Leg horror gran is one in a million Family’s praise after Sepsis nightmare
A Craigneuk gran who lost her leg just before lockdown is aiming to return to work as soon as possible.
Liz Penman was taken to hospital with a suspected ulcer in her foot but doctors were forced to amputate one of her legs below the knee due to Sepsis.
The experience hit 54-year-old Liz hard.
She said: “Everything happened so fast, I didn’t really have time to think about it.
“I went into Hairmyres and got my toe taken off but unfortunately Sepsis has set in so the leg was then amputated below the knee.”
Liz is now literally back on her feet thanks to the use of a prosthetic leg.
Lockdown came right in the middle of her rehabilitation but thanks to the help of her family, including husband Jim, daughters Vicki and Linzi and grandkids Gemma, Ellie, Lily and Lacey, she is on the road to recovery.
And she has already got plans to return to her work as a popular member of the team at Morrisons in Wishaw.
Liz said: “I’m doing better now than I thought I would be. I’ve had physio in Glasgow but that’s finished now and I will have that now and again down at Wishaw.
“I’m just trying to live my life as best I can. I’m back doing the cooking and some ironing although it’s taking me a bit longer.
“If it wasn’t for the support of my family I wouldn’t be feeling as good. They have been brilliant right the way through.
“Going back to work is going to be my last big hurdle. Morrisons have given me the time off I need but I want to get back as soon as I can.”
Liz’s daughter Vicki admitted she was worried for her mum but has been amazed by her powers of recovery.
She was just so unbelievably positive but the rest of us were worried. It was tough for all of us. Vicki Penman
“The doctors originally thought they would have to amputate her toe but then the decision was made to amputate the leg due to Sepsis,” said Vicki.
“She was unbelievably positive but the rest of us were worried. She is diabetic as well so it was tough for all of us.
“She was going to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Glasgow every week and the artificial leg has really helped her.
“I know she’s desperate to get back to work and the staff at Morrisons have been great with her.”
Liz’s grandchildren decided to nominate her for our weekly Say it with Flowers competition and we surprised Liz at her home in Laurel Drive, Craigneuk, earlier this week.
Vicki added: “We are really proud of mum. It’s so amazing to see her doing so well.
“We knew it would be a big effort but we know she is a fighter. Her positive attitude really makes a difference.
“The girls have really been keeping her going.
“They like getting their gran to do her hair and keeping her company.
“They are close to my mum and dad anyway but this has brought us closer.”