‘Don’t wait’: La Pine man shares health warning after losing leg to flesh-eating bacteria infection

(Update: Adding comments from Scott Chain and friend)

LA PINE, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Scott Chain has been at St. Charles Bend for over a week after losing his leg to a flesh-eating bacteria.

"This is one of the craziest things. I literally was on death's bed that day," he recalled Tuesday.

Initially a sprained ankle, Chain was told by doctors in La Pine he needed to be treated at the Bend hospital after showing signs of irregular breathing, high blood pressure and intense leg pain. But Chain says being uninsured caused him to delay seeking treatment.

"I was concerned," he said. "I didn't have insurance, so I was kind of putting things off."

Chain's close friend, Eric Ernstsen, says many people in La Pine have the same fears.

"Part of it comes down to that fear that we all have of medical emergencies and the costs that come along with that. It makes a lot of us reluctant," he said.

Chain was immediately taken into surgery after doctors learned a flesh-eating infection had spread through his leg, requiring an amputation to save his life.

"They tried to save the leg, but they ended up taking it a good six inches above my knee. So I lost most of my leg," Chain shared.

Chain remains in St. Charles, still fighting a blood infection and kidney failure caused by the bacteria, but is finding humor in his situation. Championing the efforts of the doctors and nurses who saved his life.

"It's been a really pleasant experience," he said. "I mean, minus the fact that I lost my leg ... that's kind of a bummer."

He now hopes his story will be a reminder to others not to wait to see a doctor

"Don't wait. Don't be scared. Do it!" he said. "And the worst thing that can happen is they're going to say no, or it's going to be difficult. I wouldn't be here if I didn't do it."  

Fundraising efforts are underway to help Chain pay for his medical bills. So far it is at nearly 50% of the goal.