Former gymnast has limbs amputated, 10 surgeries in battle with toxic shock syndrome
An Indiana woman who's been fighting for her life as she battles toxic shock syndrome, made it through her 10th surgery Wednesday, according to
, Anna Norquist, had her left leg amputated but doctors were able to save her knee joint. He told Anna must still endure having her left hand removed.
The 30-year-old former gymnast was initially admitted to St. Joseph Health System Mishawaka Medical Center thinking she had the flu.
Her family told the situation started at the first weekend of December. Her symptoms quickly worsened.
"She was in Chicago on a Friday, went to a concert, stayed through Saturday and drove home Sunday," Gordon Norquist, Anna's father, said. "She didn鈥檛 feel well and thought she was getting flu like symptoms. Then, by Monday, she was fighting for her life."
Doctors believe Anna developed toxic shock due to an infection caused by streptococcus. Her case is not related to tampon use.
"They don鈥檛 know and probably will never know exactly where they infection entered," Gordon said. "They think it was the right arm and that鈥檚 probably why they took it first."
In addition to 10 surgeries, Anna has had her left arm and left leg amputated.
鈥淭he doctors say that basically every surgery she has is life-threatening,鈥� Patrick Norquist said. 鈥淚鈥檇 give her both of my arms and both my legs if I could.鈥�
The young woman is heavily sedated and unaware of the severity of her illness.
鈥淪he's awake, alert, having conversations, saying, 'I love you,鈥欌� Patrick Norquist said. "She knows who everybody is.鈥�
Doctors say Anna will be in the hospital for at least six more months, and it could be up to a year before she is finally able to return home after rehab and therapy.
鈥淚t鈥檚 been devastating. But I have to try to remain grateful that they were able to save her life. We can deal with life,鈥� her brother Patrick Norquist told TODAY. 鈥淒octors said we had an absolute miracle that she lived through what happened.鈥�
A set up to help with her battle has raised more than $45,000.