A routine dentist visit ended in disaster for Davon Vanterpool, who fell into a coma and ultimately had to undergo the amputation of four limbs.
While going to the dentist may be uncomfortable – and not something most people look forward to – it’s not typically something people fear. Some dislike it more than others, but in general, it’s no worse than any other routine medical check-up. For 34-year-old Davon Vanterpool, however, what began as a routine visit took a devastating and unexpected turn.
Vanterpool went in for a dental exam on December 29 last year, where he was told he had “severely inflamed and bleeding” gums, according to The Sun. Later that same night, he began experiencing flu-like symptoms which only continued getting worse, and his partner, Alicia Wilder, 31, quickly realized something wasn’t right.
“When I came back that’s when I knew everything was terribly wrong,” she told The Sun.
“He was shaking and shivering uncontrollably. He said ‘I don’t know what’s wrong with me, I’m so cold and I can’t stop shaking’. He was throwing up and then he had diarrhoea.”
He was in septic shock
When he was admitted to the hospital, doctors confirmed he was in septic shock, with his vital organs beginning to shut down.
According to the Mayo Clinic, “septic shock is a severe drop in blood pressure. Progression to septic shock raises the risk of death. Symptoms of septic shock include: Major change in mental status, such as extreme confusion, not being able to stand up, strong sleepiness or hard time staying awake.”
It is the most life-threatening stage of sepsis and, if not treated promptly, can be fatal, with a mortality rate estimated at 30% to 40%.
Vanterpool was placed into a coma. As he developed a complication known as purpura fulminans, doctors were forced to amputate his right hand, his left arm up to the forearm, as well as his right leg and his left leg below the knee.
“I believe it’s the abrasions during the dentist appointment that led to the bacteria entering his bloodstream,” Wilder told The Sun.
“His gums were really inflamed”
According to Wilder, everything had been normal prior to the appointment.
“His gums were really inflamed when the dentist was in there poking in his mouth and it caused bleeding in his gums.
“The dentists didn’t say ‘maybe I shouldn’t go forwards with this entire exam even though his gums are severely inflamed and bleeding,'” she said, continuing:
“Everyone has bacteria in their mouth but in Davon’s situation the bacteria entered into his mouth because there were multiple pathways created in his gums.”
Latest update on his progress
Wilder launched a GoFundMe to help cover medical costs. In an update shared Sunday, she said he has made some real progress, though he still has a long road ahead.
She said his voice and speech are improving, and he is using a breathing device to strengthen his lungs. He also performed better on a recent swallow test but still requires a feeding tube for now. His kidneys are also improving, and he no longer requires dialysis.
She also shared a heartfelt moment that meant a lot to her: “Davon belly laughed!! It made my whole heart smile SOO BIG…! Just seeing him come this far!!! His personality is really starting to shine through, it felt very much like ‘THERE YOU ARE.’ which gives me such a feeling of relief. His life is really coming back.
“Of course there is still a long road ahead, but seeing him laugh, seeing his personality come back, and seeing these small moments means everything.”
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