jimmy robertson

BY MARCY SHORTUSE - When Capt. Jimmy Robertson was wheeled into surgery at Peace River Regional Hospital on July 12, he thought he would wake up without a leg. When he did come to, he found out that wasn’t to be the case ... at least so far.

Jimmy was diagnosed with necrotizing fasciitis earlier this month, after sustaining a simple injury which led to infection in his left foot and leg.

He had also been diagnosed with diabetes before, but hadn’t told his family.

“The week of July 4 he hadn’t been feeling very well,” said his daughter, Julie Jean Robertson. “He was sleeping a lot and not eating. My mom called the paramedics the night of July 6, and he was admitted to Peace River around 2 a.m. that Saturday morning. On Sunday, July 8, we found out he had been diabetic and we didn’t know.”

The untreated diabetes caused very high blood sugar and was the root of his infection problems. Jimmy has now had four surgeries on both legs to clean out the infection caused by the flesh-eating virus.

“It was touch-and-go for a few days but he has made great progress,” Julie Jean said. “He’s still not out of the woods yet, though. The infection could start spreading again, which the doctors are doing a great job in preventing. If the infection does spread again, they may have to still amputate.”

After the infection is under control, Capt. Jimmy will still have to deal with losing two toes to the infection, as well as poor circulation in his leg.

“The thoughts and prayers from the island are doing wonders; it’s amazing he’s still with us,” Julie Jean said.

The family also just found out that their insurance will only cover about $8,000 of his hospital bill. To date, that bill is $173,000. An account is being set up, but to make donations now call Julie Jean at (941) 276-3595.

( 2 Votes )