An Edinburgh mum was forced to have eight of her fingers amputated after a mystery illness caused them to turn black and her organs to shut down.
Catriona Patterson, known as Tina, was rushed to the Royal Infirmary in March, a week after contracting Covid-19, with paramedics unable to find a pulse on her index finger.
Despite being fully vaccinated, the 51-year-old was suffering from fever-like symptoms, which she assumed was due to the effects of the virus.
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However, doctors informed Tina's loved ones that she may not actually survive the mystery disease that had taken over her body, and she was placed in intensive care.
Speaking to the Daily Record, mum-of-one Tina said she was shocked when she discovered just how ill she actually was.
She said: "I just thought I was still feeling the effects of Covid. I had only just had it, so I was blaming my symptoms on that.
"I never for a second expected it to be as bad as it was.
"I had been feeling exhausted and in pain for several days. My feet were absolutely freezing and I was so uncomfortable.
"When I finally went to the hospital, one of the things I remember is the pain I felt in my fingers.
"I remembering asking the nurse to cut them off or knock me out because I couldn't take it any longer.
"It was shortly after this that I took a turn for worst. My organs were completely closing down and doctors thought I was going to die."
Despite thorough tests and investigations, doctors were still unable to tell Tina, a school support assistant, exactly what was the cause of her unknown illness.
They said her blood had began clotting and blood supply to her limbs and organs had been restricted.
She added: "They don't actually know. They have told me it could have been a virus which was kick started by Covid, but again they aren't 100 per cent sure."
Since falling ill, Tina has had four blood transfusions, has received dialysis on her kidneys and has also had to inject herself with blood thinning medication daily.
Earlier this month doctors amputated eight of Tina's fingers after the tips of them turned black due to the lack of blood supply.
She may also have to have four of her toes removed as doctors fear they may fall off due if they don't operate.
Speaking about her amputations, Tina said she is devastated that she will now be disfigured and disabled for the rest of her life.
She said: "It's hard to describe how I'm feeling right now. What's happened was so unexpected and all happened so fast.
"Obviously I'm gutted at the situation and totally devastated that I'm going to be disabled and disfigured forever.
"The thought of people looking at me and staring at my hands everywhere I go is horrible and I think I'll really struggle with it, but I'm trying to stay positive.
"Right now I'm just happy to be alive and that I pulled through all of is. My recovery is going to be long, but I'm trying to stay positive."
Tina's friend Lisa Haydon has set up a fundraiser to help her pal and her family recover from the shocking revelation.
Lisa said: "Tina and Stuart are genuinely lovely people. She nearly died as she was so dismissive of it and now she's lost eight fingers and waiting for toes to fall off.
"How do you pick yourself up and carry on? She needs assistance and people are kind - she felt it was like begging but it is not.
"If someone can donate theatre tickets or an aid to help her around her home, it would be wonderful and so appreciated by this gorgeous couple!
"They are so loved by friends and family, I just wanted to get them any help out there."
Tina added: "The support I've received since I fell unwell has been overwhelming. People have been so generous and kind. I'm so grateful for all the well-wishes, donations and help my family have received.
To donate click here.
