‘It will absolutely crush you’: After losing arms and legs, Pleasanton’s mother returns home to family

PLEASEANTON, Texas. Cristina Pacheco is living proof that a mother’s love knows no bounds.

The 29-year-old returned home on Saturday after spending several months in the hospital with a near-fatal case of septic shock. Pacheco was admitted to the hospital just days after giving birth to her second child last October.

The mother described her pregnancy as normal. When it was time to give birth, her caesarean section went smoothly. She was discharged two days later, happy and healthy, but with a slight fever.

“I started having stomach problems. I was throwing up,” Pacheco said.

At the hospital, her symptoms only worsened. Doctors sedated her for two weeks at the Methodist Hospital in San Antonio.

“For a while she was in different cars, rescue vehicles,” said Jacob Pacheco, her husband.

She later learned that a bacterial infection had caused her septic shock. It is unclear who she contracted from. Survival looked grim, but she survived and eventually pulled away from the machines. However, the medicine that was used to keep her alive cut off the blood flow to her arms and legs.

Pacheco said doctors tried in many ways to save her limbs, but they ended up having no choice but to amputate.

“It absolutely crushes you because these are your arms and legs,” Pacheco said.

But it also meant another chance at life for the mother.

A few weeks after the procedures, she was admitted to outpatient treatment in Houston. Now she knows how to do simple everyday tasks like brushing her hair and holding a baby. On Saturday, she was allowed to return home to Pleasanton, south of San Antonio.

“I’m glad she’s here with us and I’m glad she’s here for our children. I’m glad she’s here for me,” her husband said.

“I’m so glad I’m home. After all, that’s all I wanted every day,” Pacheco said.

Now she is at home with those who matter most, and those for whom she would give her life.

“I would do anything for them, that’s for sure.”

The couple said the support of friends and family also helped them get through this difficult time. Some organized a plate sale to help raise funds for the family’s medical expenses. Donations can still be made to help.

Donations can be made through Venmo at @Jacob-Pacheco-3 or through the Cash app at $CoachPancho.

As for treatment, Pacheco said she will continue therapy in San Antonio and plans to get a prosthesis soon.