Along with the typical high temperature, headache and cough, having achy muscles can be a key symptom of the flu.
And that’s all that Alex Lewis thought he had back in November 2013. But as things carried on for 10 days, he woke up on 17 November that year with severe pain, finding his skin had developed a worrying purple tint as he drifted ‘between awareness and consciousness’.
Of course, it became very clear that the dad from Hampshire did not just have the flu. Instead, the pub manager had developed a deadly infection that led to him needing all of his limbs amputated.
Alex was rushed to hospital where his health declined rapidly as his vital organs needed mechanical support. It was predicted that he had just a one percent chance of surviving the next three days.
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The medical team determined that Strep A was causing this, which is a common bacteria that can cause flu-like symptoms and usually aren’t serious.
But in Alex’s case, it developed into Toxic Shock Syndrome and led to septicemia – blood poisoning.
Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome can cause organ failure and tissue and limbs can become so infected they require removal to control the infection.
In the months that followed Alex’s diagnosis, doctors were unable to save his left arm above the elbow or either of his legs above the knee. And six months later, he also required amputation of his right arm below the elbow.
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The infection spread to Alex’s face and mouth, meaning he ended up needing facial reconstruction. But despite the estimation from hospital staff and the odds against him, the man survived this life-threatening infection.
The Alex Lewis Trust says while he faces a ‘challenging way of life’, his ‘remarkable spirit always shines through’.
“Alex continues to adapt because as his body changes over time he needs further, regular surgical revisions,” it adds.
And nowadays, over a decade since he contracted the infection, he shares updates on social media as a ‘quad amputee loving life and trying to make a difference’.
The dad uses prosthetics and has completed incredible rowing expeditions in an adapted boat.
In 2024, he rowed hundreds of miles of the ‘Pig to Pig’ challenge and has eve done a mega 36-hour expedition.
This year, he is doing the ‘ALNAR expedition’, the first North Atlantic crossing by a physically disabled person and the first attempt at the route in a 12-person ocean rowing boat. You can find out more about Alex and his challenges on his Instagram.
Always contact a medical professional if you have any health concerns.
Topics: Health
Jess Battison