A Scots woman who lost her legs after a failed suicide attempt has warned others 'not to go down the same path'.
Caryn Bryce, known as CJ, from Newtongrange in Midlothian, bravely told the Record how she had both legs removed from above the knee after an attempted overdose in November 2019.
The 32-year-old, who lives alone, passed out for 48 hours after taking a large volume of pills, causing the circulation to her lower half to cut off which triggered compartment syndrome - a condition which occurs when the pressure within a compartment increases, restricting the blood flow to the area and potentially damaging the muscles and nearby nerves.
In severe situations compartment syndrome can lead to kidney damage, which was sadly the case for CJ.
After two days asleep and curled up in a foetal position, CJ woke up and realised something was terribly wrong before calling for help.
She was raced to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary where doctors made the heartbreaking decision to amputate in a desperate attempt to save her failing organs.
Now she is bravely opening up on her horror experience to warn others fighting mental health battles to seek help instead of hurting themselves.
CJ said: “When I woke up after trying to overdose my legs were purple. I couldn’t feel them and I called for an ambulance.
“It was a blur but I remember being taken to hospital and told to sign a form so they could remove my legs.
“When I first looked under the covers after the surgery I just started crying.
“A lot of people don’t realise things like this can happen. These attempts can fail and things go wrong.
"I am missing out on a lot now and I am going to miss out on things in my future I could have done if I hadn't made this attempt on my life.
"I've struggled with mental health issues since I was a teenager and was feeling so low and hopeless when I attempted suicide.
"But I’m hoping that by sharing my experience I can help people and make them seriously think about getting help before going down the same path."
Now, CJ is trying hard to stay positive and adjust to her new lifestyle. She says that even as an amputee, she realises she 'still has a lot to live for'.
She said: “I’m up and down with my mood, but I am happy to be alive.
“My dad told me when he saw me in recovery and the doctors took the tube out my mouth, it was the best moment of his life.
"My family were so relieved.
“So what I would say to someone who is at a low point is to talk to someone.
“It doesn’t always work for everyone, so sometimes writing your thoughts down is better.
“It is just good to find something that works for you and can help get things off your chest.
“Now I am just focusing on showing people that you can still have no legs and have a good quality life.
“I also want people to realise the reality of what can happen when these things fail, it’s not worth it.”
These free helplines are there to help when you're feeling down or desperate.
Samaritans – for everyone Call 116 123 Email jo@samaritans.org
Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) – for men Call 0800 58 58 58 – 5pm to midnight everyday.
Childline – for children and young people under 19 Call 0800 1111 – the number will not show up on your phone bill.
You can also text Shout to 85258 for 24 hour support in a crisis.
