Denise Dibrell, a US resident, had both legs amputated below the knee following severe complications from the flu. The first symptoms appeared in July 2025, when the 52‑year‑old woman was attending a relative’s wedding in Tennessee.
During the celebration, Denise developed a severe cough, and later found it difficult to breathe, especially while lying down. After returning home to Las Vegas, a test confirmed she had influenza A. Her condition continued to deteriorate, and she was rushed to the hospital with respiratory failure.
The infection led to sepsis and septic shock. The patient’s blood pressure dropped sharply, and doctors placed her in a medically induced coma. To maintain the function of her heart, brain, and other vital organs, medical staff administered drugs that constricted blood vessels.
This treatment, combined with the illness, severely impaired circulation, and blood flow to her feet nearly stopped. A further complication was the formation of multiple blood clots. Denise’s brother noticed that her legs were turning dark, and within a month, the tissue had completely died.
Denise regained consciousness on August 18. After an examination, doctors determined that the damaged tissue could not be saved. On September 15, she underwent surgery to have both legs amputated below the knee. She remained in the hospital for about six more weeks following the operation.
Today, the American woman is learning to walk with prosthetics and working to regain her independence. However, her physiotherapy course has been temporarily put on hold due to a lack of health insurance. Denise also lost her job after the prolonged treatment.
She considers her survival a miracle. According to Denise, her mother refused to allow her to be taken off life support, despite her critical condition. She says she is grateful to be alive and thankful that doctors were able to save her arms.
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