A father, often hailed as a “superhero,” faced a life-altering situation after what he assumed was a common cold turned out to be a severe case of sepsis. Mathew Hicks, residing in Turriff, Aberdeenshire, initially treated his symptoms with paracetamol when he developed a fever in March 2023. Subsequently, his condition worsened, leading his wife Rachael to seek emergency medical assistance. Paramedics rushed Mathew to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, where doctors diagnosed him with sepsis, Strep A infection, and pneumonia in his right lung.
As Mathew’s organs started failing, he was placed in an induced coma to fight for his life. Upon awakening two weeks later, he received the devastating news that due to the loss of circulation in his feet, both legs required amputation below the knee. Despite the shock, Mathew accepted the situation, understanding the severity upon seeing the condition of his feet.
The family, particularly Mathew’s three-year-old daughter Evie, endured a challenging period as he spent seven weeks in the hospital. Rachael, recalling the ordeal, expressed disbelief at the sudden turn of events, as Mathew, typically healthy, had only displayed symptoms of a cold and high temperature.
Doctors resorted to using an ECMO machine, a life-support system that assists with heart and lung functions by external blood oxygenation, in a last-ditch effort to stabilize Mathew’s condition. Although he eventually pulled through, the necessity of amputation added to the family’s distress.
After spending 12 weeks in the hospital, Mathew was finally discharged and returned home. However, the severe sepsis resulted in a heart condition, reducing his heart’s capacity to 34%. The long-term implications remain uncertain, but the family remains positive as they face the challenges ahead.
Expressing relief at being back home, Mathew acknowledged a shift in perspective post-illness, emphasizing the importance of cherishing life and family time over work commitments. Despite the hurdles ahead, the family remains hopeful for the future.