Current:Home > InvestSelling Sunset's Amanza Smith Says She Was 2 Days Away From Dying Amid Spine Infection-DB Wealth Institute B2 Expert Reviews
Selling Sunset's Amanza Smith Says She Was 2 Days Away From Dying Amid Spine Infection
View Date:2024-12-23 19:24:06
Amanza Smith is sharing an update after her excruciating health journey.
Admitted to L.A.'s Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in June, doctors "found that I had bacteria in my blood, and it had turned into osteomyelitis," the Selling Sunset star detailed to People in a video published Aug. 23. "I've never heard any of these terms until this experience. And osteomyelitis was the infection that was attacking my spine. So, it was deteriorating the bones in my spine."
And she said that if she waited any longer, her chances of survival would have also diminished.
"I almost died," Amanza added. "I was two days away from death, and that doesn't even seem like that could be a real thing."
However, a successful surgery removed some of the infection.
"There was a portion on my lower spine that looked pretty severe," the interior designer continued, "so they decided to do one surgery to just sort of excavate and clear it out and basically wash out the infection to get it away from the bones."
And while doctors hoped they could treat the rest with antibiotics, Amanza shared, her vertebrae continued to deteriorate—leading to a second surgery.
"They went in and they replaced with a titanium cage—so I am Iron Woman—and rods and screws," the 46-year-old said, later adding, "That was the major surgery. It was six hours."
A month later, on July 3, Amanza returned home. However, her journey to recovery continues. Now, the mother of two tells the outlet she will continue taking antibiotics for the rest of the year as well as do physical therapy.
"Right now, I have clear blood cultures, so there's no infection in my blood," she said in the video. "We have as far as know all the infection off of my spine. There's just the aftermath of what the infection that sat there caused, and it's a very aggressive bacteria. So, there's some deterioration on portions—just tiny, not anything where I'm going to need surgery right now. Possibly again down the road. I mean, it could be five, 10, 20 years, I don't know, maybe never."
And Amanza is thankful to have the love and support of her family and friends—including her boyfriend David. "When I needed you most there you were," she wrote on Instagram Aug. 1. "Love really shows up when you least expect it so grateful for this man!"
Now, she's continuing to look towards the future.
"Chilling and healing is the name of the game these days," Amanza wrote on Instagram Aug. 9. "Thank you to everyone for the continuous messages and well wishes. I'm getting there! Slowly but most definitely surely!"
For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News AppveryGood! (9)
Related
- Pete Alonso's best free agent fits: Will Mets bring back Polar Bear?
- In Hamas captivity, an Israeli mother found the strength to survive in her 2 young daughters
- Prince Harry was victim of phone hacking by U.K. tabloids, court rules
- The FDA is investigating whether lead in applesauce pouches was deliberately added
- What happens to Donald Trump’s criminal conviction? Here are a few ways it could go
- Houthis launch more drone attacks as shipping companies suspend Red Sea operations
- Tyreek Hill won't suit up for Dolphins' AFC East clash against Jets
- DeSantis predicts Trump won't accept results in Iowa or New Hampshire if he loses
- DWTS’ Sasha Farber and Jenn Tran Prove They're Closer Than Ever Amid Romance Rumors
- You Can Get These Kate Spade Bags for Less Than $59 for the Holidays
Ranking
- Judith Jamison, acclaimed Alvin Ailey American dancer and director, dead at 81
- Elon Musk set to attend Italy leader Giorgia Meloni's conservative Atreju political festival in Rome
- Nationwide 'pig butchering' scam bilked crypto victims out of $80 million, feds say
- Our top global posts might change how you think about hunters, AI and hellos
- Tesla Cybertruck modifications upgrade EV to a sci-fi police vehicle
- A review defends police action before the Maine mass shooting. Legal experts say questions persist
- Mayim Bialik is out as a 'Jeopardy!' host, leaving longtime champ Ken Jennings to solo
- There's still time (barely) to consolidate student loans for a shot at debt forgiveness
Recommendation
-
Sports are a must-have for many girls who grow up to be leaders
-
Costco members buy over $100 million in gold bars, stock rises after earnings call
-
Man convicted in Arkansas graduation shooting gets 105 years in prison
-
WWE's Charlotte Flair out of action for 9 months after knee injury suffered on 'Smackdown'
-
Mike Tyson has lived a wild life. These 10 big moments have defined his career
-
What parents need to know before giving kids melatonin
-
US Senate confirms Shreveport attorney as first Black judge in Louisiana’s Western District
-
Jake Browning legend continues as the Bengals beat the Vikings