Nelson Thomas shares an update on his life-changing foot amputation surgery, admits he 'was very scared'

AUSTIN, TEXAS: Nelson Thomas has finally returned home following a life-changing surgery and has shared an update on his foot amputation.

On Thursday, March 7, 'The Challenge' star took to TikTok to express his relief at leaving the hospital behind.

Nelson Thomas says he 'was in a lot of pain' during hospitalization

In his update, Thomas spoke about his time at the hospital for the surgery. "At least they let me keep my good foot, right?" he said.

“I’m home, thank God. It was a hard three days. The first two days I was in a lot of pain," he added.

“Walking into that hospital, I was very scared but I had my loved ones with me. I’m happy to be out the hospital, man. Being in that hospital really just… I just wasn’t me," the 35-year-old shared.

He further reflected on "feeling good" after he is back home and his mother staying by his side to help him during his recovery.

“I have to elevate my leg for the next six weeks and I have to take a couple pills. I gotta make sure I’m moving it so it doesn’t get stiff,” he explained.

“Trust me, it is weird. I still don’t know how I feel but right now, I know I’m home and I’m happy and that’s all that matters... I’m just gonna take it day by day and we’ll see how things go. Thank you for all the support," he told his followers.

Inside Nelson Thomas' near-fatal car accident

The reality star spoke to People in January about his foot amputation following his near-fatal accident in March 2023 in Austin, Texas, following which Minnesota Vikings player KJ Osborn and three good Samaritans rescued Thomas from his flaming car.

Thomas underwent six surgeries, had three plates and 22 screws in his foot, leading to several months of hospitalization.

Despite undergoing multiple surgeries including stem cell therapy, traditional physical therapy, and electrical stimulation, Thomas continued to face challenges.

In October 2023, his return to the gym and swimming pool, months after the car accident was met with persistent pain which led to the discovery of a nonunion bone.

Thomas shared that the news broke him as he grappled with feelings of despair. "I closed my door, locked myself into a room and just was crying and screaming into my pillow and asking, ‘God, why me? What did I do to deserve this?’” he shared.

“You just start thinking about all the mistakes you've made in life and thinking that God is punishing you. All those demons that you put behind your head and you feel like you buried come alive," he added.