Health

Georgia Student With Flesh-Eating Bacteria Finally Asks for Morphine After Losing All Four Limbs

Aimee Copeland Resisted Taking Morphine But Now Requests Drip as Pain Becomes Too Much

Aimee Copeland fell from a homemade zipline more than 40 days ago and contracted a flesh-eating bacteria through a cut in her leg. (Photo: AimeeCopeland.com)

The saga of Aimee Copeland continues. The 24-year-old Georgia student who contracted a flesh-eating bacteria after a zip-line accident has now lost four of her limbs, is having to endure skin and muscle grafts, and although she has tried to avoid taking pain killers, she is now requesting them.

(Related: New cases of flesh-eating bacteria hit the southeast)

According to the blog maintained by her father, Andy, Aimee was trying medication-less pain mitigation up until recently and now has asked for a low-dose morphine drip. Prior to this she was avoiding morphine because of her convictions:

Aimee is now taking pain medication in as liberal a dose as can be prescribed. If she even dared to refuse taking it, which she wouldn’t, then the doctors would most certainly administer it in an IV drip. Even so, the allowable doses of Morphine, Fentanyl and Lyrica are often inadequate to deal with the pain that Aimee is now experiencing. Please believe me when I say that Aimee’s refusal to use pain medication has ceased following her most recent surgery. She is now requesting it ahead of schedule.

Until now, Aimee’s pain has been focused on her amputation sites, the wound on her left side and, most recently, the her right thigh (the skin donor site). She now has two new pain centers: her abdomen and her groin. During the most recent skin graft, her surgeons were forced to take muscle from Aimee’s abdomen to create a flap over the iliac artery in her groin. She occasionally cries from the pain, but she stops because crying hurts her stomach. She says that she feels like a patchwork quilt, because her body is a collection of skin grafts and bandages.

Watch Andy speak in this ABC News report about Aimee’s current condition:

Aimee Copeland Resisted Taking Morphine But Now Requests Drip as Pain Becomes Too Muchvideo platformvideo managementvideo solutionsvideo player

Andy wrote on the blog that Aimee wished him a happy father’s day on Sunday, however painful it was for her to speak.

“Sometimes being a parent is not easy and this is one of those times,” Andy Copeland wrote. “I would much rather be the one in that bed. If I could take that pain away from her I would do it in a heartbeat.”

Read more about Aimee’s story and battle with necrotizing fasciitis here.

Comments (103)

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  • KrebsCyclist
    Posted on June 19, 2012 at 11:18am

    “…canon fodder…”

    No pun intended, right?

    Report Post »  
  • Tankertony
    Posted on June 19, 2012 at 11:16am

    The power of Christ compels you.

    Report Post » Tankertony  
  • TEARS FOR AMERICA
    Posted on June 19, 2012 at 11:02am

    Oh Aimee, our hearts and prayers go out to you and your sweet, hurting family. Any of us could be you.

    Report Post » TEARS FOR AMERICA  
  • nappy
    Posted on June 19, 2012 at 10:58am

    brings me to tears.

    Report Post »  
  • Obamujahadeen
    Posted on June 19, 2012 at 10:55am

    I got a left leg that don’t work to well anymore thanks to MS and this whole thing makes me cry. There‘s so many deserved people of this fate out there and I’m sure she’s not one of them if anyone does deserve it. ; (

    I have to take Methadone and Dilaudid for the pain or I‘d have to shoot myself it’s so intolerable so I can understand, as even though my leg doesn‘t work it’s got phantom pain like an removed limb emanates.

    Report Post » Obamujahadeen  
  • prd1
    Posted on June 19, 2012 at 10:39am

    Thoughts and prayers to Aimee and her family !

    Report Post » prd1  
  • theblazerunner
    Posted on June 19, 2012 at 10:36am

    sickens me to my soul what has happened to this dam fine american…

    Report Post » theblazerunner  
  • Judy72204
    Posted on June 19, 2012 at 10:07am

    Please, understand that God doesn’t cause suffering. Our choices sometimes do. May I also say that there is a way to prevent this bacteria from doing harm and it is a simple solution so hospitals and doctors are reluctant to use it. If you receive a cut or wound from an insect that is inflamed or uncomfortable put some RAW UNHEATED HONEY on the wound and lay gauze on top. The honey suffocates the bacteria but must be applied before the bacteria develops its protective shell. My heart and prayers are for this young lady’s recovery.

