Bachelor Nation star Cam Ayala recently had much of his right leg amputated following a life-long battle with lymphedema.
But the 33-year-old is choosing to embrace positivity as he recovers from surgery at Texas Medical Center in Houston, Texas.
On Friday, Ayala took to Instagram to share a photo of himself giving two thumbs-up as he sat in a hospital bed.
He later thanked his followers for the ‘support, prayers, thoughts and good vibes’ he’s received online.
Bachelor Nation star Cam Ayala recently had his life changed forever by having much of his right leg amputated following a life-long battle with lymphedema, which is a chronic disease that results in the buildup of protein-rich fluid in soft tissues and causes swelling most commonly in the arms and legs, according to the Mayo Clinic
In his hospital snap, The Texas native had on a pair of black gym shorts and a gray t-shirt that had ‘Love people well’ scrawled on the front of it.
‘Gotta lotta BROMENTUM with @b.rapp #amputee #CAMputee #FAITHoverFEAR,’ he wrote in the caption, along with prayer and bible emojis.
Another Instagram Story snap showed Ayala flashing a glowing smile while laying in his hospital bed with his musician pal B.Rapp by his side.
Ayala’s inspiring determination was put on display as he took a walk in the hallways of the hospital with the help of a walker. The footage was also shared to Instagram.
One of his friends is heard encouraging him from behind the camera, saying, ‘Great job, man.’
Recovery: Despite his hardships, the 33-year-old is choosing to embrace positivity as he recovers from surgery at Texas Medical Center in Houston, Texas. On Friday, Ayala took to Instagram to share a photo of himself giving two thumbs-up as he sat in a hospital bed
Determination: Ayala’s inspiring determination was put on display as he took a walk in the hallways of the hospital with the help of a walker. The footage was also shared to Instagram
Support: One of his friends is heard encouraging him from behind the camera, saying, ‘Great job, man
Ayala thanked all of his supporters in a heartfelt video posted Friday and shared the three truths he’s learned through this experience so far.
‘The outpour of support, prayers, thoughts and good vibes has just been incredible,’ said the star, who filmed from his hospital bed.
‘Number one: point blank, God Is good. He doesn’t give us these obstacles without an opportunity to enable us to grow and self-reflect, and improve ourselves ultimately to glorify him.
‘Truth number two is kindness and gratitude will always propel us forward, whether you’re being respectful to the nursing staff or your neighbors, or what ever the case may be, kindness and gratitude will always propel you forward.’
Ayala thanked all of his supporters in a heartfelt video, which was also shared to his Instagram Story. ‘The outpour of support, prayers, thoughts and good vibes has just been incredible,’ said the star, who filmed from his hospital bed
His truths: He then shared about the three truths that he learned through this experience so far
Phantom pain: ‘Final truth is phantom pain is real,’ said Ayala of his amputated leg. Phantom limb pain is a pain in the part of the limb that’s no longer there
‘Final truth is phantom pain is real,’ said Ayala of his amputated leg.
Phantom limb pain is a pain in the part of the limb that’s no longer there.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, the pain experienced is real and the ‘phantom part’ refers to the ‘location of the pain: the missing limb or part of the limb.
The resource also states that ‘Phantom limb pain ranges from mild to severe and can last for seconds, hours, days or longer.’
Ayala continued: ‘This is no bueno; we’re going to get through this,’ he added. ‘Love you guys.’
Tough road to recovery: Ayala, who was born with lymphedema, had 16 surgeries over a seven-year span prior to seeking an amputation
Ayala, who was born with lymphedema, had 16 surgeries over a seven-year span prior to seeking an amputation.
Lymphedema is a chronic disease that results in the buildup of protein-rich fluid in soft tissues and causes swelling most commonly in the arms and legs, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Ayala currently works as the Director of Development and Marketing for LE&RN (Lymphatic Education & Research Network), a nonprofit that fights lymphedema and lymphatic disease through education, research, and advocacy.
He was a contestant on the 15th season of The Bachelorette that premiered in May 2019 but he was eliminated in the third week.
He returned to the fold again by appearing in the sixth season of Bachelor In Paradise in August 2019, but this time he left the show in the second week.
Bachelor Nation: Ayala was a contestant on the 15th season of The Bachelorette and the sixth season of Bachelor In Paradise; he is pictured in an episode of bachelor In Paradise in 2019
