The Challenge’s Nelson Thomas needs a foot amputation after a car accident
Nelson Thomas.
James Dimmock/Paramount+Update, 9-3-24: Nelson Thomas underwent surgery to amputate his foot on Tuesday, March 5. The challenge alum shared post-surgery photos via a slideshow on TikTok days after the procedure, he wrote that he felt “truly blessed.”
“The moment I moved my knee for the first time and witnessed it in person was truly remarkable,” he captioned the post.
@mtv_nelson The moment I moved my knee for the first time and witnessed it in person was truly remarkable. – – #March 5th #amputee #belowkneeamputation #blessed
Original story:
The Challenge‘S Nelson Thomas Nearly a year after he was seriously injured in a car accident, he faces another obstacle.
Thomas, 35, announced on Sunday, February 11, that he will undergo surgery to amputate his foot on the first anniversary of the accident.
“March 5, 2023 remains vivid in my memory, a lingering presence in my thoughts,” Thomas wrote via Instagram. “I consciously embrace it as the start of a new chapter. I choose amputation and am determined to recognize March 5 and redefine its meaning in my life.”
He added: “Get ready, amputation world! I’m on my way! I am scheduled for surgery on March 5, 2024.”
Thomas’ post included photos of the crash and its aftermath, along with a recording of him discussing the surgery with his doctor.
“I have to ask myself what kind of life I want to live and what quality of life I want to live,” he said in the clip. “I think I’ve come to terms with it and it’s time.”
The MTV star before shared a video of him working out in the gym. “Let us embrace the challenges, weather the storm and overcome adversity. I won’t run away. I will face my challenges and leave a lasting impact that people will not forget….” he captioned the post.
In March 2023, Thomas was pulled from a burning vehicle by a Minnesota Vikings player KJ Osborn and three other strangers in Austin, Texas. He suffered an ankle injury in the accident and underwent several operations. (We weekly later confirmed that Thomas was charged with a misdemeanor DWI for the incident.)
“The bone is broken again, it’s out of place. It doesn’t cure everything,” Thomas said tearfully in an emotional September 2023 Instagram video. “I have been in pain for the past two weeks, but I thought it was due to my overexertion in physiotherapy and in the gym. I found out that where they had the screws and plates, the bone broke. It didn’t heal.”
Thomas learned from his doctor that his condition was so serious that he had only two choices: amputation or ankle fusion surgery, a procedure that fuses the ankle bone together as one and is often used in arthritis patients, the doctor said. Cleveland Clinic. Thomas stated at the time that he was going to get a second opinion.
The following month, Thomas said that after seeing three specialists, he was going to give stem cell research a try because he was “afraid” of a new procedure. The reality star revealed his plans to go to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, to undergo treatment before opting for surgery.
“I have finally decided on the route I am going to follow. I want to thank the man upstairs and everyone who has supported me on this journey,” Thomas wrote in October 2023. Instagram role. “I’m very grateful to my @dr.akhan and I can’t wait to move forward with the procedure. Tomorrow to Mexico! What does that say? Viva, viva la Mexico aka Cabo ✈️🧬.”
Thomas started his reality TV career on MTV’s Are you the one? He continued to compete The challenge, in nine seasons since 2016. Despite reaching the final round twice, he failed to win. Thomas has the dubious distinction of having lost 54 straight Daily Challenges, the worst streak for any male competitor.