Teen who had hands, feet amputated returns home after nearly 10 months in hospital

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV/Gray News) - After almost a dozen surgeries and nearly 10 months spent in the hospital, a Tennessee teenager who had his hands and feet amputated has returned home.

Police escorted high schooler Mathias Uribe home Saturday, where he was met by friends and family. Doctors amputated the teenager’s hands and feet after typical flu-like symptoms almost turned deadly last June. He spent nearly 10 months in the hospital and underwent almost a dozen surgeries, WSMV reports.

“Welcome home, Mathias! Your strength and determination are truly inspiring, and we couldn’t be more proud of you!” wrote the Gallatin Police Department in a Facebook post.

Mathias’ parents rushed him to the hospital June 30, where the 14-year-old was diagnosed with pneumonia and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome. He also went into cardiac arrest. The teenager was put on an extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) machine, which pumped blood throughout his body for almost two weeks, saving his life.

However, doctors had to amputate Mathias’ hands and feet.

“That flow wasn’t getting to all of his extremities, so they had to amputate all of his four extremities,” said the teen’s father in an interview with WSMV in September.

Dr. Katie Boyle, an intensive care unit pediatrician who was the head of Mathias’ care team, said what he dealt with was something she hardly ever sees. She said there was nothing his parents could have done sooner to prevent his amputations.

“It’s extremely rare,” Boyle said. “Sometimes, when you get the flu, it does set you up for a bacterial infection. But even then, most kids don’t get nearly as sick as Mathias did.”

She did suggest that parents make sure kids get their flu shots and monitor their children when they are sick to see if they get a high fever, cannot drink fluids or don’t wake up if they’re asleep. That’s when parents should bring their child in for immediate care.

Mathias’ parents are thrilled to see their son leave the hospital, his father wrote in an update on GoFundMe. The family is working to support the teenager as he navigates learning to use prosthetics.

“Though our journey is far from over, today is a day of celebration—a testament to the resilience of our family and the countless triumphs we’ve experienced amidst adversity,” Mathias’ father wrote.

For those who would like to donate to help the Uribe family, you can do so by clicking here.

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