Exclusive: Port Charlotte woman shares challenges after flesh-eating bacteria infection & amputation

PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. —

Michelle and Lonnie Mickle are grappling with the aftermath of a rare flesh-eating bacterial infection that led to the amputation of Michelle's leg, transforming their home and finances in the process.

An unknown hole in Michelle's left calf grew larger, eventually eating through her tendons and clogging her arteries, forcing doctors to amputate to save her life.

"When I found out that I lost my leg, I was relieved because my foot was, like, really gross. Like something you would see, like, out of a movie. I was relieved," Michelle Mickle said.

After surgery, Michelle was diagnosed with a rapidly progressing bacterial infection known as flesh-eating bacteria. The couple's living room has transformed into a medical supply area, and their bedroom now serves as a full-time care room for Michelle.

"It's coming down to we have to choose between health care, possibly, and groceries. That's my life. And right now, until these wounds are closed up, I'm stuck like this. I can't do anything like my husband has to do at all," Michelle said.

One of Michelle's needs is weekly IV antibiotics, which have cost nearly $75,000 since May.

"We're basically drowning in debt. And but, you know, I'm putting her number one. And no one else is going to be here for her except for me. And, you know, we might have home health care come once a week, but I'm the one that's here 24 hours a day," Lonnie Mickle said.

Lonnie described the devastating impact of the infection on his wife's body.

"The way this bacteria works is it eats from the inside out. So your skin will eventually break open, and then there's a gaping hole, and it moves fast. Very fast," he said.

The source of the infection remains unknown.

"I don't go to the beach. I don't go by the rivers," Michelle said. "I don't know, I don't know, but my life was, was normal until it wasn't. And it's kind of scary because I've been having anybody."

Lonnie remains hopeful, telling Michelle, "We are going to get through this one day at a time. You made it this far. I'm hoping the worst is over. And I really believe that."

Michelle will undergo more surgery to help with her wounds and hopes to one day get a prosthetic to regain some normalcy. Until then, she is taking it one day at a time.

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