December 2000 - July 2000

The NNFF guestbook is the heart of our foundation -- so many people have found kinship and support in each other! Please spend some time reading through the entries made throughout the past three years (click icon on right). Talk about your experience! Keep in mind that if you have an urgent question, you should email Donna or Jackie as we do not review the guestbook on a daily basis!	Click here
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Guestbook Archives: December 2000 - July 2000

I have put off sending this, but after reading of the Earvin Mayfield story, I thought I'd best send a blurb in. I, too, was diagnosed in July of 2000. I ate oysters at the beach (Myrtle Beach) on July 4th, and on July 6th came home from work feeling a little punk. That night, my fever reached 104, and I sat in the tub in ice and freezing water before going to bed to lower the fever. The next day, I went to the doctor who prescribed antibiotics. That night, too, my fever hit 104 and I was back in the ice tub. The next day I went to the hospotal in town for tests. They found nothing. I'll make this short. The hospital in my city had no one who had ever seen this disease, and they completely missed the symtoms I was experiencing. My right leg was swollen and discolored, and beginning to perforate near the ankle. My fever had been around 103-104 for three days. I hadn't eaten and couldn't walk. My fiancee insisted finally that they call around for another opinion, and they eventually found a doctor at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston who was familiar with the disease. I was life-flighted to Charleston where they debrided my leg after opening it up from the knee to the middle of the foot. I had a total of 5 operations, including skin grafts, and left the hospital after four weeks. I spent the next three months in therapy learning to walk again since most of the lower leg muscle was removed, and am now recovering and back at work. The Charleston doctors saved my life and my leg with their quick recognition of this bacteria and the immediate treatment. I'll always wonder if things might have turned out differently had my NF been diagnosed when I first went to the doctor, or even when I first went into the hospital??? I do, however, consider myself extremely lucky to be alive and to have both of my legs today, and I am so glad to have found this site.
Frank Aylward <fjgolf633@cs.com>
Sumter, sc USA - Wednesday, December 27, 2000 at 11:18:59 (EST)

Heard your comments about Diabetes and this desease.
William Masterson <WilliamBat@aol.com>
Alpharetta, GA USA - Saturday, December 23, 2000 at 17:28:16 (EST)

Just lost a friend (Stacy Maxwell Falgout) to NF this week after the birth of her 2nd beautiful daughter. Such a sad and seemingly unfair loss of such a young, beautiful, caring, friend/wife/mother.
Sara Ferguson <sarajo4189@yahoo.com>
St, Francisvill, LA USA - Friday, December 22, 2000 at 02:29:57 (EST)

Hello, I'm 29 years old and I'M a NF survivor. Next January 4th, I'll celebrate the second year anniversary of my NF with my 5 months old son. My son is my greatest victory of all. I decided that I was going to have a child on my hospital bed a little bit after my skin graft. NF made me realize that life is precious and I decided that I wasn't going to lose anytime. I got NF on my left shoulder, I was lucky, I only had 2 debridments and one graft but I went into a severe toxic shock. I spent 37 days in the hospital, 12 days into a coma. I got pregnant 10 months after the flesh eating bacteria and my family was a little bit scared because I have multiple sclerosis too. But anyway my MS seems like paradise after an NF. I was wondering is there any NF patients who has MS too. My neurologist think there may be a possible link between the the two.I will be happy to receive news regarding this fact. I was happy to talk to to you all. Joyeux Noël et Bonne année(I'M a francophone)
Marie-Elyse Dulude <me.dulude@sympatico.ca>
Montréal, Canada - Thursday, December 21, 2000 at 18:27:10 (EST)

I am a 14 year old freshman at Coppell High School in Coppell, TX. I visited this website to get information for a research project I wass assigned in my biology class. All I can say is "Wow." Though the pain and suffering these people go through is immense, their will to live is even greater. Every one of you who has contributed to this website is a role model for me. I am now trying to tell people about this disease so that they will be careful not to get it. Once again, God Bless all of you who are fighting this terrible disease, and don't stop fighting!
-Greg T.
p.s.-feel free to e-mail me! ghtepper@flash.net

