Nelson Thomas has faced the challenging choice of undergoing foot amputation following a severe car accident.
The star of MTV’s The Challenge has endured numerous surgeries and a lengthy hospital stay since his dramatic rescue last March from a burning car in Austin, Texas, thanks to Minnesota Vikings player K.J.
Osborn and three other good Samaritans. However, on Sunday, the reality TV personality revealed his decision to proceed with amputation, setting the surgery date for March 5, 2004 — precisely one year after the tragic accident. Thomas said,
“March 5, 2023, remains vivid in my memory, a persistent presence in my thoughts. I consciously embrace it as the initiation of a new chapter. Opting for amputation, I am determined to own March 5 and redefine its significance in my life.”
“Get ready, amputation world! I’m on my way. I am scheduled for surgery on March 5, 2024.”
Thomas’ post featured visuals of his injuries and the crash, alongside an audio clip of a conversation with his doctor, detailing the upcoming surgery and addressing Thomas’ queries. The MTV personality recounted his pursuit of various procedures post-accident, noting their unsuccessful outcomes.
“I have to ask myself what kind of life I want to live and the quality of life I want to live. I think I’m at peace with it and it’s time.”
Thomas has been diligently documenting his recovery journey, frequently updating his 288,000 Instagram followers. This past weekend, he shared a video of himself engaging in a workout session at the gym. The caption read,
“Let’s embrace the challenges, face the storm head-on, and conquer adversity. I won’t run away. I’ll run towards my challenges, leaving a lasting impact that people won’t forget….”
In September, Thomas disclosed that he was confronting the possibility of ankle amputation following medical advice indicating that it had re-fractured and was not healing as anticipated.
“Come to find out, where they have the screws and plates, the bone broke. It did not re-heal. The doctor has laid my options out there. The stage that I’m in right now is called a salvage stage, which [means] either they can salvage my ankle, or they can amputate it.”
“This is not going to break me, but goddamn, I’m so over hearing bad news. I just wanted some good news today.”