Local Towing Business Owner Survives Rare Flesh-Eating Bacterial Infection that Put Him in Hospital for Weeks
A 49-year-old man from North Wales was left fighting for his life after contracting necrotizing fasciitis, a rare flesh-eating bacterial infection. Peter Atkinson, who runs his own one-man towing business, had to undergo major surgery and spent weeks in the hospital recovering.
Atkinson's battle with the infection began last month when he texted his wife saying he felt unwell like he had the flu. He soon developed a severe fever and became dehydrated, but was fortunate enough to seek medical attention early on.
Doctors diagnosed him with necrotizing fasciitis, which can cause sepsis, kidney failure, and even death if left untreated. Despite undergoing surgery and receiving antibiotics, Atkinson's condition worsened before stabilizing.
Miraculously, Atkinson survived the infection, but his journey to recovery is far from over. He spent days in the hospital before being discharged home, where he is now undergoing outpatient dialysis three times a week to keep his kidneys functioning.
The family's financial stability was put at risk when Atkinson's business came to a grinding halt due to his prolonged absence. However, the community has rallied around them, with neighbors bringing meals and students writing heartfelt notes for their tow truck owner.
A GoFundMe site set up by friends is collecting donations to help support the family during this difficult time. Atkinson remains optimistic despite facing an uncertain road to recovery, telling reporters that there's "a lot of hope" for his kidneys to start functioning again.
As he recuperates at home with his wife and three daughters, Atkinson hopes to rebuild his business once he has regained his strength. His story serves as a testament to the resilience of those affected by rare bacterial infections, and the importance of seeking medical attention early on.
A 49-year-old man from North Wales was left fighting for his life after contracting necrotizing fasciitis, a rare flesh-eating bacterial infection. Peter Atkinson, who runs his own one-man towing business, had to undergo major surgery and spent weeks in the hospital recovering.
Atkinson's battle with the infection began last month when he texted his wife saying he felt unwell like he had the flu. He soon developed a severe fever and became dehydrated, but was fortunate enough to seek medical attention early on.
Doctors diagnosed him with necrotizing fasciitis, which can cause sepsis, kidney failure, and even death if left untreated. Despite undergoing surgery and receiving antibiotics, Atkinson's condition worsened before stabilizing.
Miraculously, Atkinson survived the infection, but his journey to recovery is far from over. He spent days in the hospital before being discharged home, where he is now undergoing outpatient dialysis three times a week to keep his kidneys functioning.
The family's financial stability was put at risk when Atkinson's business came to a grinding halt due to his prolonged absence. However, the community has rallied around them, with neighbors bringing meals and students writing heartfelt notes for their tow truck owner.
A GoFundMe site set up by friends is collecting donations to help support the family during this difficult time. Atkinson remains optimistic despite facing an uncertain road to recovery, telling reporters that there's "a lot of hope" for his kidneys to start functioning again.
As he recuperates at home with his wife and three daughters, Atkinson hopes to rebuild his business once he has regained his strength. His story serves as a testament to the resilience of those affected by rare bacterial infections, and the importance of seeking medical attention early on.
. Flesh-eating bacteria? More like flesh-saving antibiotics! 
just thinking about that infection is giving me the chills. I mean, it's crazy how quickly things can go from feeling like the flu to fighting for your life 
. You've got to hand it to Peter Atkinson, though - he's a real trooper for bouncing back like this 
. And it's amazing to see his community come together like that 
. I'm sending him all my positive vibes from here - get well soon, Peter! 
! I mean, who gets flesh-eating bacteria from doing towing work? 
That's insane! But you know what's even crazier? The community coming together to support him - that's truly heartwarming 
. It's like they say, when one person down, the whole team lifts up 
. I'm not gonna lie, I was super worried when I read this story at first 
. Fingers crossed his business gets back on track soon too 
, he deserves it after everything he's been through!
I think this is just so crazy that Peter had to go through this, you know? Necrotizing fasciitis is literally one of the most terrifying bacterial infections out there, and it's insane that he managed to get medical help in time. I mean, his business basically came to a standstill because he was out for weeks, but at least the community has rallied around him and his family. It's so heartwarming to see people like that come together.
... what if it was more than just the flu? What if he had been exposed to something in that towing yard of his? Like, have you seen all those dirty trucks and equipment? It's a breeding ground for bacteria! And then he goes to the hospital and they just happen to find out he's got necrotizing fasciitis? Coincidence? I don't think so... There's definitely more to this story than meets the eye 
Also, I'm curious about those donations on GoFundMe... how much did they actually raise? Is that going towards medical bills, lost wages, or what? Transparency is key, right? 
, it's crazy how flesh-eating bacteria can affect you like that. i mean, he was just running his own towing business, living a normal life, and then BAM! he gets this infection and nearly dies 
how did he even get it from towing cars or something? does he wear protective gear when he's working with cars? and his family was so supportive but i feel bad that they lost their financial stability because of this... maybe he can sell some of his tow truck equipment online to help out 
also, the fact that people are writing notes for him is super heartwarming 
I feel bad for the guy who got it though, poor dude spent weeks in the hospital and now he's gotta do dialysis three times a week 
. I wonder if he's gonna be able to get back on the road (literally, as a tow truck owner) anytime soon? 
at least he got treated in time and has a supportive community, that's what matters 
back in 2015 and I still shudder thinking about how scary it must be to go through that. Anyway, it's crazy that the community is so supportive and rallying around his family during this tough time 
. And yeah, dialysis is like, super intense 
I hope he gets better soon! 
, makes me feel all warm fuzzy inside 
.
... that's more than I can say for my car after I had it towed 
. It's amazing how the community has come together to support him, though - it's really heartwarming 
u should check it out: 
. And it's awesome that he's staying positive and hopeful - that's the best medicine of all