I was terrified that gangrene would set in

Mum-of-two Amanda Warnock, 44, is a personal assistant, from Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands I’d never had any problem with insect bites until 2010 when I was bitten on my upper arm while gardening. Despite trying all the usual creams and ointments, it worsened by the day. The wound oozed green gunk while the skin around it became hot and red.

People recoiled at the sight. My doctor prescribed antibiotics, but it took weeks to heal and left a nasty scar.

The following summer, I had an identical reaction to another bite on my lower arm.

Then, in 2014, again while gardening, I was bitten on my right thigh. Six weeks worth of antibiotics didn’t touch it. My thigh became swollen and purple, and I became seriously worried about gangrene. I felt hot, feverish and lethargic and dragged my leg when I walked.

The day before a dream trip to Glastonbury for my 40th birthday, my GP was so concerned she referred me to hospital. The consultant wanted to admit me for intravenous antibiotic treatment. Eventually, he discharged me with ultrastrong antibiotics and strict instructions to return immediately if I deteriorated.

While at Glastonbury, my thigh throbbed through my jeans. But, thankfully, within 24 hours, there was a marked improvement. Altogether, it took 10 weeks to heal.

I’m baffled as to why my body reacts. Nowadays, I’m hyper-vigilant about using repellent and covering up while gardening. If I am bitten, I’ll visit my GP immediately for extra-strong antibiotics before infection has a chance to set in.