Wendy Gillingham-Scott’s year-long battle with necrotizing fasciitis

When a Qld woman noticed a “pimple” on her neck, she never imagined it would nearly end her life and mark the beginning of a year-long battle with a flesh-eating bacteria involving more than 15 surgeries and multiple ICU stays.

Wendy Gillingham-Scott surrounded by her husband Mick and their three daughters at Christmas.

When Kingaroy woman Wendy Gillingham-Scott noticed a “pimple” on the back of her neck, she never imagined it would nearly end her life and mark the beginning of a year-long battle involving more than 15 surgeries and multiple ICU stays.

The experience has left her unable to walk.

At the beginning of June 2023, Ms Gillingham-Scott said she felt something unusual on the back of her neck.

“I thought it might be a bite or a pimple … the pain was insane,” she said.

As the days passed, the area on her neck became inflamed and the pain more severe so the mum-of-six sought medical attention, receiving antibiotics from doctors.

Wendy Gillingham-Scott the day before she was admitted to hospital.

However, as the 57-year-old’s condition worsened, the doctors told her she “urgently” needed to get to hospital.

Ms Gillingham-Scott was suffering from necrotizing fasciitis, a rare and severe bacterial infection that destroys tissue beneath the skin.

Wendy Gillingham-Scott during a prolonged hospital stay in Brisbane and Toowoomba hospitals because of a deadly flesh-eating bacteria.

Despite treatment, the disease has a high mortality rate, with one in three patients succumbing to it.

The infection typically occurs when bacteria enters a wound, such as from an insect bite, burn or cut.

She said she struggled to remember much of what happened in the months following her admission to Kingaroy Hospital.

“I remember I was told I had a 50 per cent chance of surviving,” Ms Gillingham-Scott said.

Wendy Gillingham-Scott’s wound after she contracted a deadly flesh-eating bacteria.

“I was ringing my children just to say that I love them and maybe goodbye.

“After that I don’t remember anything because I was put into an induced coma.”

She was then transferred to Toowoomba Hospital and then to Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane where the infection spread from her neck to her chest.

Wendy Gillingham-Scott at Princess Alexandra hospital.

“I was complaining that my breast was hurting, and there was a black spot under it. That’s when they realised what it was.

“They had to remove my right breast,” she said.

The infection was so severe that it exposed three of her ribs.

“They ended up having to take an inch of each of those three ribs because it had attached itself to the bone,” she said.

The damage to her neck was also so severe that hospital staff had to stabilise her head whenever they turned her over, as any movement could have been fatal.

She also underwent a tracheostomy, a procedure to aid her breathing, involving the insertion of a tracheostomy tube into her neck and windpipe.

Wendy Gillingham-Scott suffered from necrotizing fasciitis, an often fatal disease.

“I was told three times that I probably wouldn’t make it,” Ms Gillingham-Scott said.

“All I kept thinking was, I just have to fight. I wanted to be with my kids and my husband.”

Wendy’s situation was made worse by the heavy medication, which caused her to hallucinate.

“It was horrific. I was seeing demons running around everywhere,” she said with a laugh.

After about 15 surgeries, Wendy was transferred back to Toowoomba hospital in October.

However, her sternum caught another bacteria, creating a new life-threatening challenge.

“They thought that was going to kill me. I was on the very last antibiotic they could give me. It was my last chance,” Ms Gillingham-Scott said.

Incredibly, the antibiotics worked, but she has since contracted another infection in her leg that she is currently fighting.

“They said there’s a chance that takes me too or they might have to take my leg off.”

Throughout her ordeal, her husband Mick Scott has been a constant support and has been by her bedside every day.

“He even slept in his car at times just to be near me,” Ms Gillingham-Scott said.

Wendy Gillingham-Scott and her husband Michael Scott.

Their three adult children have been caring for their youngest, aged 12, allowing Mr Scott to support his wife.

The couple received help from a Toowoomba motel owner and a motel cleaner who provided accommodation for Mr Scott.

“We’ve been so blessed throughout this. I can’t even explain,” Ms Gillingham-Scott said.

Despite the horrific ordeal, she is still able to smile and laugh.

The only time Ms Gillingham-Scott became emotional was when speaking about the Toowoomba hospital staff.

“The Toowoomba hospital staff are incredible … they’ve been so kind, supportive, and encouraging,” she said through tears.

She said the cleaners and “wardies” would often walk by her room and encourage her to keep fighting.

“There are so many people I could thank if I could.”

Wendy Gillingham-Scott surrounded by her husband Mick and their three daughters at Christmas.

The disease has left Wendy unable to walk and she can no longer feel her feet, however, she remains determined to return home.

“I feel well enough to be home. They said I might have to be on antibiotics for the rest of my life, but we don’t know yet,” Ms Gillingham-Scott said

The Kingaroy woman’s home now requires significant modifications including a special bed, a regency chair, a hoist, a wheelchair and a suitable vehicle.

To assist with expenses, a GoFundMe page has been set up for anyone willing to help. Readers can find the link [here].

Originally published as Wendy Gillingham-Scott’s year-long battle with necrotizing fasciitis