Greg T. <ghtepper@flash.net>
Coppell, TX USA - Thursday, December 21, 2000 at 13:15:11 (EST)

Thank you for your website. I am glad to know someone is trying to get the information out. I have never known anyone to have this but I hope I never do either. I knew nothing about this disease until now and hopefully I could prevent myself or someone close to me from having it advance if ever contracted. I hope you are able to do more shows like on Coast to Coast the other night. It was a great show, hopefully longer next time. I work at a library and we did not have a copy of your book so I ordered one for our library and one for myself. I hope you keep spreading the info. Take care and god bless Angela Briggs.
Angela Briggs <arlainanoelle@collegeclub.com>
Minneapolis, MN USA - Tuesday, December 19, 2000 at 13:36:56 (EST)

I HAVE A FRIEND THAT HAD A BABY ON 12/16/00. TODAY 12/19/00 SHE IS IN THE HOSPITAL FIGHTING FOR HER LIFE BECAUSE OF THIS (NF). SHE IS A VERY PRECIOUS YOUNG LADY AND WE HOPE YOU ALL WILL PRAY FOR HER. THE NAME OF THE HOSPITAL IS (LANE MEMORIAL) IN ZACHARY, LOUISIANA. THANKS FOR ALL THE INFORMATION ON THIS SITE.
RONNIE DOUGLAS <RLDOUGLAS@STUPP.COM>
StFRANCISVILLE, LA USA - Tuesday, December 19, 2000 at 13:16:52 (EST)

This site has really helped me a lot on my health report.Thanks for having it up.My thoughts go out to all the people who have gone through this terrible disease.
Emily <Lunar_Wind06@hotmail.com>
Mt. Sterling, OH USA - Sunday, December 17, 2000 at 22:34:42 (EST)

Boyfriend lives in Moreno Valley, CA. Came down with NF. Spread through his neck and shoulders, surgically removed portions of his skin and tissues from these areas. Had no idea of this disease. Almost died. Healing process hard on him, goin in for skin graphs beginning Jan.5.
pam padilla <pamela904@cs.com>
denver, co USA - Sunday, December 17, 2000 at 16:55:31 (EST)

I am currently researching the disease. It was great to get a better understanding of the disease here. Best of luck with your foundation!!
Ashley Sparks <sparksy_1@goplay.com>
Crosby , ND USA - Sunday, December 17, 2000 at 15:00:21 (EST)

I want to lend all of my support to all of the nf suffers.
Ryan Ditchon
canada - Friday, December 15, 2000 at 16:59:11 (EST)

I am a survivor of NF. One of the lucky ones. I was diagnosed with cellulitis, which later evolved to the NF stage, at the end of June 2000. My regular physician could not detect NF at its early stage, as seems to be the recurring statement. A urologist diagnosed it immediately, as it was at a later stage (2 days later), and immediately sent me to the emergency room. The disease spreads like wildfire, and every hour is crucial. The staff tried to treat it with strong antibiotics, but it was taking too long and the condition did not improve much. After a couple of days, the doctors decided that it was time to operate and remove the dead skin. I also remember thinking that something has to be done soon, and gladly authorized my doctors to operate. I can honestly say that my doctors saved my life. They had the sense of urgency needed in this situation, understanding that time is of the essence. They were stunned that the after the first operation, the bacteria was still active and traveling to other parts of the body, which required a second operation. To make a long story short, after three operations(including one skin graft operation), three weeks in the hospital, and two months at home (rehab and alot of walking), I am back at work and happy to be alive.
If anything, this whole nightmare has helped me appreciate life more. To all the survivors, I would recommend not to look back at what happended. Do not question why it happended to you. Just go on with your life, skin grafts and all, making every day the best it can be. Remember, you are the lucky ones.

