It was a series of terrible complications that cost him both his legs.As reported Le Mirrora young British man named Levi Dewey was forced to undergo a double leg amputation following contracting type B flu and pneumonia, which later turned into sepsis.
From influenza B to pneumococcal pneumonia
The athletic 20-year-old suddenly had to be rushed to hospital in Leicester on December 7 following seeing his flu escalate. The British newspaper specifies that he had only 30% chance of surviving before his condition deteriorates and suffer septic shock and multiple organ failure. After multiple examinations, doctors discovered that he had influenza B and pneumococcal pneumonia.
After seeing his condition worsening in the intensive therapy unit from Derby, the youngster was transferred from Royal Derby to Glenfield Hospital in Leicester to receive ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) and organ support. He spent 20 days on ECMO, including 14 in an induced coma. Levi Dewey was then phased off organic support and, following 31 days, unplugged from ventilator.
Amputation of both legs following sepsis
Problem, two days later, the sepsis he had contracted had become severe that the young man had to have both legs amputated below the knees on January 24. Amputation due to multiple complications. “We were told early on that Levi was in danger of losing his legs and having to undergo an operation, but we were prepared for this eventuality if it were to save his life”, explains to the Mirror Levi’s mother, Lara Dewey, 47. The mother of the young man remains positive despite everything and assures that the young will overcome this terrible ordeal thanks to his family. “It’s obviously going to be life changing for everyone, but it’s something we can overcome as a family and we have a strong, positive support network. Levi has always had a positive state of mind and his glass is always half full“.
Today his family raises money to help young amputee walk once more, and has already collected more than 70,000 lbs. “Initially we were looking to raise 10,000 pounds but as you can see that amount has been exceeded and the response has been hugely significant. It’s heartbreaking and moving and we are all speechless. It’s amazing to to see how friends, family, colleagues, communities and also strangers have supported this cause and shown their generosity,” Lara, a pediatrician, detailed to StokeonTrentLive.
70,000 books collected to help him equip his home
“To begin with, the money will be used to buy a wheelchair for Levi and improving their home, including installing ramps and showers. Once he is able to walk once more, we will consider him buy the best possible prostheses privately and any other equipment he will need,” she concluded. Anyone wishing to donate to the appeal can do so by visiting the page GoFundMe from Levi here.