    Report Post »  
    • HorseCrazy
      Posted on June 19, 2012 at 10:33am

      we do use honey at home much better than antibiotic creams. My prayers to this poor girl. I have a relative who contracted this flesh eating bacteria from the hospital he was at for a day surgery. it is a nasty disease to treat.

      Report Post »  
    • theblazerunner
      Posted on June 19, 2012 at 10:44am

      the bacteria is inside the body …so adding a topical cream will not work.

      might if catch it immediantly…if not have to rely on the immune system,then anti biotics.

      yes honey is a good item to use and have around the house.

      Report Post » theblazerunner  
    • Hoax And Chains
      Posted on June 19, 2012 at 11:00am

      God created Satan, and therefore, evil along with all the suffering in the world… otherwise, He is not an all-powerful God. Good and Evil come from God… if He even exists.

      Report Post »  
    • kindling
      Posted on June 19, 2012 at 11:26am

      You know….crazy horse just said something that seems interesting, that he knew someone that got it from a hospital. Didn’t both people we hear about both go to the same hospital? I wonder if they didn’t get infected when injured but rather when they were treated? I had not heard anything about Aimee for a while and thought she had recovered. My heart breaks that she is still fighting for her life. Our prayers to her and her family and friends for comfort and hope.

      Report Post » kindling  
    • The-Monk
      Posted on June 19, 2012 at 5:03pm

      @kindling

      It’s called HAI…. Hospital Acquired Infection. I got one from a Nursing Home when I cut my finger on a computer. Almost lost a finger tip. : (

      Report Post » The-Monk  
  • SammyStutsfruckle
    Posted on June 19, 2012 at 10:06am

    So they’re saying the Dr.‘s couldn’t save her limbs???? Don’t go to a hospital, they’ll kill ya. That’s ridiculous. Poor, poor girl.

    Landmine has taken my sight
    Taken my speech
    Taken my hearing
    Taken my arms
    Taken my legs
    Taken my soul
    Left me with life in hell

    Report Post » SammyStutsfruckle  
  • matcotoolman
    Posted on June 19, 2012 at 9:36am

    anybody who uses this story as an argument that god actually exists is out of their effing mind.

    Report Post »  
    • Blacktooth
      Posted on June 19, 2012 at 10:02am

      Who causes pain, misery, flesh eating bacteria, death?
      Is it our God, or is it mankind’s enemy, Satan the rotten devil?

      Don’t blame God. it is Satan’s attacks, and don’t blame God for our own mistakes and the consequences they produce.
      1 Peter 5:8

      Blacktooth  
    • HorseCrazy
      Posted on June 19, 2012 at 10:31am

      God does exist. The greatest trick the devil played was confusing people of his existence. Read Genesis, read the words of Jesus, we are guarenteed suffering and trouble in this world because of the destroyer, he who walks the earth seeking to destroy all of us and anything good. As a chronic pain patient with a debilitating disease, my attitude affects my health. I can see God’s goodness in my lowest moments, He gives me the will to continue through great suffering. My prayers to this family.

      Report Post »  
    • theblazerunner
      Posted on June 19, 2012 at 10:41am

      wtf…then why doesnt god just zap the devil into a pile of poo…?

      just pick and choose , freewill and all that bs.

      either god is responsible for all…or nothing.
      pick one…

      Report Post » theblazerunner  
    • Blacktooth
      Posted on June 19, 2012 at 10:49am

      HorseCrazy,
      Good comment.

      1 Peter 5:6 says; Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt YOU in due time; 7 while YOU throw all YOUR anxiety upon him, because he cares for YOU. 8 Keep YOUR senses, be watchful. YOUR adversary, the Devil, walks about like a roaring lion, seeking to devour [someone]. 9 But take YOUR stand against him, solid in the faith, knowing that the same things in the way of sufferings are being accomplished in the entire association of YOUR brothers in the world.

      Soon, God‘s Kingdom with Christ as King will remedy all of mankind’s woes. – Matthew 6:9-10

      Report Post » Blacktooth  
    • Blacktooth
      Posted on June 19, 2012 at 10:57am

      The BlazeRunner,

      You do not understand the sovereignty issue between God and the devil. The issue of God’s sovereignty was put into question way back in the garden of Eden. It takes some time for a court case to be solved. Until then, we are caught in the world of Satan’s making. – 1 John 5:19

      Report Post » Blacktooth  
    • theblazerunner
      Posted on June 19, 2012 at 11:03am

      no, i understand bs…

      Report Post » theblazerunner  
    • VoteBushIn12
      Posted on June 19, 2012 at 11:09am

      I don’t really see the point of turning this story into a religious debate, but let me tell you something about Rabbinic teaching.