Ben Stein <szcruisers@aol.com>
Long Island, NY USA - Wednesday, December 13, 2000 at 01:13:24 (EST)

I just wanted to say that this site helped me with my reseach project. I picked Necrotizing Fasciitis for my microbiology paper and I had no idea what I was looking for and this web site helped a great deal. Thanks:)
Brooke King <aussie_nurse_2003@yahoo.com>
Beverly, Ma USA - Monday, December 11, 2000 at 16:00:38 (EST)

I too am a survivor and have learned a wealth of information from this website. My heart goes out to all families.
Jan <jdonelson@worldnet.att.net>
Las Vegas, NV USA - Saturday, December 09, 2000 at 19:19:01 (EST)

When I was 8 months old, I had ganegrene. I spent 3 weeks in the hospital around here. I had about every doctor around trying to figure out why I had it. They cured me and everything has been fine since. A couple of days ago, my father saw my doctor at a store around. The doctor recognized my father, since he had spent so much time near him. I am still known as the miricle baby when I go into his office. Well, the doctor told my dad that they now know what caused this problem. He told him that now they know that it was the flesh eating bacteria. Luckily, they knew how to treat this, because I was on the edge of leaving this world, only being 8 months old. They cured me before they even knew what was wrong with me. I agree that truely I am a miricle baby. Seventeen years later, I am now a high school senior in many activities, including National Honor Society. All I have in memory of this is a scar, which is in a place no one would ever be able to tell. I am truely lucky, and know that I am not alone in this.
Elizabeth McKinney <Lizard_eds@yahoo.com>
OH USA - Tuesday, December 05, 2000 at 12:49:03 (EST)

I'm glad that my teacher assigned me to do this project or I wouldn't of known that this bacteria ever existed.
Nikki <Luckyswan_2003@yahoo.com>
Jackson, WY USA - Monday, December 04, 2000 at 18:37:35 (EST)

So glad you are making people aware of this dreadful bacteria. I believe I wrote to you soon after my son, Jerry Axtell, died at age 58 on 9-28-00. Same story--flue like symptoms, etc. I think he might have gotten it from a knee surgery he had in June. You may ask me any other questions, if you wish.
Beth Duling <duling@napant.net>
Napa, CA USA - Saturday, December 02, 2000 at 16:58:13 (EST)

My son was just diagnosed with NF last week.
Ronald M. Peck Sr. <rontre@ados.com>
Rainier, Or USA - Saturday, December 02, 2000 at 11:48:23 (EST)

I survived an attack a year ago Last November. It took 12 surgeries over two weeks to stop it. I'm diabetic and got it from a boil in my groin. I had the lesser strain where it eats the flesh and leaves it in the body.
Thomas J Geib <Unkatom@Aol.com>
Tacoma, Wa USA - Friday, December 01, 2000 at 03:49:45 (EST)

PLEASE go to the chat room!!! every time i have tried to go there, it has been empty... this could be a great place for us to get together and heal, but only if we use it...
patti <mprodgers@telcomdc.com>
washington, dc USA - Tuesday, November 28, 2000 at 23:21:42 (EST)

Great information and stories an this site. It should be required reading for all emergency doctors. I have survived NF and survived it well. The first Doctor I encountered at the emerg told me to go home I had the flu, I refused to leave and 24 hours later they were doing the first of my 3 operations. Good luck to all and keep up the good work. I look forward to the chat on Saturday.
Jamesie Blackwell <martin.blackwell@sympatico.ca>
On Canada - Monday, November 27, 2000 at 17:41:42 (EST)

I HAVE BEEN OUT OF HOSPITAL FOR NINE DAYS AFTER CONTRACTING NF FROM A OPERATION TO HAVE AN HYSTORECTOMY WHICH I SHOULD HAVE ONLY BEEN IN HOSPITAL FOR FIVE DAYS I ENDED UP BEING IN FOR TEN WEEKS BECAUSE I CONTRACTED NF IN MY STOMACH AND MY ABDOMANAL WALL HAD TO BE CUT AWAY TO SAVE MY LIFE I WOULD LIKE TO TELL MY STORY WHEN I HAVE GOT MY HEAD AROUND IT BUT I NEEDED TO CONTACT THIS PAGE NOW AS I NOR MY FAMILY HAD EVER HEARD OF THIS SOMETIMES FATAL INFECTION, I CAN ONLY SAY DUE TO THE PROFESSINALISM OF A SURGEON AND HIS TEAM, AND THE SUPPORT AND PRAYERS OF MY FAMILY I AM HERE TO TELL MY STORY WHICH I PROMISE TO DO AT A LATER DATE.
SHEILA DURRINGTON <paul.a.durrington@talk21.com>
MANCHESTER , ENGLAND - Sunday, November 26, 2000 at 14:01:34 (EST)

