Teen Amputee Inspiring Recovery Journey: Mathias Uribe’s parents in Tennessee had to decide whether to amputate their son’s hands and feet. It was a sad turn of events. What began as flu-like symptoms became unexpectedly fatal.
A healthy and busy teen, Mathias fought for his life at the Monroe Carrel Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt for over two months. He was rushed to the hospital on June 30 due to severe illness. It caused him trouble. The initial diagnosis, per WSMV, was pneumonia and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome, resulting in heart death.
Doctors used an ECMO machine to save Mathias’s life. This machine temporarily replaces the heart and lungs to allow them to rest. Despite its significance to his life, the device restricted blood flow to his limbs.
Mathias was in such bad shape that his hands and legs had to be amputated. Due to this decision, the boy and his family faced an uncertain future.
Mathias’s family hopes that with prosthetic arms, their son, who excelled in cross country, sports, and piano, can leave the hospital someday. Mathias’s father, Edgar Uribe, said, “We’ll be his arms and legs until we figure this out.”
Dr. Katie Boyle, a pediatrician in charge of Mathias’s care, stressed the rarity and seriousness of his case. She emphasized the importance of flu shots for kids. She advised parents to closely monitor sick children for signs such as high fever, difficulty drinking fluids, or trouble waking up. Boyle suggested immediate hospital visits for those with these symptoms.
Mathias has had over a dozen surgeries and will remain in the hospital for another month. His parents are exploring options in Atlanta for his limb replacement and recovery journey.
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