On Saturday, June 8, 2019, Tom and I embarked on a journey that would take us to the University of MD Medical Center, Shock Trauma Unit.
From realizing a small round red mark on the front of Tom’s left front ankle at around 1:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., our lives changed immensely. At first look it appeared that Tom had somehow hit his lower shin on something while fishing that morning. As time passed, after about an hour or so, it was clear that wasn’t the case. After a quick trip to Your Doc’s In on Rte. 50, we then went to Easton Memorial Emergency Room. There it was discovered that Tom had contracted vibrio vulnificus disease, sometimes referred to as “waterman’s disease”. During the short time between 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Tom’s lower leg was fully engaged by the disease and as a result shortly after midnight, we were both transported via medivac to Univ. MD. Med. Center, Shock Trauma.
We were met by a team of four infectious disease doctors ready to operate on Tom and five well skilled nurses who all knew exactly their roll in this operation and all went to work. During the hours between 1:00 a.m. and 3:00 a.m. on Sunday, June 9th Tom underwent surgery to remove the area of infection of his leg Fortunately, the disease had not infected his muscle or bone and therefore surgery was less invasive than could have been. On Tuesday, June 11th Tom had a further surgery by a soft tissue team in order to address any further cleaning of the affected area. Tom was “asleep” from late Saturday night, June 8th until the evening of Wednesday, June 12th such a blessing as he did not have to experience the pain associated with this virus.
For the next ten days Tom was treated for infection and problems related to vibrio e.g. kidney, liver, and heart issues all temporary and due to this virus. On Saturday, June 22nd Tom was transported to Encompass Rehabilitation Center in Salisbury to undergo physical and occupational therapies and was there until Monday, July 8th when I brought him home.
Wednesday July 10th a visit back to Univ. MD Med. Center Shock Trauma clinic, Tom had a dressing change that just turned everything around for us. He had had a port with an evacuation pump to help keep his wound clean, that was removed. Also, skin graft was scheduled for Friday, July 26th where skin from Tom’s thigh was taken to cover the wound. All professionals are amazed by Tom’s recovery. There were several check ups at the Shock Trauma following skin graft procedure.
Wednesday September 3rd turned out to be our last visit to Univ. MD Med. Center Shock Trauma clinic. Tom has been given permission to resume his life as usual with the understanding that his wounds will be covered while working outside and no sun exposure.
The residual effect on Tom’s left eye, having developed an infection and a cataract, continue to be treated with a cataract operation planned in the future.
This account of our experience is sent to encourage anyone who experiences redness or rash following contact with brackish water to be sure to seek professional attention.
Tom And Marie Davis
Talbot County
Dan Watson says
Everyone I’m sure shares the relief of Tom’s recovery, and extends to both of you empathy for what you went through and best wishes for 100% good health. But I this is not so much a story of miracles as a demonstration of modern medicine practiced swiftly and with skill. Sounds like the system worked perfectly.
(Some would say THAT is the miracle, but my daughter is an ER Doc, and I think the system saves lives every single day.)
DW
Ruthie Stegner says
Appreciate the fact that you shared this
stephen cox says
This article was a useful reminder for us all who come in contact with creek or river waters of the dangerous infections which may occur. One technical note is that the author calls ‘Vibrio’ a virus. It is not. It is a species of bacteria . And it is a particularly nasty bacterium.
Marilyn Schneider says
Tom is a lucky man as was my husband. He also contracted vibrio vulnificus six years ago. His tiny scratch
turned into a six inch square that looks down like bad raw meat within a few hours. He was taken to Easton Hospital and fortunately given the proper antibiotics. However, he was then released. The next day it was back to the hospital as the infection had spread to his other leg. He was then transported to Shock Trauma where the first thing was to save his life, then his legs.
He was completely out of it and had no idea how bad he was. Twenty eight days in Shock Trauma, more operations than I can remember, compression chambers, skin grafts and three weeks in Kieran Rehabilitation and several weeks of home health care were required to get him back to “normal.” Six years later, there are still problems. As a result of the infection both legs have lost soft tissue and lymph nodes resulting in lymphadema,
worse in the leg the infection spread to than in the leg where it started. He has a number of issues with the leg and for the past year has required physical therapy
three times a week.
We are very grateful that he is alive, thanks to God and the incredible staff of doctors and nurses at Shock Trsums. I can’t stress enough how important it is to be careful with the water. Never go in the water with any kind of cut or scratch on your body and act immediately if you see anything that doesn’t look right after contact with the water. I can’t stress this enough; This infection is extremely fast!
Connie Engel says
Vibrio is a bacteria, not a virus.
Jean Sanders says
Tom & Marie – A Chesapeake College student has contacted the Talbot Spy and would like to ask you a few questions. Could you let us know how she can get in touch with you? Email [email protected], please. Thanks!