'We had lots of chat, jokes and laughs': Northampton woman opts for just an epidural as her leg is amputated

A grandmother who has spent eight years walking with aids is finally walking again with a prosthetic after opting to have her leg amputated with just an epidural as pain relief.

Clare Watts from Wootton fractured her foot in 2012 and was subsequently diagnosed with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), which completely changed her life and meant she was unable to walk unaided.

When amputation was first mentioned to the mum-of-one, she was horrified, but after years of operations and severe pain, Clare realised it was the best decision for her.After more than one postponement, due to the pandemic, Clare was finally able to have her leg amputated on August 25 this year at Northampton General Hospital.

But Clare, who used to work as a nanny before her original injury, opted for a lower form of pain relief than what is usually offered during an amputation.

The 49-year-old said: “I decided to opt to have my surgery performed with an epidural, rather than the traditional options of general anaesthetic.

“It was by far the best decision for me.

“I met both my vascular surgeon and anaesthetist on my admission and it was then that I took the plunge to ask the anaesthetist if it was possible to have my surgery performed with an epidural.

“I explained my reasons for favouring it and after listening he said we’d give it a try, but have general anaesthetic ready as a backup if needed.

“I was in theatre for around two hours in total. We had lots of chat, jokes, laughs and singing.

"It really was a very relaxed time for us all and it went perfectly.

“I was sat in recovery drinking tea and having a biscuit with my recovery nurse 15 mins later watching other patients arriving back from theatre, very confused, agitated and dozy, which highlighted perfectly that I’d made the correct decision for me.

“I felt like I was someone famous as everyone passed saying ‘wow did you really just opt to have your amputation awake?’

“I found it amusing that everyone was so shocked when it seemed a perfectly natural choice for me.”

Around three days into recovery on a ward, a blood clot in Clare’s leg was found, but with a dose of blood thinners, she was able to go home the following day.

At home, a practice nurse visits Clare twice a week to change her dressings.

She also works with a physio once a week and was able to take steps on crutches just three weeks after the amputation.

Clare added: “As my balance was good, the physio was happy for me to do a few steps.

“I was delighted at three weeks post-op to be walking on crutches with the leg frame.

“I went from strength to strength.

“I carried on with physio and as my stump shrunk and my confidence grew they chased up the limb centre to get me an appointment.”

Clare was assessed and told she was suitable for a prosthetic and was able to try it on for the first time in November.

By mid-December 12, Clare had progressed from walking with one crutch to just a walking stick.

Last week, the determined woman walked unaided, just four weeks after having her prosthetic fitted.

“I could have never dreamed this would have been possible so quickly after my surgery, so I was on top of the world,” Clare continued.

“I finally walked unaided for the first time in eight or more years. To say I’m over the moon is an understatement.

“It’s not all been plain sailing, I did have an infection in the wound, I did suffer with horrific phantom pains and still do, but they are managed by hypnosis now, which has brought so much relief.

“I am still on a cocktail of medications due to other medical problems, but being able to walk 16 weeks after my amputation is a dream come true and I turn 50 in January so I’m pleased to have reached my goal before then.”

Prior to her amputation operation, Clare set up a fundraising page to help her afford an electric wheelchair, which she is still using now as she is only able to walk on her prosthetic for around 20 minutes a day.

Once Clare can walk on her prosthetic leg more, she is planning to sell the wheelchair.

The money from the chair and any extra money raised from the fundraiser will be donated to CRPS UK and Jo’s Odd Shoes.

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