Jan says ‘ I’m one of the lucky ones’
Brave gran survives deadly Sepsis infection shock
is difficult to diagnose and medics nationwide have failed to recognise it. Thankfully the medical staff at Ayr Hospital swung into rapid response saving Jan’s life in July last year. She wants to thank surgeon James Press and doctor Chris Chrone describing them as “amazing.” After the immediate danger had passed - then began the long road to recovery. Jan was transferred to the Biggart Hospital, Prestwick, where she recovered to walk again. She grateful to Carol Risk who inspired her to get moving and nurse Lisa McKenzie. She said: “I couldn’t believe I was so ill and not able to do anything. I used to juggle three jobs working for the court, as a hairdresser and for the Samaritans. I got so depressed. I thought : ‘ I am lying here, nothing is happening and I’m getting more depressed by the minute.’ I lost my hair and four stone. I couldn’t walk but Carol Risk helped me. I took a few steps. The pain was terrible.” Her battle with suffering numbness in her toes, ankles and is now shortsighted. Reflecting on her fight for survival, Jan said: “I am one of the lucky ones. Every four hours somebody in Scotland dies from Sepsis. It is unbelievable. If you don’t die you lose your limbs or go blind. “People don’t know enough about Sepsis. There are no carers available. People in the hospital with it couldn’t get out because there was no one to look after them. The local library doesn’t even have information on it. So many people don’t have a clue.”
I couldn’t believe I was so ill and not able to do anything