L.M. Dennis battled flesh-eating bacteria two separate times.
NEWNAN, Ga. -
A Newnan man says he's battled the same flesh-eating bacteria affecting Aimee Copeland two different times.
He hopes his near death experiences, will serve as inspiration for people fighting the devastating bacteria.
Like in the Aimee Copeland case, doctors were not sure how L.M. Dennis got the flesh eating bacteria six years ago. Also like Copeland, doctors called Dennis' case "extreme" and one of the worst they had ever seen.
Not long after he retired from the CDC in 2006, where he managed the incinerator, Dennis developed a cyst that eventually grew so painful that he called 911 on the day after Christmas.
"When I went out the door and down the steps, I don't remember [anything] else," said Dennis.
Doctors at Piedmont Newnan Hospital performed emergency surgery to stop the spread of the flesh-eating bacteria, necrotizing fasciitis, and they warned Dennis' family, to prepare for the worst.
"They just thought that I was going to die," said Dennis.
A scar in the shape of a cross -- a symbol of Dennis' faith -- remains on Dennis' back after surgery stopped the spread of the bacteria and saved his life.
His recovery took nearly a year.
In 2007, after hip replacement surgery, doctors gave him stunning news.
"During making the rounds and doing checks, they found out that it had come back, so they had to go in a second time," said Dennis.
And for a second time, doctors were able to stop the flesh-eating bacteria.
Dennis said that he's been closely watching Aimee Copeland's fight with the same bacteria and he can't help but feel a little guilty.
"That should have been me instead of her. And I have thought that I should have been in a place to lose a limb instead of her, because she has her whole life ahead of her. And I got more years behind me than in front of me, " said Dennis.
But he keeps his cross to remind himself, his story can bring hope to people fighting the terrifying bacteria.
Doctors believe Dennis' age and his previous health problems contributed to him catching this bacteria two times in a year.
He said that he has an appointment next week to be tested for the bacteria, not because he's having symptoms, but to help ease his mind.
Monday, May 20 2013 9:02 AM EDT2013-05-20 13:02:13 GMT
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L.M. Dennis battled flesh-eating bacteria two separate times.
