A 21-year-old man who was rushed to a hospital with flu had both of his legs amputated only days before celebrating his 21st birthday.
Levi Dewey had symptoms of flu and experienced difficulty breathing before he contracted sepsis – a life-threatening infection that triggers a chain reaction throughout the body.
According to reports, the young soccer player’s condition worsened and his body went into septic shock.
Levi was then diagnosed with multi-organ failure and it was soon discovered that he was suffering from influenza B and pneumococcal pneumonia.
According to reports, Levi’s family was told that he only had a 30 percent chance of survival.
“We were told fairly early on that Levi could potentially lose his legs and need an operation, we were prepared for this outcome if it was to save his life,” his mother, Lara Dewey, said.
“Obviously, it’s going to be life-changing for everyone, but this is something we can work through as a family and we have such a strong and positive support network. Levi has always had a positive mindset and his glass is always half full.”
Photos supplied to the news outlet Independent show Levi in critical condition in Royal Derby Hospital where he was receiving treatment for the life-threatening infection.
Levi was then transferred to Glenfield Hospital in Leicester where he got extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and also full organ support.
The 21-year-old was put into an induced coma and was gradually taken off of specialist equipment.
But because of the extent of the infection, he would need to have both of his legs amputated.
In a GoFundMe page set up to help Levi walk again, his family said that he was “optimistic about his future.”
“We want Levi to have the best possible quality of life as a double amputee and therefore want to raise money to help with his recovery and the move from hospital to home,” the page read.
“Later, once he has learnt to walk, we would like to provide him the best bespoke prosthetic legs so he is able to live as independent life as possible, enjoying the many activities he did before this tragic event changed his life forever.”
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