A man described by doctors as the UK's "sickest patient" is getting both his legs amputated after catching flu and sepsis. Levi Dewey will undergo the life-changing surgery just days before his 21st birthday.
The 20-year-old is set to have the operation later this month after he contracted a form of flu, pneumonia and later sepsis. Levi’s family claim doctors told them he was at one point he was amongst the sickest patients in the country and he was given just a 30 per cent chance of survival.
Prior to his diagnosis, Levi lived an active and fun lifestyle and played football for Willington FC. Derbyshire Live reports this all changed last month when he was taken to Royal Derby Hospital with flu-like symptoms and breathing difficulties.
His condition deteriorated and the footballer went into septic shock and had multi-organ failure. Doctors then discovered that he was suffering from influenza B and pneumococcal pneumonia.
Levi’s mum, Lara Dewey, said: “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. 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.”
After taking a turn for the worse in an intensive therapy unit, Levi was transferred to Glenfield Hospital in Leicester to receive ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) and full organ support. He spent 20 days on ECMA, 14 of which were in an induced coma.
The 20-year-old was then was gradually taken off organ support and, after over a month, he was taken off a ventilator. Earlier this month, Levi was moved back to Royal Derby Hospital for ongoing care.
However, on January 11, he was informed that due to the severity of his sepsis, he would need below-knee amputation on both of his legs. Following the news, his family are fundraising to help the youngster walk again.
The support they have received on their GoFundMe page so far means that have already had donations totalling to over £47,000. Lara said: “Initially, we were looking to raise £10,000 but as you can see this has been exceeded and the response has been extremely overwhelming.
“It’s overwhelming and emotional and we are all speechless. It’s amazing how supportive friends, family, colleagues, communities and also strangers have been towards this cause and also their generosity.
“Initially, the money will be used to buy Levi a wheelchair and for home improvements, including ramps and showering facilities. Once he’s able to walk again we will look at buying him the best prosthetic limbs possible privately and any further equipment he will need.”
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