A mum from Swansea, Louise Marshallsay, shared her harrowing experience of battling sepsis, a life-threatening condition that led to the loss of all her fingers and toes. However, thanks to the remarkable skills of a specialist team at a Welsh hospital, Louise now has prosthetic fingers that have given her a new lease on life. Louise, who became critically ill in 2022, had to undergo multiple surgeries and faced various health challenges due to sepsis, which resulted in the amputation of her fingers and toes.
In July 2022, Louise found herself fighting for her life in intensive care after developing septic shock following a kidney stone episode. The condition led to tissue death and organ damage, necessitating the amputation of her fingers and toes. Despite the challenges she faced, Louise remained positive and grateful for being alive, stating that she could still celebrate important milestones like birthdays and holidays. She commended the professional and compassionate care she received at Morriston Hospital during her ordeal.
Following the amputation of her fingers, Louise expressed a desire for prosthetic replacements, which led her to the Maxillofacial Laboratory at Morriston Hospital. Over the next 11 months, a highly specialized team worked with Louise to create eight prosthetic fingers that closely resembled her real ones. The team faced unique challenges as they crafted silicone prostheses, considering factors like skin tone and fingernail details to make the fingers look as natural as possible.
Louise’s experience with the prosthetic fingers has been life-changing, as she can now perform tasks like holding a mobile phone. While the prostheses are primarily aesthetic and non-functional, Louise remains hopeful that with time and practice, she will be able to adapt and regain some level of functionality. The prosthetic fingers have provided her with a sense of normalcy and hope for the future, serving as a positive ending to her traumatic journey with sepsis.
The Maxillofacial Laboratory team at Morriston Hospital commended Louise for her resilience and attitude throughout the prosthetic creation process. They acknowledged the complexity of Louise’s case and the rewarding aspect of being able to help her reclaim a part of her life post-sepsis. Louise’s visits to the lab felt more like friendly catch-ups than medical appointments, highlighting the supportive environment created by the team during her prosthetic fittings.
Reflecting on her progress, Louise expressed gratitude for the care and support she received from the hospital staff, emphasising the significant milestones she has achieved since her battle with sepsis. Despite the limitations posed by the prosthetic fingers, Louise remains optimistic about her journey towards adaptation and learning new ways to navigate daily tasks. Her story serves as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of healthcare professionals dedicated to enhancing their patients’ quality of life.