We have a friend who has been hospitalized 3 weeks today with necrotizing fasciitis. He will recover. My prayers are with all of you who have lost loved ones. May God comfort and bless you.
CJ <cindygroce@hotmail.com>
AR USA - Friday, November 17, 2000 at 16:05:02 (EST)

I AM DOING A PROJECT FOR SCIENCE AND I LOVE THIS SITE
RANDY MONTGOMERY <LITTLETIGGER23@HOTMAIL.COM>
VACAVILLE, CALIFORNIA USA - Tuesday, November 14, 2000 at 13:52:54 (EST)

Six months ago today(on May 11, 2000) I was told I had NF and almost died. I spent 40 days in the hosptial and a long recovery at home. I was off of work for 5 1/2 months. Still have a tunnel that is healing from the wound. It has been a long battle and I am greatful to be alive today. I visit this site often to read other peoples stories. And know that I am not alone in the battle. God Bless everyone who has had to battle this or been there for someone who has.
Jodie Schmidt <Jodie2x2@yahoo.com>
Early, IA USA - Saturday, November 11, 2000 at 17:27:05 (EST)

My prays are with those of you who have lost a love one to this devastating disease. I too have lost my hero, my Dad. Also to those of you that have won the battle of a lifetime!
Donna Marie Bowling <DMB12759@aol.com>
White Plains, Md USA - Friday, November 10, 2000 at 14:57:43 (EST)

Dear All,
What a fantastic job Donna & Jackie do for us all who have been affected one way or the other by NF. I lost my son Lee at the age of 23yrs on the 6th October 1999. I wanted to know so much of this horrific disease that had so very quickly taken my son from me. The more I knew the more I soon realised that there was a need for a support group in England & Wales. I have now started the support group along with the help of 17 survivors and an excellent medical backup. I want everyone out there to know that we are here for you, please do get intouch with us and thank you so much Jackie & Donna for all your help.

The 'Lee Spark' NF Foundation
Severe Streptococcal Infections & Necrotising Fasciitis Support.
Doreen Marsden <cmarsden@zen.co.uk>
Preston, England - Thursday, November 09, 2000 at 16:04:00 (EST)

I am a suvivor of NF 2 years ago and have now recently found out I am 3 months Pregnant, I am curious to find any other survivors who have had babys after NF! Please contact me.
Also "The Lee Spark Foundation" in the UK had a fund raisng disco in Watford on 3/11/00 it was a great start to a very long journey.Well done every one that helped me organise the event.
Vanessa Wright <sydney3@tinyonline.co.uk>
Watford, England - Wednesday, November 08, 2000 at 14:35:39 (EST)

I am a Survivor of NF.
I contracted it on June 6th 2000 after a routine appendectomy, just my luck. I used to say if I didn't have bad luck I wouldn't have any luck at all.
I can't say that anymore. I was back in the hospital 2 days later complaining of symptoms we now know are common to NF.
2 days after that they knew it was NF. They kept me another 2 days trying to take care of it themselves. Being a Community hospital they weren’t qualified to do so.
They transfered me to Mass General Hospital only after my wife requested it.
There they cut out the infected tissue in a 14" by 19" chunk down my right side.
Was in coma for week & 1/2. In the hospital 2 months. Home for a month & 1/2. Then finally in Sept. was back to work.
Al Wilson <bigdog@beld.net>
Braintree, MA USA - Tuesday, November 07, 2000 at 10:50:27 (EST)

