Colorado dad-of-two has both feet amputated and nose mummified after FLU led to near-deadly sepsis
A man in Colorado had both hands and feet amputated after contracting the flu, which led to near-deadly sepsis.
Josh Meyer found himself alone with his two young children in February when he contracted the flu. Initially, he shrugged it off, but as his condition worsened, his wife, Courtney, returned from a business trip to a critical situation. Recalling the moment, Mr. Meyer told CBS Colorado, "I was blue. I was talking incoherently and then I looked at her and I said, 'I think I'm dying.'"
Soon after, he was rushed to the hospital, where doctors discovered that the flu had progressed to streptococcus pneumonia, a severe bacterial infection that triggered sepsis. Sepsis, an aggressive immune reaction, can cause the body to attack healthy tissues and organs, leading to multiple organ failure.
Due to the severity of his condition, Mr. Meyer's heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys began shutting down. Doctors had to resort to amputating both legs and are planning to amputate both hands as well.
Sepsis affects around 1.7 million Americans annually and is a leading cause of hospital deaths, claiming about 350,000 lives every year in the US alone. Despite its prevalence, awareness about sepsis remains low, with many Americans unfamiliar with the condition.
Sepsis is challenging to diagnose early as its symptoms can resemble the flu. It requires prompt treatment, and delays can significantly increase the risk of death. Unfortunately, the US lacks a cohesive national protocol for sepsis, contributing to gaps in care and delayed interventions.
Dr. Steven Simpson, a leading expert on sepsis, emphasizes the urgent need for national action to improve sepsis diagnosis and treatment. He advocates for hospitals to establish sepsis committees and quality improvement programs to enhance readiness in spotting and managing sepsis cases.
Mr. Meyer acknowledges the critical role his medical team at the University of Colorado Hospital played in saving his life. Despite the challenges ahead, including learning to adapt to life without hands, he remains resilient and determined.
The Meyer family has set up a GoFundMe page to help cover medical expenses, and Mrs. Meyer expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support they've received, emphasizing Josh's courage and fighting spirit in the face of adversity.