      Evil exists, but it only exists because God has permitted its existence because He is the creator of all things – light and dark – and it is through his will alone that light is separated from darkness. The distinction between good and evil is His. If you want to say the Devil exists and commits these acts that’s fine, but realize it is God‘s will that the devil exists and only through God’s continued permission does the Devil act.

      Report Post » VoteBushIn12  
    • Blacktooth
      Posted on June 19, 2012 at 11:18am

      “only through God’s continued permission does the Devil act.”

      And only through God’s patience does the injustice continue.
      But don’t worry, Jehovah God is a God of justice, and justice will be delivered soon.

      Report Post » Blacktooth  
    • Machtyn
      Posted on June 19, 2012 at 11:39am

      Anybody who uses this story as an argument that God does not exist is also out of their mind.

      Report Post »  
    • Meyvn
      Posted on June 19, 2012 at 6:51pm

      Read the book of Job. It may help you understand.

      Report Post » Meyvn  
  • marvlus
    Posted on June 19, 2012 at 9:04am

    As a father of a child diagnosed with MS, I feel for the parents. To see your child suffering from a hurt such as this is extremely painful. You wish you could take away the pain, but you cannot. The best you can do is be supportive and do whatever you can to provide comfort and peace. And pray.

    Report Post »  
  • slvrserfr
    Posted on June 19, 2012 at 8:00am

    It’s so sad that people that have openly celebrated life end up having to live the rest of their lives in misery while some of the most corrupt people on earth end up living out their lives without any repercussion.

    Report Post »  
    • Jenny Lind
      Posted on June 19, 2012 at 8:50am

      I cared for my dying mother for 16 months, she was always loving and accepting. One day I was tired, phyiscaly and mentaly hurting and I got mad at God in front of her. I was just raging, why would He do this to someone who had done His will all her life and was so good. She quietly whispered to me “I”m being tried and refined”. My anger turned to shame, that she was willing to endure what ever was dished out-she knew what she would have on the other side. She had been in severe pain for years starting in her 30′s from arthritis. This lovely girl will suffer the rest of her life, and I know it sounds awfull but I hope God takes her earlier than my Mom (at 79) but that she has enough time to heal to the point where she enjoys small things and big things in this world. As for the evil ones, remember, this life is short. but eternity is long and they will pay their debts to the very last degree.

      Report Post »  
    • dr emil shuffhausen
      Posted on June 19, 2012 at 9:43am

      I don’t understand the theology of it and I am certainly not “refined” enough to keep from being bitter. I see people who destroy families and corrupt children and seem to get away with it. I see liars, cheats, and thieves and ask how they seem to skate right by the rest of us who do the right things and occasionally have a cross or two to bear.

      This girl has remarkable courage. I can‘t empathize with her because I can’t imagine the pain and suffering she is enduring. Her plight makes my troubles seem trivial at best.

      Report Post » dr emil shuffhausen  
    • G-WHIZ
      Posted on June 19, 2012 at 10:00am

      You just gave away the Progressive Agenda’s End of Game.

      Report Post »  
  • mikenleeds
    Posted on June 19, 2012 at 7:09am

    that s a amazing young southern woman , my GOD be with her

    Report Post » mikenleeds  
  • PointBreak
    Posted on June 19, 2012 at 6:49am

    Unbelievably sad. God bless her. Hope her suffering ends soon.

    Report Post »  
  • Godzgrl247
    Posted on June 19, 2012 at 5:32am

    Oh my! My heart breaks for her and her family.

    Report Post » Godzgrl247  
    • drkmagneto
      Posted on June 19, 2012 at 6:32am

      All we can do is pray and leave it in G-d’s hands. G-d bless her and her family and I pray G-d takes away her pain and heals her.

      Report Post »  
  • Simonne
    Posted on June 19, 2012 at 5:03am

    Just plain horrible. Her future looks so bleak.

    Report Post »  
  • rsanchez1
    Posted on June 19, 2012 at 4:08am

    Her convictions were not strong enough to overcome her pain. Spending 40 days under attack by a flesh-eating bacteria broke her will down.

    Report Post »  
  • Diane TX
    Posted on June 19, 2012 at 4:01am

    Such a sad story. They are literally cutting away her body bit-by-bit. I don’t know whether to root for her to live or pass away. Passing away seems to be the easier route, but maybe she wants to live. It will be very hard for her without any arms or legs, just as it will be for the recent vet who is a quadruple amputee. Sometimes bad things happen to good people. I can‘t even begin to understand God’s plan.

