Docs had to amputate half my leg after Covid sparked life-threatening blood clot that turned my foot black

A COVID patient has revealed how catching the virus forced doctors to amputate half his leg after he developed a life-threatening blood clot.

Lee Mabbatt, 56, says he had been fit and healthy before contracting coronavirus at the end of October.

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The BT engineer, from Bournemouth, Dorset, was bedbound for around 10 days before noticing a sharp pain in his right foot.

Tests revealed a 6in blood clot in his thigh - which was stopping the blood supply to his ankle and foot.

An initial operation was carried out to remove the clot but no feeling returned to his right foot which started to turn black.

It was then decided there was no alternative but to remove his limb, with the procedure carried out on December 15.

'TAKE IT SERIOUSLY'

Lee is now urging people to "take the coronavirus seriously" for the coming months as the vaccine roll-out accelerates.

He said: "Before I got the coronavirus I was fit and healthy and never had to see the doctor.

"I suffered what felt like a bad flu and was bedbound for 10 days before starting to feel better.

"However, I had this agonising pain in my right foot so I called 111.

"They said to try paracetamol to ease the pain but it didn't work so after a few days I called the number again and they said to go to A&E.

The supply had stopped reaching my ankle and my foot slowly started to die

Lee Mabbatt

"Tests were done and I had a CT scan which showed a six inch blood clot at the top of my thigh.

"I was operated on immediately to remove the clot.

"After the operation I was in the Royal Bournemouth Hospital for 13 days to see if my blood supply would return.

"The supply had stopped reaching my ankle and my foot slowly started to die.

"My toes and foot turned black and the only option was to have an amputation.

"I was in so much pain it made a decision like that a lot easier than it would have been.

"I had the amputation on December 15 and was released from hospital eight days later.

"I should be walking again with a prosthetic in three months. I just want to walk my dogs and lead a normal life, but it is different now.

"I'm very lucky with what my life is like. I live in a bungalow and I can work from home whilst sitting in a wheelchair.

"It's not going to affect me as much as it has other people.

"Those who hold these (anti-lockdown) marches think they're invincible but this could easily happen to them.

"For these people, it won't be until it affects someone they know that they will realise how serious it is.

"You've got to take it seriously and keep your distance.

"All the hospital staff, the porters, nurses and doctors, have been absolutely magic and are risking their lives every day for us.

"The least we can do is try to stick by the rules while the vaccine is rolled out."