John Middleditch was a builder who fell ill due to a mystery illness which was thought to have been the flu. At the time John was 47-years-old and he began to feel unwell. Within days he had lost all feeling in both his arms and legs and found they were turning black. His limbs were in fact being attacked by a flesh eating bug.
John's symptoms rapidly progressed and doctors announced that he had no chance of survival. John went on to suffer multiple-organ failure and he fought for his life while the bug destroyed his organs and limbs. John was helpless and blood poisoning soon set in.
Because of septicemia, John's surgeons were forced to amputate both of his arms and both of his legs to save his life, leaving John a quadruple amputee.
In spite of the horrific nature of his illness and the severity of the treatment required, John survived and now lives in Southampton with his partner and full-time carer, Rose Banks. Due to the incredible care and support John has received he is now walking again after being fitted with new prosthetic limbs.
John has said: 'It's been a long journey and I wouldn't have got through this without Rose - she's been my rock. After the operation I just couldn't move at all. I looked down and I saw I had no arms and legs. I thought "What's happened to me?"
Today John is able to walk freely without the need for additional assistance or a motorised wheelchair, and hopes to be able to return to his passion of gardening. Although he is still learning to cope and accept the challenges ahead, John went on to say: "You have to keep your chin up, smile and laugh daily and just accept what you are."
Specialist Personal Injury Partner Mark Bowman commented:
"Necrotising fasciitis is a horrendous infection and it is testament to the medical treatment he received that John is still alive. John's story is really quite remarkable and I hope that he is able to obtain the best possible prosthetic treatment available so that he is able to recommence his previous hobbies and start to enjoy life once again."
Original Story - Dailymail
Image Credit - Victoria Jones/Solent News