A woman underwent a double leg amputation following a severe cough she developed while attending a family wedding. Denise Dibrell, 52, fell ill during the event in Tennessee in July 2025 and later tested positive for influenza A upon returning to Las Vegas, Nevada.
After struggling to breathe, Denise sought medical help and was rushed to St Rose Dominican Hospital. Her condition deteriorated rapidly, leading to sepsis, septic shock, and the need for vasopressor medication to manage her blood pressure. As her major organs received priority blood flow, her feet began to show signs of distress.
Despite efforts, the lack of circulation caused her feet to deteriorate over the following month while she was in a coma. Subsequently, on September 15, 2025, Denise had both legs amputated below the knee. She spent several weeks in the hospital before being fitted with prosthetic legs and starting the journey of relearning how to walk.
Denise, now in recovery, reflected on the challenging experience, expressing gratitude for being alive despite the loss of her legs. She highlighted the difficulties of post-amputation recovery, including financial struggles due to unemployment and a lack of insurance coverage for ongoing physical therapy.
Despite the setbacks, Denise remains optimistic and determined to overcome the obstacles she faces in her recovery journey.
