20-Year-Old Thought He Had the Flu, but It Was Sepsis — and Both Legs Were Amputated 2 Days Before His Birthday

Title: Young Man’s Battle with Sepsis Leads to Leg Amputations

Levi Dewy, a 20-year-old from Derby, England, recently underwent a harrowing experience that has changed his life forever. Initially mistaking his symptoms for the flu, Levi was later diagnosed with sepsis, a life-threatening infection that led to the amputation of both his legs. The ordeal began in December 2022 when Levi, described as fit and healthy, started experiencing breathing difficulties and flu-like symptoms, prompting his mother, Lara, to rush him to Royal Derby Hospital.

At the hospital, Levi was diagnosed with pneumococcal pneumonia, a serious bacterial lung disease that soon resulted in sepsis and multiple organ failures. Sepsis is a severe condition where the body’s response to infection is abnormal, potentially leading to septic shock and organ damage. Levi’s health rapidly deteriorated, necessitating his transfer to Glenfield Hospital in Leicester, where he was placed in a medically induced coma and supported by an extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) machine.

Facing a mere 30% chance of survival, Levi’s parents were devastated by the severity of his condition. In a desperate bid to save his life, Levi underwent surgery to amputate both legs below the knee just two days before his 21st birthday in January 2023. This life-altering decision was necessary to combat the raging infection and give Levi a fighting chance at recovery.

Upon waking from surgery, Levi struggled to come to terms with his new reality. The loss of his legs meant relearning even the simplest of tasks, from getting dressed to driving. Despite the immense challenges he faced, Levi exhibited resilience and gratitude for being alive. His father, Neil, now aims to raise awareness about sepsis by sharing their family’s journey and highlighting how the illness can affect even young, healthy individuals.

Sepsis is often underestimated in younger people due to their robust immune systems, which can mask the warning signs until the condition escalates rapidly. Neil emphasises the importance of recognising the symptoms early to prevent situations like Levi’s. Despite the profound impact of sepsis on Levi’s life, he remains optimistic about the future, buoyed by the unwavering support of his loved ones and a newfound appreciation for each day. Levi’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the insidious nature of sepsis and the need for greater awareness and vigilance in recognising its symptoms.