> At a Glance
> – Peter Atkinson, 49, is battling necrotizing fasciitis after initially thinking he had the flu
> – Rare flesh-eating bacteria led to sepsis, kidney failure, and nearly a month in hospital
> – He remains on dialysis but is now stable and preparing for rehab
> – Why it matters: Quick hospital action saved his life-delays can be fatal with this 1-in-5 killer
What started as a 104-degree fever and a chest lump on Dec. 19 quickly turned into a life-or-death emergency for Peter Atkinson, a North Wales, Pennsylvania father of three.
Misdiagnosis to Critical Surgery
Atkinson went to Doylestown Hospital expecting flu treatment. Within five minutes, doctors ordered emergency surgery and intubation after spotting the tell-tale signs of necrotizing fasciitis.
> “We have to do emergency surgery. We’re going to intubate you,” the medical team told him.
The rapid response proved crucial; the CDC notes about 1 in 5 patients die from the infection, which destroys soft tissue around muscles, nerves and blood vessels.
Complications and Family Tragedy
While surgeons removed infected tissue, Atkinson developed sepsis and kidney failure, requiring dialysis. The setback echoed a family trauma:
- 2016: The family lost a sister to sepsis under similar circumstances
- Christmas Day update: Atkinson was taken off the ventilator but remained on dialysis
- Jan. 6 update: Doctors are now preparing him for transfer to a rehab facility
| Stage | Status |
|---|---|
| Initial admission | Emergency surgery within minutes |
| Post-op complication | Sepsis and kidney failure |
| Current condition | Stable, on dialysis, awaiting rehab |
Recovery Road Ahead
His wife, Sherri, described the emotional toll:
> “My husband is a fighter…to see him laying there like that was really hard for me.”
Family GoFundMe posts stress that while progress is steady, Atkinson will need ongoing dialysis even after returning home.
Key Takeaways
- Necrotizing fasciitis can mimic flu; high fever plus swelling warrants immediate medical care
- Early surgical intervention and intensive support saved Atkinson’s life
- Recovery involves prolonged dialysis and rehabilitation, highlighting the infection’s long-term impact
Atkinson’s story underscores the importance of acting fast when unusual symptoms accompany high fever-delays can be the difference between life and death.
