After a scrape, Mom loses half of her leg, and both legs could have to be amputated

Michelle Milton, a 36-year-old mother of two, has faced a harrowing medical ordeal that began with a seemingly minor injury during a fishing trip. On August 18, 2019, Michelle was on a trip with her brother Martyn Milton, a 41-year-old window glazer, when she slipped on rocks and a nylon fishing line scratched her right thigh. This small wound, initially dismissed as inconsequential, escalated into a life-altering infection.

Four days after the injury, Michelle’s condition worsened dramatically, with her leg swelling and a high fever developing. She was rushed to the hospital, where doctors initially tried to manage the infection with antibiotics. However, the situation quickly deteriorated as the infection became resistant to treatment. This led to a series of aggressive medical interventions, including cutting into her thigh to control the spread.

Over the last five years, Michelle has endured a staggering 55 surgeries, including skin grafts, washouts, and tissue removal, in a desperate attempt to combat the infection. The repeated procedures have left her with a gaping wound on her inner leg that continuously oozes pus. Despite these efforts, Michelle’s condition has not improved significantly. The relentless infection has made her highly resistant to antibiotics, complicating her treatment and recovery, reported Coventry Telegraph.

Michelle has reached a point of exasperation and pain, expressing a desperate desire to have her leg amputated. She has been in and out of the hospital, undergoing multiple treatments without substantial improvement. On October 24, 2023, surgeons performed another washout and fitted her wound with a pump to remove the pus. However, the infection has now begun to spread down her right leg, raising the possibility that more of her limbs might need to be amputated.

Equipped with a portable vacuum sack to manage the continuous pus discharge, Michelle’s life has been drastically altered. She laments the impact on her role as a mother to her children, Jade, 17, and a 20-year-old son, revealing that her mother has had to step in to care for them.

Currently hospitalized and awaiting further results, including the possibility of a blood clot in her right leg, Michelle is both mentally and physically exhausted. The constant leakage of pus and the fear of further health deterioration have taken a toll on her well-being. She expressed her fear and frustration, stating, “I’m sick of spending my life in hospital. I can’t believe a simple scratch has left me like this.”

Michelle’s story is a stark reminder of how quickly and unexpectedly life can change, and the profound impact a seemingly minor injury can have on one’s health and quality of life.