Bachelor Nation Orange Ayala revealed he recently had his right leg amputated after a life-long battle with lymphedema.
On Friday, the 32-year-old reality star, who competed in season 15 of Bachelorette and season 6 of Bachelor in Paradise, posted several videos and post-surgery photos, including those where he was seen using a walker in the hallways of the Texas Medical Center. After entering the room, a friend can be heard encouraging Cam, saying:
“Good job, buddy.”
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Calling herself “CAMputee”, the TV personality also captioned the post:
“Gotta lotta BROMENTUM with @b.rapp.”
For those unaware, his leg amputation occurred almost 20 years after he was first diagnosed with lymphedema. Follow Mayo ClinicLymphedema occurs when tissue swells due to a buildup of fluid that is normally drained through the body’s lymphatic system. Although it usually affects the arms or legs, it can also occur in the chest wall, abdomen, neck, and genitals.
Cam first revealed to fans that he was diagnosed with the disease in December 2018, writing on Instagram:
“This is something that I never made public because I never wanted people to sympathize or sympathize with me. In 2002, I was officially diagnosed with #lymphedema, an incurable condition that is often misdiagnosed by medical professionals and completely understood by medical professionals. [world] I have been told by dozens of doctors and ‘Experts’ that I will never be able to play competitive sports and that I will have to manage this condition for the rest of my life. “
He continued:
“After visiting more than 20 clinics, I was finally presented with several treatment options. Through manual lymphatic drainage massage, foot pumps and custom compression garments, I have had a second chance to live a ‘normal’ life again. This didn’t come [without] countless nights of excruciating pain, swelling, and emotional pain. Thanks to the support of family, friends, and music, I stopped focusing on my misfortunes and started prioritizing the blessings I used to take for granted.”
Years after being diagnosed, Cam shared in a post that he had an infection of his right knee in 2014. This led to “13 surgical procedures” and “the only consensus the doctors gave. So… surgery.” At the time, he admitted that the idea of losing his leg had left him “paralyzed with anxiety and fear”. But the doctors at Boston Children’s Hospital did a diagnostic procedure to save his leg from amputation in December 2016.
Now, it looks like Cam is keeping a positive attitude about the procedure. We are praying for him nothing but the best as he recovers!!
[Image via Cam Ayala/Instagram, Bachelor Nation/YouTube]
