An ordinary vacation took a harrowing turn for a woman who experienced severe pain in her hands and feet, only to have them turn black and ultimately be amputated, all due to a frighteningly simple cause.
Jo Rogers, an outdoor enthusiast, saw her life change drastically after her husband, Keith Rogers, took her to Natural Falls State Park near the Oklahoma-Arkansas border. Upon their return, Jo started feeling unwell, initially mistaking her symptoms for the flu. However, her headaches escalated into fevers accompanied by vomiting and dizziness.
Despite her reluctance, Jo was taken to the emergency room when her condition worsened. Doctors conducted numerous tests, including those for meningitis and West Nile Virus, but eventually found that Jo had contracted a severe infection from an unnoticed tick bite. The complications from Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) had already set in, causing gangrene in her limbs. Jo’s hands and feet turned dark blue and black as the infection progressed.
This 40-year-old mother of two from Shawnee, Oklahoma, endured the amputation of significant portions of both arms and legs due to the infection. RMSF is a potentially fatal tick-borne disease caused by the bacterium Rickettsia rickettsii. Its symptoms often resemble those of various viruses. Although RMSF can be effectively treated with antibiotics, the treatment must begin within the first five days of infection. Tragically, Jo missed this critical window, assuming her symptoms indicated severe flu.
As Jo fought against additional complications from RMSF, such as blood clots in her lungs requiring a tracheotomy, her husband remained by her side. Keith visited her daily, updating her on their children and their pets. Jo’s family supported her throughout her ordeal, ensuring she had the necessary care and comfort.
Despite the challenges she faced during her recovery, Jo has returned home with determination and gratitude. Overwhelmed by the love and support she received from her family, friends, and strangers, Jo believes it gave her the strength to work hard in her recovery.
Although she now relies on a wheelchair for mobility, her loved ones are grateful she survived this harrowing experience. The support system in place for Jo as she adjusts to life after the hospital is a testament to the power of community and love in overcoming adversity.
