Northern Beaches Hospital: Jason ‘Buddy’ Miller has hands amputated due to sepsis

A northern beaches man has spoken for the first time about having both his hands amputated after contracting two deadly infections that led to gangrene. SEE THE VIDEO INTERVIEW.

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Just a few days after his hands were amputated Jason Miller — known as Buddy to his mates — had his arms in the air and a big smile on his face.

The 48-year-old single father was celebrating after a successful three hour operation at Northern Beaches Hospital on Friday.

Next he faces the amputation of both feet. And, he can’t wait. He wants to get on with his life.

Buddy Miller in the Intensive Care Unit at Northern Beaches Hospital in Frenchs Forest. Buddy is recovering after having both of his hands amputated following sepsis, which nearly took his life. Picture: Jordan Shields.

Both his hands and feet suffered dry gangrene after he contracted two infections which developed into severe sepsis, which started with a simple sore throat.

Doctors said it was just bad luck and it could have happened to anyone.

After arriving at the Emergency Department on October 31 with flu-like symptoms, he collapsed. Doctors and nurses needed to resuscitate him and fought long and hard to keep him alive over several days.

Jason 'Buddy' Miller, 48, of Queenscliff, survived severe sepsis, but will lose both his hands and his feet. Pictured in ICU at Northern Beaches Hospital. Picture: Supplied.

Despite his traumatic change of circumstances, the Manly Ferry worker’s attitude has been inspirational.

“I find it easy to be positive,” Mr Miller told the Manly Daily.

“It’s happened, so I just want to get on with the operations and get on with my life.

“I could have died. So, this is a much better result.”

Mr Miller saw his arms without the bandages for the first time on Tuesday morning.

“They looked weird at first but I told myself to get over it,” he said. “When I lift my arms they also feel ridiculously light.”

At work on the Manly Ferry. Jason 'Buddy' Miller, 48, of Queenscliff, has worked on the ferry for 10 years and is a well-loved member of the team. Picture: Supplied.

Jason 'Buddy' Miller, 48, with his daughter Jhayda, 7, before he suffered severe sepsis. Picture: Supplied.

Mr Miller said he was looking forward to getting some prosthetics so he can “grab things” again and not have to rely on people to wipe his nose.

Most of all he wants to be able to pick up his daughter Jhayda, 7.

“When I get strength in my arms and new hands and everything, I’ll be able to pick her up properly,” he said.

“Give her a hug like good daddy’s do for their little daughters.”

Jason 'Buddy' Miller of Queenscliff at Northern Beaches Hospital. As a result of sepsis he will lose both his hands and feet. Picture: Supplied.

Mr Miller said in the next operation doctors expect to amputate below both knees.

There is a slim chance that the skin underneath the gangrene will be healthy and if that is the case they may be able to save part of his feet.

However, he said it might just be better to have them both off.

Once the amputations have been done Mr Miller will go to the Prince Of Wales Hospital for prosthetics and physiotherapy.

He’s inviting everyone to the Hotel Steyne on February 4 where a Superbowl fundraiser is being held for him.
“The hospital is letting me have a day out and I’m going straight to the pub,” he laughed.

Mr Miller will be there from 12.30pm, where he plans to have a beer and thank supporters.