I’ve always wondered why I caught necrotizing fasciitis

Hi my name is Wayne and I was 32 at the time of my  experience of necrotizing fasciitis.

Here I share my diary with you.

Predisposing factor Strep A throat.  3^rd March 2011.

Admitted to hospital that day as my condition had dramatically worsened. By the 5^th March I had been placed on a ventilator. 6^th March Feeling very frustrated and I cannot communicate even by writing on paper. 15:15 had debridement surgery to both arms and some muscle removed on my right arm.  This was serious how on earth can a sore throat develop into a life threatening illness.  More surgery at 18:30.

Am I going to die?

The doctor’s inform my family that they can not offer any re-assurance as the next 24 hours are critical between life and death.

By now my right leg is very swollen and red and I was taken down for 4 1/2 hours of surgery again on 7^th March. Further debridement in both arms right leg and foot. 8^th March my family informed that necrotising fasciitis is not following a normal pattern (how can all this be normal))?.

How many operations will I need?

So my situation is an hour by hour curfew. Even though I was still unconscious on the 9^th March my foot was looking better. My temperature was extremely high and staff were placing cold towels on me to cool me down. I just kept thinking how and why did I get necrotizing fasciitis.

10th March further surgery

11^th March  Still unconscious

12^th March   Doctors have concerns that I am at risk of pneumonia and may need a tracheotomy. As now 9 days and still unconscious

13^th March a further 3 hours of surgery and no more infected areas, wounds closed and applied skin grafts. Lift sedation and taken off life support. Removed ventilator at 16:00 hrs

17^th March can now see more visitors

My wound recovery starts …what a very very tough journey this has been and is never to be underestimated how a sore throat can develop so quickly into a life threatening situation.

Sum up:

10 days in ITU

4 visits to theatre

3 weeks in hospital

4 months period off work.

Please see below the devastation of my necrotising fasciitis experience.

Why did I get necrotizing fasciitis?

Seems I will never know. The explanation is that I was just unlucky and caught a very rare disease.

If you would like to know more about NF, please visit The Lee Spark NF Foundation’s website.