A mom in Kansas is learning to live her life again after having all four limbs removed. Brie Morgan Bauer was rushed to the hospital on February 17 for an emergency C-section when she was only 27 weeks pregnant. Her son Beau was born weighing 2 pounds 8 ounces, and after the delivery, Bauer's health rapidly declined, resulting in the need to have all four limbs amputated.
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A scary situation
Bauer went to the hospital after experiencing "several days of feeling flu-like body aches and general discomfort." It was then that doctors discovered she was in labor and rushed to deliver Beau. Bauer lost a lot of blood during the process, which lead to organ failure and her rapid decline. She was placed in a medically induced coma while doctors began to sort through what was happening to her. They didn't think she'd make it through the night.
According to a GoFundMe set up for the family, Bauer developed Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome. Her infection was concentrated in her uterus, which required an emergency hysterectomy that doctors didn't know if she'd survive.
"Despite the odds, Brie persevered, but the surgery also revealed that parts of her colon had died and she would require another surgery to place an ostomy. It would be her third major surgery in less than 72 hours. Though she made it through, the family learned that the blood pressure medications keeping her alive were beginning to impact all four limbs. Her hands and feet were turning black from lack of blood flow — amputation discussions were inevitable," according to the GoFundMe.
Throughout the first days and surgeries, Bauer was still in a coma. As her family expressed concern over her having brain damage, the medication was reduced, and she was able to briefly understand what was happening.
"Brie, it’s Reid. The baby is safe, he’s beautiful and looks like you," her husband told her. It would be 12 days and a hospital transfer before she was reunited with her baby boy.
"In the following weeks and months, Brie would go on to have countless surgeries to repair her abdomen and remove dead (necrotic) tissue that was caused by the sepsis. She battled infections, setbacks, and endured amputations to all four limbs: her right arm, just above the elbow. Her left arm, just below the elbow. Her right leg, which is at hip-level. And her left leg, just above the knee," the GoFundMe explained.
The GoFundMe explained that in "mid-May, Beau was released from the hospital with no medical complications, just shy of what would be 40 weeks gestation." Bauer had been moved to a rehab facility as she undergoes physical and occupational therapy. "She’s processing the trauma and grief, while also having to overcome the mental hurdle of exploring prosthetics," they wrote, explaining that the left arm will be the first fitted for prosthetics.
The family has raised over $356,000 on their fundraiser to "help offset medical costs, prosthetics, home renovation, and other needs."
