I am a survivor of NF (Necrotizing Fasciitis), known in the media as "flesh eating bacteria." By the time I entered... more

I am a survivor of NF (Necrotizing Fasciitis), known in the media as "flesh eating bacteria." By the time I entered the operating room, I was septic and in end stage (multiple) organ failure. I had to have parts of my right arm, including my inner forearm, almost all of my upper arm, my entire right armpit and a small part of my right breast removed to save my life. The first night in ICU, I was given a 4% chance of survival.

I became ill after I acquired several strains of bacteria while caring for my elderly father, who was sent home time and time again by his HMO with hospital-acquired infections, such as MRSA, VRE and C. Diff. Not once did his HMO inform me of how infectious he was, nor did they offer any prevention suggestions, even though I had to clean and change his catheters, and give him "Push IV" antibiotics. Due to his HMO's neglect, I nearly lost my life. Dad passed away about a year later, his body could no longer withstand all the infections.