“From ICU to Hope: Manjit Singha’s Fight Against Sepsis, after Losing Her Limbs but Not Life.”

The story of Manjit Sangha, a 56-year-old Indian-origin woman living in England’s West Midlands, is a powerful reminder that even a small infection can become life-threatening if sepsis develops.

After months of critical illness, multiple surgeries, and limb loss, Manjit survived against the odds. Today, her journey is not only about recovery but also about raising awareness of a medical emergency that many people fail to recognize in time.

How the Illness Began

In July last year, Manjit returned home from work feeling unwell. What initially symptoms appeared to be a mild illness worsened overnight. By morning, she was unconscious, struggling to breathe, and showed alarming symptoms:

• Ice-cold hands and feet

• Purple lips

• Severe weakness

• Altered consciousness

Doctors later suspected that the infection may have entered her body through a small skin bruise, possibly after contact with her pet dog’s saliva. While this remains unconfirmed, it highlights how even minor wounds can allow bacteria to enter the bloodstream.

Hospital Admission and Medical Investigations

Manjit was rushed to hospital and admitted to intensive care. Doctors performed several emergency investigations, including:

• Blood tests showing severe infection

• Imaging studies to assess organ damage

• Coagulation tests revealing abnormal clotting

• Kidney function tests indicating organ failure

She was diagnosed with septic shock, a severe form of sepsis that leads to dangerously low blood pressure and organ failure.

Her condition was further complicated by Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC) — a rare but critical disorder where widespread blood clotting disrupts circulation and damages tissues.

Critical Illness and Complications

During intensive care, Manjit’s condition remained unstable:

• Cardiac arrest occurred six times

• She required life support and mechanical ventilation

• Dialysis was started due to kidney failure

• Doctors placed her in an induced coma

Poor blood circulation caused irreversible tissue damage in her limbs. To save her life, surgeons performed amputations:

• Both legs below the knee

• Both hands

The surgeries were medically necessary to stop infection spread and prevent further organ failure.

Recovery and Emotional Impact

Despite a grim prognosis, Manjit survived. Her recovery journey has been physically and emotionally challenging, involving:

• Long-term rehabilitation

• Physiotherapy

• Mental health support

• Adjustment to limb loss

Her husband became her primary caregiver, leaving work to support her recovery.

Financial Burden and Fundraising Efforts

Serious illnesses often bring significant financial stress. Friends and family organised a fundraiser to help Manjit and her husband rebuild their lives. Over £30,000 was raised to support:

• Advanced prosthetic limbs

• Home modifications for accessibility

• Rehabilitation and therapy

• Psychological support

Any remaining funds are intended for charities supporting amputees.

Understanding Sepsis: A Medical Overview

Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body’s response to infection becomes uncontrolled and starts damaging its own organs.

According to the National Health Service, early symptoms may be subtle but can rapidly worsen.

Common warning signs

• High fever or very low temperature

• Rapid breathing

• Confusion or slurred speech

• Extreme shivering or muscle pain

• Mottled or discoloured skin

• Severe breathlessness

• Reduced urine output

Septic shock can lead to organ failure and death if not treated urgently.

Precautions for People with Pets

Pets provide emotional comfort, but certain precautions help reduce infection risk, especially for people with weak immunity.

Recommended safety measures

• Clean and cover any cuts or wounds promptly

• Avoid allowing pets to lick open wounds

• Maintain pet hygiene and regular veterinary check-ups

• Wash hands after handling pets or cleaning litter areas

• Seek medical advice if a wound becomes red, swollen, or painful

• High-risk individuals (diabetes, elderly, immune disorders) should be extra cautious

It is important to note that pet-related infections are rare but possible.

Key Medical Lessons from Manjit’s Case

Manjit’s story highlights several clinical realities:

• Sepsis can develop rapidly from seemingly minor infections

• Early recognition saves lives

• Delayed treatment increases risk of organ failure and amputations

• Recovery involves long-term physical and psychological rehabilitation

• Serious illness often carries major financial and social impact

Conclusion

Manjit Sangha’s survival is remarkable, but her experience also underscores the devastating consequences of sepsis. Awareness, early detection, and prompt treatment remain the most effective ways to reduce complications and save lives.

Her journey serves as a reminder that no infection should be ignored, and medical attention should be sought when symptoms worsen rapidly.