Mom Has Hands, Feet Amputated After Rare Infection Following Childbirth

A woman in Texas has had both her hands and feet amputated after falling ill with a rare infection following childbirth, according to reports.

In October, San Antonio couple, Krystina Pacheco and husband Jacob Pacheco welcomed a baby girl after she gave birth via cesarean section, but Krystina's health soon began to deteriorate, according to a KWTX report.

The infection, toxic syndrome, also known as toxic shock syndrome (TSS), quickly took its toll and almost resulted in the new mother losing her life.

"Things just started declining. Her organs started to go into failure," Jacob said.

"She had to have amputations of her hands and feet. Both hands. Both feet. And it was pretty hard."

The husband highlighted the importance of support from their friends and family.

"I told her, my wife, before she started like really like fading. I said, you need to come back for your kids and I need you for the kids."

"Amazing support from my parents, her parents, my brother, my brother-in-law, his wife and my sister in law."

He told KSAT that the source of the infection is unclear.

"It could have come from a number of places so we're still trying to figure out how it happened," Jacob said. "Her IV port got infected in her arm. It could have come from the c-section. We just don't know."

Toxic shock syndrome is caused by bacteria entering the body and releasing harmful toxins. It is associated with tampon use in young women but can affect anyone at any age, including men and children.

If not treated effectively, it can be fatal and a sufferer's condition can deteriorate rapidly.

The symptoms of TSS include, a high temperature, flu-like symptoms, feeling and being sick, diarrhea, a widespread sunburn-like rash, lips, tongue and the whites of the eyes turning bright red, dizziness or fainting, difficulty breathing and confusion.

Multiple factors can increase the risk of contracting TSS.

These include using tampons, particularly if left in for longer than recommended or using "super-absorbent" tampons.

Other risk factors include the use of female barrier contraceptives, such as a contraceptive diaphragm or cap; cuts, burns, boils and insect bites; or a wound after surgery. Childbirth also increases the risk.

Using nasal packing to treat a nosebleed and having a staphyloccal infection or streptoccal infection such as a throat infection, impetigo or cellulitis can also lead to TSS.

Krystina is currently recovering at Methodist Hospital in San Antonio and is expected to stay there for the next few weeks.