Little-known sepsis symptoms as MP Craig Mackinlay loses limbs to killer illness (2024)

As Tory MP Craig Mackinlay opens up about having his hands and feet amputated, the Mirror takes a look at the sepsis symptoms that should prompt you to seek immediate help

As Tory MP Craig Mackinlay highlights the severity of sepsis after having both feet and both hands amputated, the Mirror takes a look at the warning signs that could save your life.

Feeling unwell one evening in September last year, the 57-year-old headed to bed early. The following morning, Mackinlay's pharmacist wife Kati began to realise something was terribly wrong after realising his arms were cold and she couldn't feel a pulse.

Mackinlay was then rushed to hospital, where within half an hour his skin had turned 'a very strange' shade of blue. Staff realised the South Thanet MP had gone into septic shock - the final, and most severe, stage of sepsis.

Sepsis is a rare yet serious condition that occurs when the immune system has an extreme reaction to an infection and begins attacking its own tissues and organs. Those whose condition progresses to septic shock will experience dangerously low blood pressure and potential organ shutdown.

The mortality rate for septic shock is approximately 30 to 40 per cent, as per the Mayo Clinic, and Mackinlay was given a frighteningly slim five per cent chance of survival. Devastated Kati was warned to prepare for the worst as her husband was placed in an induced coma that could last for 16 days.

After awakening from his induced coma, Mackinlay discovered his limbs had turned completely black, with a hard plastic texture he likened to that of a mobile phone. In a desperate battle to save his life, doctors had no choice but to amputate his hands and feet.

Opening up during an interview with BBC News, Mackinlay, who is today (May 22) returning to Parliament following his period of recovery, recalled that he hadn't been surprised to learn the amputations would take place. He remembered: "I haven't got a medical degree but I know what dead things look like. I was surprisingly stoic about it... I don't know why I was. It might have been the various co*cktail of drugs I was on."

He went on to reflect how he now feels 'extremely lucky to be alive', despite experiencing 'low moments'. 'Bionic MP' Mackinlay, who had to learn to walk all over again after having his prosthetics fitted, shared: "You're in the land of nod having a nice dream, and then you wake up and it's 'I haven't got any hands’. That is the realisation every morning.

"It's very easy to say - and I do try and stick to it - there's not much point moaning and complaining or getting down about the things you can't do. You've got to be cheerful and positive about things you can do and I find every day there's something new that I can do.”

Mackinlay is far from alone in experiencing such a horrifying ordeal. On a global scale, one in five deaths are associated with sepsis, and there are 13 key warning signs you need to look out for.

Although sepsis is life-threatening, it can be tricky to detect. Ensuring a quick diagnosis and treatment is crucial, however, when it comes to reducing the risk of multiple organ failure and even death. According to the NHS: "There are lots of possible symptoms. They can be like symptoms of other conditions, including flu or a chest infection. If you think you or someone you look after has symptoms of sepsis, call 999 or go to A&E. Trust your instincts."

Sepsis symptoms where people should seek medical help

• loss of consciousness
• severe breathlessness
• a high temperature (fever) or low body temperature
• a change in mental state – like confusion or disorientation
• slurred speech
• cold, clammy and pale or mottled skin
• a fast heartbeat
• fast breathing
• chills and shivering
• severe muscle pain
• feeling dizzy or faint
• nausea and vomiting
• diarrhoea

Sepsis occurs following infection complications, and that can be due to a variety of reasons. An infection is usually kept isolated to one place in the body - hence localised infection - thanks to our immune system. In order for this protective measure to work, however, white blood cells will need to travel to the infection site where germs can be destroyed. This results in inflammation, which helps fight the spread of infection.

Unfortunately, a weakened immune system or a particularly serious infection means an infection can spread to other areas of the body, resulting in widespread inflammation that can damage tissue and disrupt blood flow. This in turn can lead to a dramatic drop in blood pressure, preventing vital oxygen from reaching organs and tissues.

Although sepsis can be triggered by an infection anywhere in the body, the lungs, urinary tract, stomach and pelvis tend to be the most common infection sites.

Do you have a story to share? Email me at julia.banim@reachplc.com