Kentucky quadruple amputee nurse, 41, bravely shares new update as she begins therapy just weeks after waking up from routine kidney stone surgery that left all four limbs gone
A Kentucky nurse who woke up after routine kidney stone surgery to discover she had undergone a quadruple amputation has given a challenging update on her road to recovery.
Cindy Mullins, 41, mother of two young boys, lost her legs and arms after becoming septic when she was hospitalized for kidney stones last month.
In a GoFundMe set up to help her family with the “overwhelming” costs of her therapy, a fundraiser organizer said she is “one day closer to the finish line.”
Despite the life-changing surgery coming out of nowhere, the mother says she is seeing the bright side after the procedure saved her life. LEX18: 'I'm just so happy to be alive. I get to see my children. I get to see my family. I can spend my time with my husband. Those are small things right now.”
Cindy Mullins (right, pictured with her husband DJ and two young sons) has inspired many with her positive response to losing her limbs out of nowhere, saying she is 'so happy to be alive'
The mother-of-two shared a challenging update as she begins her road to recovery, saying she's 'one day closer to the finish line'
Mullins was seen grimacing as a therapist lifted her leg, in an update shared on the day she started her physical therapy
Mullins has seen an outpouring of support following her brush with death, with many inspired by her positive outlook on adversity.
After starting physical therapy this week, in her latest update she was helped by a nurse while she was sitting up.
In another image, the mother grimaced as a therapist lifted her leg, before lying on her stomach with her amputated arms still wrapped in medical mesh and supports.
The fundraiser has given her supporters several insights into her painful rehabilitation, with an earlier update from the day she started therapy on January 2 stating that she was 'so excited' to get started.
The next day a message read: “Cindy had another great day of therapy. She also had a wonderful visitor who brought her delicious sweets. Let's pray that every day gets a little better.'
While she says she's just grateful to be able to spend more time with her family, Mullins was also pictured being fed by her young son and beaming as she was visited by friends.
The mother described the factors that led to her predicament as a “perfect storm,” which began when she developed kidney stones several weeks ago.
She went to hospital for treatment for the painful illness, but the kidney stone became infected and Mullins quickly became septic.
She was initially rushed to Fort Logan Hospital in Stanford before being transferred to UK Hospital in Lexington, where she was sedated for several days.
When she woke up, she was stunned to discover that doctors had no choice but to remove her limbs to save her life.
Mullins has seen an outpouring of support following her brush with death, with many inspired by her positive outlook on adversity
A GoFundMe has raised more than $200,000 for the loving mother, who described her as a “sweet, caring, courageous and beautiful young lady who recently experienced a life-changing tragedy.”
Mullins shared a touching photo of her youngest son helping to feed her
Mullins revealed the moment she learned about the quadruple amputation: “The doctor I was working with said something like, 'This is what they had to do to save your life.' This is what happened. ''
When asked how she stayed optimistic, Mullins said, “I just said these are the cards I've been dealt, and these are the hands I'm going to play.”
She said she was overwhelmed by the outpouring of support, saying there were at one time more than 40 people waiting for her at the hospital.
“The calls and the texts, the prayers and the things people have sent. The little words of encouragement,” she added.
“I just can't believe people would do things like that for me,” Mullins said while in the hospital.
Her fundraiser has raised more than $200,000 at the time of writing and was set up by her friend Heather Beshears, who praised the doting mother.
“(Cindy) is a sweet, caring, courageous and beautiful young lady who recently experienced a life-changing tragedy that will leave her a quadruple amputee,” she wrote.
“Cindy and her family will need to make some adjustments to their home to accommodate Cindy's needs, as well as her prosthetics and adaptive equipment.
The 41-year-old nurse is pictured being kissed by her sister and girlfriend. Mullins has been transferred to Cardinal Hill Rehabilitation Hospital in Lexington, Kentucky, as she continues her therapy
Mullins was initially hospitalized alone with kidney stones, but her condition quickly deteriorated after the stones became infected and she was forced to undergo the dramatic surgery.
“The cost of all this can be overwhelming. We started this fundraiser because we want to support our hero Cindy, as well as her husband DJ, who has been by her side every step of the way.
'Cindy and DJ have two young children who miss their mother and father terribly. Sometimes life is hard and you can't ignore it.
'Cindy and DJ's world has come to a complete standstill, but the world around them continues to move forward. Let's help lighten their burden as they heal and rebuild their lives. We hope that Cindy can concentrate on her recovery.'
Mullins' sister Luci Smith previously thanked people for their “support, love, prayers, cards, food and visits” and said Mullins would soon be moving to Cardinal Hill for a few weeks.
She said: 'We would like to thank everyone again for all the support, love, prayers, cards, food and visits (her favourite). You guys are awesome.
'In the next few days we will be moving to Cardinal Hill for a few weeks and then come back for what will hopefully be her final operation.
“Every day is a blessing from God and we will continue to praise him for the miracles he has performed. Today she was allowed to leave the room and we ventured outside for some fresh air. Keep praying and she will keep fighting until we finally get home.”