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Bacteria from raw oysters causes man to lose both legs

Lebanon man contracted a virulent strain of bacteria several days before his planned wedding in Florida.

Darrell Dishon, 40, of Lebanon had to have both legs amputated after contracting a bacterial infection while vacationing in Panama City, Fla. A benefit is planned for Dishon Saturday, Aug. 22, at Kings Bar, 126 W. Mulberry St., in Lebanon.

Submitted photo Darrell Dishon, 40, of Lebanon had to have both legs amputated after contracting a bacterial infection while vacationing in Panama City, Fla. A benefit is planned for Dishon Saturday, Aug. 22, at Kings Bar, 126 W. Mulberry St., in Lebanon.

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By Justin McClelland, Staff Writer Updated 10:55 AM Thursday, August 20, 2009

Darrell Dishon’s vacation was supposed to be a dream come true — a relaxing trip to Florida to hang out with some friends before getting married on a beach.

Instead, Dishon was soon lying in a medically-induced coma in a Panama City hospital, while family members agonized over giving doctors consent to amputate both of the Lebanon resident’s legs in order to save his life.

“It was one of the most difficult decisions we’ve had to make,” said Dishon’s daughter, Brittany Moore. “But we knew we had to save his life.”

Dishon, 40, had contracted Vibrio vulnificus, a virulent strain of bacteria, most likely from eating raw oysters at a Panama City restaurant on July 26. As a diabetic, Dishon had a weakened immune system and was succeptible to the bacteria which caused an aggressive skin infection that was essentially eating his legs.

“It was a nightmare,” said Nicole Copas, the Lebanon woman Dishon planned to marry while in Florida.

“I don’t think anyone could imagine something like this happening.”

Dr. Judith Feinberg, an infectious disease expert at the University of Cincinnati, said the Vibrio family is responsible for 90 percent of all seafood related deaths, as well as cholera. The Vulnificus strain, the one Dishon contracted, can often cause aggressive skin infections, like the ones that cost Dishon his legs.

Because doctors had placed Dishon in a drug-induced coma to try to stem the tide of the infection, Copas and Moore had to consent on Aug. 1 to the amputation on his behalf. Dishon did not learn he had lost his legs until more than a week after the double amputation.

“Overall (Vibrio vulnificus) is not very common, but among oyster associated diseases, it’s the cause of the vast majority of illness,” Feinberg said. “People with underlying diseases, like diabetes or kidney problems, are particularly vulnerable because of depleted immune systems.”

As a diabetic, Feinberg hypothesized Dishon had a lowered immune system that made him more susceptible to the bacteria. Poor blood circulation, another effect of diabetes, may have caused contaminated blood to pool in his legs, where the bacteria probably took hold and ate away at his skin, she said.

Copas said Dishon is starting to improve, but is still weak and remains in a Florida hospital. Copas, a nurse, has rented a condo and is in the process of transferring her job to Panama City so she can stay with him during his recovery period. Doctors estimate it will be at least two months before Dishon can return to Lebanon.

“He was in shock when he found out (his legs had been amputated), but he stayed strong,” Copas said. “He didn’t say ‘Oh, why me. He accepted it. He said he’ll be OK.”

Friends and family, despite being hundreds of miles away, have rallied around the Lebanon resident, who many describe as a man of unparalleled friendship and generosity.

“He’s always there for people,” Moore said. “He’d drop everything to help people out.”

“Darrell’s usually the life of the party,” Copas said. “He loves to socialize. He’s a jokester.”

Moore said she’s been overwhelmed by the amount of support she’s seen from the community.

“Everyone really has come together,” Copas said. “Being from such a small town, it’s nice to know so many people care.”

Moore said the financial burden of the disease has been tremendous. Besides hospital bills and physical therapy, Copas rented a condo to stay near Dishon. She plans to transfer her nursing job to Panama City to stay near Dishon.

“I’m doing good because he’s kept such a positive outlook,” Copas said.

“We have a really good support system. Darrell has two adult children and I have a son who is 12,” Copas said. “We’re getting through it.”

Copas said her fiance accepted the loss of his legs with the kind of bravery she’s learned to expect from him.

“We’re just taking life one day at a time now,” Copas said.

A benefit is being held for Dishon on Saturday, Aug. 22, at Kings Bar, 126 W. Mulberry St. in Lebanon. The fundraiser includes a motorcycle ride leaving at 1 p.m. and a barbecue dinner from 4 to 7 p.m. The cost is $5 for bar admission or $10 for bar admission and dinner.

The event also will have live music, 50-50 raffles and a live auction, with all proceeds benefitting Darrell and his family.

Cards of encouragement may be sent to : Darrell Dishon, P.O. Box 9153, Panama City Beach, FL 32417.

Contact this reporter at (513) 696-4544 or jmcclelland@coxohio.com.

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Hey Darrel,Wished you were close to home.I'd make you one of my cheese balls you loved so much.We are praying for you son. God Bless you and keep you under his wing.Kev is praying for you also.

B.DeBoard
7:39 AM, 8/21/2009

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I wish Darrell the best of luck...Lebanon might be a small town but those who dwell in it remain concerned for the people that live there. I'm sure the community will do what they can to help the family out. Good luck and many prayers to him and his family. A friend from way back.

Kimbers
4:47 PM, 8/20/2009

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Darrel & Nicole,

Keep up the good fight. You sound like two people who are very brave. If God brought you to it, he will lead you through it.

Besides, we can't afford to loose any "gum and knife club" members! :-)

Seriously, there are enough pansies in the world.

Fight On

Brig
3:48 PM, 8/20/2009

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You should never eat anything that carries it's house with it. You never know when it might have last been cleaned... Words to live by, and this story carries a great warning.

chas
2:17 PM, 8/20/2009

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Kings Bar: there's a nice place. AKA, the Lebanon Gun and Knife Club....

tbill
1:37 PM, 8/20/2009

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