I HAVE HAD NF I LOST MY RIGHT LEG TO IT & THE MORE PEOPLE
KNOW THE BETTER WE WILL ALL BE
29499 60th AVE
LAWTON MI, 49065
STEVE PALENICK <N/A>
LAWTON, MI USA - Wednesday, November 01, 2000 at 13:43:16 (EST)

I lost my dad to NF on 10/27/97. He had surgery to remove his gall bladder, then two days later required surgery after NF was discovered near his incision site. He spent nine days on life support, then lost the battle to this horrific bacteria after vital organs continued shutting down. After much grieving, I am now ready and eager to talk about our experience, and to join the battle against NF!
Marilyn Hohl <mjh@tctc.com>
Lafayette, IN USA - Tuesday, October 31, 2000 at 23:34:24 (EST)

NF strikes quickly! I was a completely healthy 53 year old with no health related problems. Within three days a simple lump between my legs turned into a massive infection. Thankfully I went to the Tampa VA Center where they recognized and diagnosed my problem quickly. In less than 24 hours I underwent surgery to cut away the diseased tissue. The next day I underwent more surgery which showed that all diseased tissue had been removed. After 11 days in the hospital and numerous IV's of fluids and antibiotics, along with a lot of oxygen, I am on the road to recovery. I still have an open wound, but hope to be over it all in several more weeks. All in all it will be 6 weeks for recovery. Six weeks is a long time to lose from your life, but I was fortunate that I had early detection and treatment. If I had waited another day or two it might have been to late.
David Dolly <daviddlly@earthlink.net>
Zephyrhills, FL USA - Monday, October 30, 2000 at 16:58:28 (EST)

I am an Occupational Therapist working with a patient who has NF. I am looking for information regarding rehabilitation of upper extremity following skin grafts.
Angie Valliere <svalliere@earthlink.com>
Jackson, MI USA - Friday, October 27, 2000 at 13:08:39 (EDT)

LOST MY MOTHER LOIS J MICHAEL ON SEPT 3,2000 TO NF
Melissa Bagley
Levittown , Pa USA - Friday, October 20, 2000 at 17:24:05 (EDT)

I am an NF survivor and I has visited the chat room several times and i was very surprised to find it empty. The chat rms are a nice way to talk about whats happening and how everyone is. I would like to talk to others who have been thru what I have. I hope in the future that the room will have more hits and be very busy when i log on. Thanks take care of yourselves and keep remembering how very blessed we are to be here. jan..
Jan H. <myjdol@aol.com>
USA - Thursday, October 19, 2000 at 20:51:52 (EDT)

I am a funeral director and embalmer and had to prep a man who died from NF. I was scared not knowing about it. I found your site after the fact. What a horrible way to die! What was more scary was the elderly brother could not tell me anything about it! The hospital called the medical examiner for me and all he said was use aceptic precautions what ever that is. Good luck on your mission!
Chastin Brinkley <digger@tx3.net>
Buckley, WA USA - Monday, October 09, 2000 at 02:56:38 (EDT)

Your web page has been an excellent source of information for me. I am a 35 year old mother who was diagnosed with necrotizing fasciitis over a year ago (July, 1999). I was air-lifted to Mayo Clinic from my local hospital in Bismarck, ND. The prognosis was grim. The doctors think I got it from an in insect bite on my elbow, but it lodged in my piriformis muscle surrounding the sciatic nerve.

I have had relentlesss, severe, debilitating pain in my lower back and left leg for the last year. I am currently at the Mayo clinic going through the pain rehabilitation clinic, but it is run by psychiatrists and they are messing with my mind, not treating my leg. Please help me! I need to know what others have tried for emotional support, physical therapy, if anyone else is experiencing what I am going through!!! Does the muscle ever recover after NF? The doctors at Mayo say they have only seen 20 cases of NF in the last 10 years, and never in the location where mine was (so deep internally).

Please e-mail me and let me know if you can help me know where to turn. I am beside myself with the pain.

