United States: An escalating trend of numerous amputations post-illness affliction is increasingly evident throughout the expanse of the United States. A recent instance surfaces from Colorado, where a resident endures the ordeal of multiple amputations following a bout of illness.
Not long ago, Joshua Meyer was celebrated as a fervent explorer, reveling in the myriad offerings of his dwelling in Boulder, Colorado. Yet, a sudden malady culminated in the forfeiture of his lower limbs and, subsequently, his upper extremities, as per reports from News Nation Now.
A devoted patriarch, he cherished the moments shared with his spouse and progeny.
“Nothing surpasses the intimacy of couch cuddles or the exuberance of roughhousing,” expressed Meyer.
In the early throes of February, with his spouse, Courtney, away on business, he remained at home with their children when affliction abruptly befell him.
“I summoned my mother-in-law to attend to the children, and with each passing day, my condition seemed to exacerbate,” recollected Meyer. “I was utterly incapacitated.”
Upon Courtney’s return, she ensured his seclusion in the basement, safeguarding the children from potential exposure. As she ascended to unpack and settle in, a sudden premonition compelled her to descend once more to ascertain his well-being, as detailed in reports by News Now Nation.
It was then that she apprehended the severity of the situation, surpassing her initial assessment.
“I was ashen,” recounted Meyer.
Though he retains no recollection thereafter, Meyer relayed his wife’s account of his delirious mutterings.
“Then, I articulated to her, ‘I apprehend my demise,'” recounted Meyer.
Promptly, Courtney transported him to a nearby medical facility. Initially diagnosing influenza, medical personnel administered fluids. However, his condition rapidly deteriorated.
“Organ failure ensued at an alarming pace,” disclosed Meyer, according to News Now Nation.
Subsequently, it was discovered that, in addition to influenza, he was besieged by streptococcus pneumonia and sepsis. He was subjected to extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, a life-preserving measure, and transferred to UCHealth Anschutz Medical Campus on February 10. Yet, even this transition was fraught with challenges.
“It unfolded amidst a blizzard,” noted Meyer. “Originally slated for aerial transport, they resorted to an ambulance due to the inclement weather.”
Following weeks of treatment, punctuated by intermittent periods of consciousness, his wife broached a profoundly difficult dialogue.
“She seated herself on the couch and conveyed, ‘You were abruptly stricken, teetering on the brink of mortality. We faced a dilemma: bid farewell or wage a battle. I presumed you would opt to fight and endure for our progeny. We chose to fight. You persevere today. You endure. But there was a cost,'” recounted Meyer.
That sacrifice entailed the amputation of one lower limb, with the imminent loss of the other earmarked for amputation. Furthermore, though presently intact, his upper extremities are slated for amputation within two months.
“That moment remains etched in my memory,” reflected Meyer. “Despite, perhaps, lacking lucidity amidst the process of cognitive convalescence,” as reported by News Now Nation.
The Meyer family now embarks on a daunting journey of recuperation, albeit punctuated by some glimmers of hope, including the unwavering support from hospital staff, acquaintances, and relatives, among others.
“What has proven to be profoundly humbling and unforeseen is the deluge of support from myriad unfamiliar countenances. These individuals, unknown to me,” remarked Meyer.
On March 17, his sibling, Kristin Meyer-Carter, initiated a GoFundMe campaign to alleviate medical expenses. Within a matter of days, an inundation of contributions surpassed the USD 100,000 mark.
“Every obstacle has been met with a fortuitous intervention precisely when it was indispensable. Undoubtedly, this is attributable, in part, to the collective support and well wishes,” asserted Meyer.
Having spent over a month at UCHealth Anschutz, Meyer has transitioned to a long-term acute care facility, facilitating his reintegration into normalcy.
Contemplating the options of hand transplantation versus prosthetics, he weighed the risk-reward equation and opted for the latter. While not economically viable — typically entailing costs in the vicinity of USD 150,000 — his family harbors aspirations that this decision will enable him to partake in activities he once relished.
Presently aspiring to return home by June, in time for his son’s birthday, Meyer eagerly anticipates expressing his gratitude to Courtney in a special manner.
“She has exhibited unwavering fortitude and resilience. Upon my discharge from the medical facilities and return home, she deserves a respite replete with massages and spa indulgences,” concluded Meyer.