‘Cut off my legs’: Mother’s desperate plea to surgeons after crash leaves her in pain for years

By
Nick Enoch

Last updated at 5:41 PM on 14th February 2012

A mother-of-four who was seriously injured in a car crash
ten years ago has begged doctors to amputate both her legs saying she can
no longer stand the pain.

Kathy Gardener, 42, from Clase, near Swansea, said she had endured ‘ten years of hell’ following the crash – and agreed last year to have
her left leg amputated despite years of corrective surgery.

And now she wants the right one removed as well.

Her legs had been crushed by the car engine in the horrific accident – and although she was told she would never walk again,
three years later she dragged herself out of her chair.

Kathy Gardener, 42, from Clase, near Swansea, agreed last year to have her left leg amputated despite years of corrective surgery. But now she wants the right one removed as well

Kathy Gardener, 42, from Clase, near Swansea, said she had endured ‘ten years of hell’ following the car crash – and agreed last year to have her left leg amputated despite years of corrective surgery. But now she wants the right one removed as well

Ms Gardener had numerous follow-up operations
over the next decade but, last year, specialists agreed removal of her left
leg was the correct option due to her constant pain.

Speaking of her wish for the double amputation, below the knee, she said: ‘I
just cannot take this pain anymore.

‘I cannot remember the last time I slept
because it is so unbearable.

‘I said to the doctors, “I am in so much
pain. Would it not be better just to take them both off?”

‘I am a stubborn person and three years
later I taught myself to walk again.’

Specialist staff at Morriston hospital, in Swansea, said they have offered Ms Gardener counselling on several occasions but she had not taken them up on the offer

Specialist staff at Morriston hospital, in Swansea, said they have offered Ms Gardener counselling on several occasions but she had not taken them up on the offer

A spokeswoman from Abertawe Bro Morgannwg
University Health Board, which has been responsible for her hospital
care, said: ‘In Ms Gardener’s case, amputation is not a straightforward
option.

‘She has been advised she has developed
arthritis in one of her legs and offered surgery to fuse a joint in the leg, to
alleviate the pain.

‘However, Ms Gardner is insisting on
having below-the-knee amputation of both legs.

‘She has been offered specialist
counselling on several occasions, but that offer has not been taken up.

‘Her consultant surgeon and the
multidisciplinary team at the Artificial Limb and Appliance Centre in
Morriston Hospital [in Swansea] have arranged to see Ms Gardner together on March 6 to help
make a decision and also to support her to get the best outcome if she does
have an amputation.

‘We have also involved other specialists
who will be able to provide support with the management of her mental health
condition, and also with pain management.’

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