A woman faced a life-altering situation as both her legs were amputated following a severe cough she developed at her cousin’s wedding. Denise Dibrell, 52, experienced the distressing cough during a Tennessee celebration in July 2025, leading to breathing difficulties when lying down. Upon returning to her home in Las Vegas, Nevada, she tested positive for influenza A.
Denise was swiftly taken to St Rose Dominican Hospital after entering respiratory distress, where she was placed in a medically induced coma. Complications arose as she developed sepsis and went into septic shock, necessitating the use of vasopressor medication to regulate blood pressure and circulation.
Due to reduced blood flow to her extremities, Denise’s brother noticed her feet turning black, signaling the onset of tissue death. Despite doctors’ efforts, her feet could not be saved, leading to a double amputation below the knee on September 15, 2025. Subsequently, Denise spent six weeks in the hospital and has since begun the journey of recovery with prosthetic legs, relearning how to walk.
Denise, currently without employment, expressed gratitude for surviving the ordeal, emphasizing the importance of her hands and the progress she has made in her rehabilitation. She reflected on the challenges she faces without insurance coverage, a job, and paused physical therapy, viewing the experience as a transformative awakening.
Following the wedding incident, Denise sought medical attention for her worsening condition back home, leading to a diagnosis of influenza A. Her deteriorating health required urgent care, culminating in her hospitalization and subsequent coma.
Despite facing critical circumstances, Denise’s family’s decision to keep her on life support proved pivotal in her recovery. Emerging from the coma on August 18, Denise underwent amputation and endured post-surgery complications, including infections and additional medical procedures to address healing issues.
Despite the setbacks, Denise remains resilient, focusing on her mental and physical recovery and cherishing the opportunity to regain mobility with prosthetic legs. While facing personal losses and financial challenges post-surgery, she maintains a positive outlook, attributing her survival to the value of life over limb.