Thank you.
Jeannie Eck

Jeannie <jeanniee@earthlink.net>
BISMARCK, ND USA - Monday, October 02, 2000 at 15:50:25 (EDT)

This site has been so encouraging to our family, we cannot
thank Donna & Jackie enough. They did a beautiful job with
the story on our grandbaby and we can only hope that more
people will become aware of this terrible affliction through
their efforts. Thank you again!
Ardyce Stone <ardycestone@hotmail.com>
Anaheim, CA USA - Monday, September 25, 2000 at 17:23:59 (EDT)

Am so thankful to find the site. Invite anyone that might have suggestions in our aiding a friend that just very recently was diagnosed with NF. He has undergone skin grafts and is not out of the woods yet. But since we think positively, any suggestions in making our friends healing process easier would be greatly appreciated. God Bless
Deb <birdlady@gulftel.com>
Lillian, AL USA - Thursday, September 21, 2000 at 21:25:03 (EDT)

doign research on HF and Streptococcus pyrogenes
Brett Weed <weedb@academic.ncssm.edu>
Durham, NC USA - Monday, September 18, 2000 at 09:31:43 (EDT)

Does anyone know anything abou the cases at Sand Dune National Park in Colorado. I'd like to find some facts.
Donna Batdorff NNFF Co-Founder <dbatdorff@aol.com>
Grand Rapids, MI USA - Sunday, September 17, 2000 at 09:38:52 (EDT)

Well, today is sept 16,2000, I've been over my nf scare but since the lasst entry I have moved to Utah, have had numerous infections, now am going thru my limbs going numb, please email me if anyone has some advise. I've been check for MS, but my most recent Dr has no clue...please!!!!
Leesa Winter <leesa4good@hotmail.com>
provo, ut USA - Sunday, September 17, 2000 at 00:10:04 (EDT)

GOOD DATA
HENRY P.PHILLIPS <phillips@scientist.com>
FALMOUTH, ME USA - Tuesday, September 12, 2000 at 10:36:36 (EDT)

I just wanted to say thank you to every one who has read Hailey Elizabeth Stone's story and sent me a message. Since her story was added to the site I have received so many e-mails and they are all helping fule my fire. I am currently in a law suit with my HMO and many people have told me I should just give up why I am ahead, I cant do that. My precious baby girl died from NF because of Insipid doctors and I will not back down. All the supportive e-mails are really helping me to stay focused. Thank you all. And please if you havent read my daughters story, read it now. Thank you to every one and I welcome any and all comments.
Elizabeth Stone <Onewildchild1979@aol.com>
Anaheim, CA USA - Sunday, September 10, 2000 at 14:04:45 (EDT)

.Thank you for this sight. I had NF in Dec.99 and just found this area of your web page. I want to sit down and write my case because it seems a little different. Blunt trauma(very very slight) started my disease. good luck toll
jan h. <myjdol@aol.com>
Dewey, ok USA - Tuesday, August 29, 2000 at 19:40:12 (EDT)

I AM A LAWYER REVIEWING A POTENTIAL MEDICAL NEGLIGENCE CLAIM FOR THE FAILURE TO DAIGNOSE AND TREAT NF
I HAVE REVIEWD THE MEDICAL ADVISOR LIST AND AM INTERESTED TO KNOW IF ANYONE IS AWARE OF DR.S FAMILIAR WITH NF WHO WOULD BE WILLING TO REVIEW RECORDS AND CONSULT THANKS
RICK KOLODINSKY <KSTLAWYERSRK@CS.COM>
NEW SMYRNA, FL USA - Saturday, August 26, 2000 at 12:59:25 (EDT)

My 76-yr-old mother is surviving NF, after an emergency leg amputation (2 and 1/2 weeks ago) that saved her life. She had the beginning symptoms, but she was told it was bursitis in her painful right leg. Then, a few days later, she had a fever and nausea, still having pain and heaviness in her right leg, and felt like staying in bed. By the next day, the right foot was very swollen, red, and had large blisters. The doctor saw her, sent her immediately to the ER where she was started on IV antibiotics. Her condition deteriorated overnight. The next day the surgery had to be radical to save her life. Amazingly, God has brought her through it. Now, she must deal with the prospect of adjusting to a very altered life (she was already disabled and could only get around with a walker, so this will be difficult. Her amputation is mid-thigh.) Thank you for the web-site, as that was the only way we were able to read about this nightmarish bacteria and gather information about what was happening during those very crucial first days. Keep up the good work! I plan to send a donation -- R.Gregory
R. Gregory <jcgrego@attglobal.net>
Plano, TX USA - Friday, August 25, 2000 at 23:13:18 (EDT)

