John Davey from Box Hill South lost his limbs to septicaemia caused by meningococcal

A Box Hill South man was taken to hospital as a precaution for gastro-like symptoms shortly after his 55th birthday. He wasn’t able to return home for eight months and when he did it was in a motorised wheelchair — without his arms or legs.

John Davey from Box Hill South lost his limbs to septicaemia. Picture: Stuart Milligan

John Davey turned 55 and hit his biggest and most unexpected hurdle yet.

Four days after his birthday he was taken to hospital as a precaution for his gastro-like symptoms.

Little did he know, he wouldn’t return to his Box Hill South home for eight months.

And he would be making his return in a motorised wheelchair — without his arms or legs.

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It’s a reality most couldn’t fathom, but the jesting survivor’s spirits are higher than the average person’s.

“I’m a person who believes shit happens. And it happened to me,” John said.

John Davey from Box Hill South lost his limbs to septicaemia. Picture: Stuart Milligan

“I’m not going to go down the victim route.”

The husband and father was struck down with meningococcal disease, which caused him to suffer a heart attack and septicaemia as he lay in an induced coma at Knox Private Hospital.

“If you’re going to have a heart attack, be in a coma surrounded by doctors. It’s the best place,” he joked.

John may no longer be able to wear clothes with buttons, or drive his beloved 1966 Datsun Roadster, but he’s grateful he recently got to see his eldest daughter get engaged.

“There’s the golden ring: it didn’t kill me. Ok, it took a bit,” he said, motioning to his missing limbs.

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John said he and his wife, Debra Underwood, accepted their new reality very early into his fight.

“We’re pretty practical people.”

He said they did “break down” three months into his recovery, when his hands and feet were amputated, and doctors discovered they would need to take more of his legs.

He went through a further 15 surgeries and months of rehabilitation before he could go home, just in time for Christmas.

It’s been 11 months since John fell ill and he’s determined to fully regain his independence. He doesn’t have hands, but John makes and feeds himself breakfast.

John wsa struck down with meningococcal disease, which caused him to suffer a heart attack and septicaemia as he lay in an induced coma at Knox Private Hospital.

He can take himself to the toilet, shower and get dressed.

But a carer visits for an hour each day to speed up the process and provide security.

“If I fell off the bench into the bath I’d be like Bambi on ice,” he joked.

He has to accept things being “dead” to him if they fall out of reach, like when he stained the tiles because he had to leave lime juice soaking on the floor.

But he manages with the help of his “brilliant” wife and “unbelievable neighbours”.

“The support I’ve had is just amazing,” he said.

John’s neighbours fed his wife during his hospital stint and built a ramp at his house.

But hopefully he won’t need the ramp as much soon.

John has just started walking on splints at rehab.

John has been working with the virtual reality team at Epworth Eastern about the prospective of getting bionic hands.

He’s also been working with the virtual reality team at Epworth Eastern on the possibility of eventually getting bionic hands.

For now the keen chef, golfer and car lover has three key goals.

He wants to be able to cut an onion the way he used to, to play golf as poorly as he once did, and to be able to drive a modified car.

“They’re all achievable,” he said. “I’ve got to work at it and get there.”

Despite not being able to stand unaided, John bought a new set of golf clubs a few months ago, holding out for the day he can play — which he’s determined will come soon.

“Shit happens, it’s the way you deal with shit that defines the person.”