A DIABETIC man who had to have his leg amputated is making a rapid return to normal life thanks to his positive attitude and the support of staff at Basildon Hospital.

David Sach, 61, from Corringham, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetesm which runs in his family, at the age of 20.

He had successfully managed the condition until five years ago, when he developed a diabetic ulcer after treading on a rusty nail.

While foot ulcers can happen to anyone, the skin of people with diabetes does not heal properly because of nerve damage caused by fluctuating blood sugar.

David was forced to have part of his foot removed, and had to wear a special boot.

Within a year his foot became seriously infected.

David said: “I had been feeling so unwell I knew something was badly wrong. Every bone in my foot was infected. I spent three months in hospital, and was offered more surgery and a skin graft, but the doctor said they could not guarantee it would solve the problem, so I decided to opt for an amputation below the knee.”

The operation was carried out in May this year.

David was placed under the care of the amputee rehabilitation team at Basildon Hospital.

He attended sessions at the hospital, in Nethermayne, twice a week, and carried out exercises recommended by therapists at home.

Physiotherapist Laura Jones said: “David was a model patient and progressed very quickly. He always worked hard, and was proactive about asking what more he could do. His positive attitude really helped his treatment.”

After two months David was fitted with an artificial leg, and he has now returned to his job at a supermarket in Corringham.

He said: “After I made the decision to have my leg amputated, I wondered if it was the right thing to do, but it definitely was. I am free from infection, back at work and we are planning our first holiday in five years. It was very hard on my wife, she had to give a lot of things up, or go out alone, but now we can do things together again. The dog is also happy, I can now do everything that I did with two legs, including taking him for walks.

“The more you put into your recovery, the better you get on. The therapists ask people after an amputation what their goals are. I said I wanted to be back at work within six months, and I did it in half the time. I took the attitude I wanted to get my life back.

“I would say to people with diabetes, please treat it seriously and always attend your medical appointments because the complications can be life-changing.”