This is a test...
Donna <datdorff@aol.com>
USA - Thursday, August 17, 2000 at 14:35:49 (EDT)

My 18 year old son died of NF on the 2nd of Feb this year, he was on life support for 11 days until the decision was made by the doctors that there was nothing more they could do. It has broken my heart. He was born with Spina Bifida and he had a pressure area on his back thats where it got in. I will visit this site often now that I have found it.
Wendy Appleton <teamngr@ihug.co.nz>
Auckland, New Zealand - Tuesday, August 15, 2000 at 03:36:59 (EDT)

My mother was just diagnosed with NF on Monday. I am absolutely beside myself. She has the disease in a particularly deadly location (her throat). So far-they hope to have isolated the infection. I will continue to look to this site for advice and support.
Michele Burke <michele.burke@mindspring.com>
Bronx, NY USA - Saturday, July 29, 2000 at 21:38:38 (EDT)

I am currently at home recovering from my bout with nf. I am a 46 year old diabetic who was being treated for a bad blister on my foot. I came home on a Thursday night with fever and hard chills and thought I was coming down with the 'flu. By Saturday my foot was reddish and slightly swollen and by Sunday my little toe was blue-black. I had seen gasgangrene before and thought that was what had happened to me. My doctor met me at the emergency room and I was admitted. Come Monday my pinkie toe was history. Come Wednesday so was the next toe and part of the metatarsil bones to each. After 13 days in the hospital I was allowed to go home. That was 6 weeks ago. A nurse still comes every day to change my dressing. I finally got off the IV antibiotic 3 weeks ago and have another few days of the oral antibiotic. I spend most of my days in a wheel chair, although I've recently started practicing with crutches. Still, I count myself lucky. I'm a survivor!
Laura <LLowe@worldnet.att.net>
Spring, TX USA - Wednesday, July 26, 2000 at 23:46:02 (EDT)

I am writing on behalf of a new national support group starting up in the UK called THE 'LEE SPARK' NF FOUNDATION. This group has been primarily started by a lady called Doreen Marsden, who lost her son (Lee Spark) to NF last October. She wants to be able to offer, help advise and support as well as raising awareness in the UK regarding Necrotising Fasciitis.

Our first meeting is in Ribchester on September 16th, if any one wants more information, or is interested in taking part, or just needs someone to talk to, please do not hesitate to contact either myself or Doreen at the following e-mail address: cmarsden@zen.co.uk.

We look forward very much to hearing from you.

Anyone who has read back in the guest book will know that I am a regular visitor, and have now passed my two year anniversary of surviving NF. Remember our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Take care.

Vicki Staton <vicki.staton@bra.boehringer-ingelheim.com>
Reading, England - Wednesday, July 26, 2000 at 07:30:25 (EDT)

My stepson is a survivor. He is currently being treated.
Ginger Dunkley <ginnjar@home.com>
Vancouver, BC Canada - Friday, July 21, 2000 at 21:57:22 (EDT)

I got it after donating a kidney to my sister. Lost 30%
of my body surface including muscle.
Terry Kovacich <Terry@inter-pc.com>
Port Colborne, On Canada - Wednesday, July 19, 2000 at 15:35:56 (EDT)

I really like the new design --! I am a frequent visitor as I lost an aunt to this disease in Jan. Good luck also with the book - it is greatly anticipated!
Michelle St. John <mstjohn@hotmail.com>
San Diego, CA USA - Sunday, July 16, 2000 at 19:16:15 (EDT)

Hello, welcome to our new Guestbook!
Jackie Roemmele <jroemmele@nnff.org>
Niantic, CT USA - Sunday, July 16, 2000 at 14:17:50 (EDT)