Michael's fitter than ever!

In May 2022, whilst trimming his left, big toenail with nail clippers, he slipped and nicked the neighbouring toe. Michael didn’t think too much of it or seek medical attention when the cut became infected. “I thought it was OK but then got gangrene. I ended up in The Royal Adelaide Hospital for five days. They didn’t think I was going to survive.”

Michael underwent four operations that gradually took his foot as surgeons tried to save it. “My foot was amputated to the ankle as they were trying to save half of it, but MRI scans showed more infected spots. Then a vascular surgeon told me that if they didn’t amputate my leg, I wouldn’t be around in two months. On 21 June 2023, I had a below knee amputation.”

Michael got as fit as he possibly could before his below knee amputation and now works out three times a week, which he says has been important for his physical and mental health. He’s taken a positive approach to his experience and has since been back to The Royal Adelaide Hospital to thank staff. He has also become an active Peer Support Volunteer with Limbs 4 Life as he wants to help others going through the challenges of amputation. “I really didn’t know what I’d be facing with things like getting a prosthetic leg so now I want to help people who are in a similar situation.” Michael’s now retired after operating a Cartridge World outlet and he’s accustomed to his prosthesis. He’s also got a wet leg which enables him to shower unaided. “I can walk with no problem nowadays and I’ve taken the mindset of not letting my amputation bug me.”

Michael credits his brother-in-law for encouraging him to get to the gym where he’s seen a considerable improvement to both his residual, upper left leg and his right leg’s strength, as well as making new friends, including other people who are rehabilitating. Podiatrists have also told him that amputation after foot infections are a lot more common than most people realise. “It is something to be aware of, so if you do cut yourself, make sure that it doesn’t become infected. The people at The Royal Adelaide Hospital were terrific, as was my GP. Limbs 4 Life helps me to give others who are going through amputation a bit of insight and practical help with things like prosthetics. I’ve been very lucky not to have experienced any phantom pain since having my amputation.”