    Report Post »  
    • muddpuddle
      Posted on June 19, 2012 at 8:13am

      What makes you think this was Gods plan? She doesn’t need your pity. Have you ever read John 10:10?

      Report Post »  
    • EPICBAMF
      Posted on June 19, 2012 at 9:03am

      plan? hah please,. 6,000,000,000+ people on earth ,and somehow destroying this girl painfully limb by limb is all part of some grand master plan. …seriously just STFU already

      EPICBAMF  
    • TumbleBumble
      Posted on June 19, 2012 at 4:12pm

      EPICBAMF ~

      Yes, there are over 7 billion people here on earth, and God knows them all. Cares about us completely and fully. Knows our pain and our joys. Blesses us and allows to go through trials.
      Sometimes He allows us to be broken in order for us to realize that it is in Him and Him alone that we must rely. It is when you begin to grasp the magnitude of His love that you realize that you are not just 1 in 7 billion to Him, but the one and only You.

      And MUDDPUDDLE, how could you find fault with someone who has empathy for another person? That’s like quoting Matthew 10:28 and saying “Don’t worry, Aimee. You’ll be fine.” Maybe you should focus on Galatians 6:2.

      Report Post » TumbleBumble  
  • Searchingforthelight
    Posted on June 19, 2012 at 3:11am

    I very wise, beautiful, strong young lady. God Bless her and comfort her during this extremely difficult and painful time.

    Report Post »  
  • corbecket
    Posted on June 19, 2012 at 2:41am

    Yes, I really hope she lives through this. Though pain can be nasty, it can be dealt with, and morphine is one of the best solutions. I know this, as I had a spinal cord tumor for nine years before diagnosis, as paralysis quickly set in. Never took anything beyond aspirin or ibuprofen for the same reasons that this young lady rejected them, until after the surgical intervention.

    After that eight hour surgery (successful), I was quite happy to take two doses of IV morphine on the first day. It did its job in four seconds. In those four seconds the horrific pain was completely lost. Scary effective, and after the second dose (of my life) later in the day, I haven’t touched narcotics in 15 years.

    Narcotics are nice to have, when you really need them. If you haven’t used them before, they are magnificently effective against pain. Opiate “virgins” find morphine to be really effective. Opioids are underused for pain patients, in my opinion. If she can beat the infection successfully, proper pain therapy is a walk in the park. If you let a pain doc do his stuff, without misguided government intervention, it is surprising what wonderful things can be done for the patient that really needs pain control.

    Pray for her.

    Report Post » corbecket  
    • lukerw
      Posted on June 19, 2012 at 3:09am

      You are kidding… Right? She is dying!

      Report Post » lukerw  
    • corbecket
      Posted on June 19, 2012 at 1:49pm

      “She is dying!”

      Well Luke, we all are. That shouldn’t be news to anyone. I’m not terribly sure as to your point, since she’s still alive and fighting the disease. Cut her some slack, and say a little prayer for her. Her immediate death is not a forgone conclusion, as you message seems to imply. My comments were directed to the tactical use of morphine, which she initially rejected, and now accepts.

      Stategically, we’re all dead. Tactically, we can help to choose the path.

      Report Post » corbecket  
  • Joey Odendahl
    Posted on June 19, 2012 at 2:41am

    I feel sad for her. But I’m also amazed by her! She’s one tough girl… And obviously very brave.

    Report Post » Joey Odendahl  
  • lukerw
    Posted on June 19, 2012 at 2:32am

    The Real World… does not operate upon Justice nor Compassion!

    Report Post » lukerw  
  • duane38637
    Posted on June 19, 2012 at 2:21am

    Bless this young lady that she pulls through this and lives

    Report Post »  
    • ChiefGeorge
      Posted on June 19, 2012 at 11:05am

      Amen! At a loss for words. God be with her is all I can get out!

      Report Post » ChiefGeorge  
  • Maxim Crux
    Posted on June 19, 2012 at 2:19am

    This story makes me feel very sad for her and thankful for what I have in my own life. God Bless and give this child strength and courage to endure the trials she now faces in the name of our Father, The Holy Ghost and His Son Jesus Christ Amen

    Report Post »  
  • ModerationIsBest
    Posted on June 19, 2012 at 2:06am

    So scary. I hope the best for her.

    Report Post »  
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