Kentucky woman who lost all four limbs after kidney stone surgery refuses to despair, shares inspiring message

A Kentucky mother of two went to the hospital last month to receive what she figured would be a routine treatment for a kidney stone. Lucinda Mullins, 41, ultimately ended up losing both legs and both arms from the elbows down.

Despite the great misfortune that has befallen her, Mullins has not succumbed to despair. Rather, she has exhibited great perseverance and optimism, focusing on the blessings in her life.

Mullins, who has served her community as a nurse for nearly two decades, told WLEX-TV that after getting treatment for her kidney stone last month, the mineral deposit got infected, resulting in her, in turn, becoming septic — what she referred to as a "perfect storm." She was first rushed to Fort Logan Hospital in Stanford, Kentucky, then taken by ambulance to UK Hospital in Lexington.

Mullins spent days sedated in the hospital until being awoken to learn that she had to have all of her limbs amputated. The alternative was likely death.

"I've lost my legs from the knees down bilaterally, and I'm going to lose my arms probably below the elbow bilaterally," Mullins said. "The doctor I used to work with, he kind of was like, 'this is what they had to do to save your life[;] this is what's happened."

Mullins apparently took the bad news in stride, leaning into her faith and family.

"I just said these are the cards I've been dealt, and these are the hands I'm going to play," Mullins told WLEX. "I'm just so happy to be alive. I get to see my kids. I get to see my family. I get to have my time with my husband."

Mullins noted that if "one person from this can see God from all this, that made it all worth it."

On New Year's Day, Mullins was transferred to Cardinal Hill Rehabilitation Hospital in Lexington to begin her rehabilitation.

At the hospital, her youngest son helped feed her.

At the time of publication, the GoFundMe campaign created for Mullins' medical needs, prosthetics, and adaptive equipment had raised over $183,300 towards its goal of $250,000.

Extra to financial support from friends and strangers alike, Mullins told WLEX she has been overwhelmed by in-person visits and support.

"At one time, I think they told [me] 40 people were in the waiting room here. The calls and the texts, the prayers, and the things people have sent. The little words of encouragement," said Mullins. "I just can't fathom that people are doing things like that for me."

While the nurse from Kentucky has a marathon ahead of her in terms of rehab and therapy, she shared counsel for others sprinting through life: "Slow down. Appreciate the things around you, especially your family. It's OK to let people take care of you."

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