THE FRIENDS of a man struck down by a devastating case of sepsis – which will see him lose his fingers and toes – have launched a £25,000 fundraiser plea to help him.
James Wood was struck by the deadly disease after a case of Strep A in February despite his youth and active lifestyle, and was rushed to the hospital after his skin turned yellow.
James from Matlock, Derbyshire was described by doctors as one of the “poorliest patients in the country” when he was placed in an induced coma after his organs began shutting down.
Despite the odds stacked against him though, James awoke from the coma without brain damage and is now back home where he receives regular visits from nurses.
Whilst he managed to battle off the disease, James’s fingers and feet were left blackened by the infection and his toes and fingers – and possibly feet – will now need to be removed.
Now, James’s friends have launched a GoFundMe campaign in an attempt to help him and his family financially.
Initially, James began to feel unwell on Sunday 26 February with flu-like symptoms and a sore throat.
After a while his illness worsened so with difficulties sleeping and feeling cold, he decided to run himself a warm bath in the early hours of monday morning.
Luckily, the sound of trickling water allerted James’s wife Linsey and she came into the bathroom to check-up on him.
After just one glance at her husband, she could see that his skin had turned a yellowish colour and immediately called 111 who sent an ambulance.
Once the ambulance arrived James was checked for sepsis and was immediately sent to Chesterfield Royal Hospital.
Linsey arrived with him at the hospital and was told by consultants that James was extremely poorly and that his body was shutting down on him.
He was experiencing multiple organ failure – his kidneys and liver had already stopped working and his blood pressure was dangerously low due to the sepsis – and his body was going into septic shock.
James’s family all rushed to be by his side and within hours of being admitted, he was put into an induced coma.
James’s organs were all being supported by machines; he was on a ventilator that breathed for him, dialysis to work for his kidneys and medication to support his blood pressure,
A liver transplant was being considered, however due to his body being so unstable and it being too much of a risk to transport him within the hospital, it was left to the machines to save him.
Amazingly, James awoke ten days later with no brain damage and breathing by himself.
The GoFundMe page created by ‘friends of Woody’ said: “Anyone who knows James (Woody) knows he has always been fit and athletic.
“Since hitting his 30s, he has continued keeping fit – enjoying family hikes, early morning runs and in more recent years cycling – thinking nothing of riding 30-50 miles on a Sunday morning.
“This page is an attempt by friends and loved ones to raise some money for him and his family.
“After spending a month in hospital, Woody is finally at home, but unfortunately – due to the severity of his condition – will lose fingers, toes and possibly his feet.
“It’s going to be a long road both physically and mentally, but we want to give him the best shot at getting back out there.
“Whether it’s physio, prosthetics, therapy or modifications to his home and exercise equipment which enable him to move around more freely, we want to help.
“Doctors and nurses did everything they could for him, with the term ‘We’re throwing the kitchen sink at him!’ being used regularly.
“They did everything they possibly could and as a result his life was saved. Gradually, after ten days of being on life support, day-by-day his body would begin to get stronger.
“He was weaned off the blood pressure support, the dialysis and eventually, following several sedation breaks – the ventilator.
“This was a huge moment as it meant family and friends could finally get some contact back from him.
“His eyes began to flicker and then blink; he raised his eyebrows. Each day, he was getting stronger and he was soon nodding his head, moving limbs and becoming more aware of the people around him.”
“Eventually, when James woke up he had no signs of brain damage and was strong enough to breathe by himself.
“After spending a month in hospital, James is now back at home with his family although remains sleeping downstairs and has regular visits from the nurses.
“The family were told that if James hadn’t been as young and fit as he was, he wouldn’t be here today,” continued his friends.
“Two years ago, he was diagnosed with a heart condition – cardiomyopathy (Laminopathy) resulting in him having an implantable defibrillator and pacemaker (ICD) fitted in December 2022.
“In the short period of recovery between having it fitted and contracting Strep A, he had worked hard to build his fitness back up – cycling 30 miles the Sunday before being rushed in.
“Due to the sepsis infecting his ICD, consultants agreed that there was no choice but to remove it.
“Luckily, the surgeon was able to do this during his month in hospital. Once his body is stronger – a new one will be fitted.
“Due to the severity of the sepsis affecting him and as a result of the medication used to save his life (the medication prioritised the blood flow to his vital organs) he has suffered damage to his hands and feet and he is likely to lose the majority of his fingers to his knuckles, toes and it is still a waiting game to see if his feet can recover.”
James’s wife Linsey added: “We honestly cannot thank everyone enough who has played a part in saving James’ life and his recovery.
“The NHS staff from the ambulance crew when they arrived (Fearn & Gary) – they were fantastic. To all the resus staff, the ITU nurses and doctors who were just a different level.
“They not only saved James’ life but they kept us all going too & supported us throughout his journey in intensive care.
“All staff who have continued with James’ rehabilitation from there on have also been amazing.
“We are just so overwhelmed with the care he has received. James is very optimistic about the future and grateful to be alive after all he has been through.
“He now has the chance to see his children grow up, which at the darkest of times we didn’t think would be possible.
“He is showing incredible positivity and is determined to carry on doing the things he loves to do.”
Over the next few months, James’s close friends and family will be embarking on various physical challenges in an attempt to raise further funds.
These challenges are being undertaken in the hopes that one day James can also participate again, with the hashtag #sowoodycantoo.
If you would like to donate to this cause please visit this link: https://gofund.me/a06d3475
