. "I didn’t know what was happening," Mrs. Sangha explained, her voice tinged with the trauma of her experience. "The first month I do not remember anything." This period of unconsciousness and memory loss further illustrates the profound impact the illness had on her cognitive functions.
Kam Sangha has been a pillar of support for his wife, taking seven months off work to be by her side throughout her extensive treatment and recovery. He expressed immense pride in his wife’s resilience and strength. "She’s so strong," he added. "Every day was like ‘she’s going to go today’ but she proved us wrong every single day with what she’s been through." His unwavering devotion and admiration for her fighting spirit are evident.
The couple’s journey through this ordeal has been marked by significant personal milestones being overshadowed by their fight for survival. They spent their 37th wedding anniversary in hospital, as well as Manjit Sangha’s birthday, which fell around the Christmas period, further underscoring the immense personal sacrifices and emotional toll of her prolonged illness.
Now facing a future that requires significant adaptation, the couple are actively fundraising for advanced prosthetics, including the possibility of sophisticated robotic hands. These advanced artificial limbs, which offer a greater degree of functionality and a better quality of life, come with a substantial financial cost, potentially running into tens of thousands of pounds. To date, they have successfully raised over £22,000 through a dedicated GoFundMe page and various fundraising initiatives held at Screwfix, where Manjit Sangha also contributed with weekend shifts during her working life.
Despite the immense challenges that lie ahead, Manjit Sangha remains resolutely determined to reclaim her independence and rebuild her life. "I want to get walking," she stated with a newfound sense of purpose. "I want to get my prosthetics [and] to go back to work. I’ve sat down in my chair and my bed enough. It’s time to walk now." Her powerful words encapsulate her indomitable spirit and her unwavering commitment to overcoming the adversities she has faced, serving as a beacon of hope and a stark reminder of the critical importance of recognizing and acting upon the signs of sepsis. Her story is a profound call to action for greater public awareness and a testament to the extraordinary resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity.
atisusanti
Nakalama John
George Anjay
