Kylie Harris Amputation Recovery

Major Health Update: Osteomyelitis—bone infection—still present in Kylie Harris's foot.

Seven months ago, Kylie Harris, a 27 year old, fun-loving photographer and die-hard Kingdom Hearts fan, had her toe amputated to remove an overlooked abscess and osteomyletis present in her toe, joint, and metatorsal bones.

On February 5, Kylie underwent foot surgery to combat osteomyletis for the second time. Bone samples were sent to pathology while her foot was filled with antibiotic beads to help mitigate the further spread of infection. Kylie has another PICC line for IV antibiotics for the six weeks, and she is scheduled to restart hyperbolic therapy.

(Left: June Amputation. R: Repeat Surgery. Went through the same scar.)

Over the past seven months, Kylie has been hospitalized a half dozen times for high lactic acid/sepsis-esque symptoms. With her toe already amputated and foot healing nicely, doctors blamed Kylie's new sepsis experiences on rogue UTIs or flu bugs. None of Kylie's blood cultures ever showed bacteria, but the constant “UTI” diagnosis seemed all too familiar to prior misdiagnoses.

Osteomyletsis is extremely difficult to capture in a blood sample. Nonetheless, on February 3, Kylie's blood cultures tested positive for the elusive bacteria.

(After waiting 13 years for Kingdom Hearts 3, Kylie refused to let her infection or fever stop her from playing the newest game of her beloved video game series. If she was conscious, she was playing, including moments before being whisked off for surgery.  Feb 2-5)

Kylie's foot troubles stem from a severe case of neuropathy. (She could not feel any pain in her foot caused by an overgrown callus until it was too late, and doctors were quick to dismiss her discomfort because it wasn't "that" painful.) Kylie's rapidly progressive neuropathy was finally diagnosed during a September hospitalization brought on by one of the sepsis/vomiting episodes. Kylie was diagnosed with Sjogren's Syndrome (Sjogrens) on September 18, 2018. According to Sjogrens.org, Sjogrens is “a systemic autoimmune disease that affects the entire body. Along with symptoms of extensive dryness, other serious complications include profound fatigue, chronic pain, major organ involvement, neuropathies, and lymphomas."


Due to daily therapy treatments, around the clock prescriptions, traveling to specialists, and chronic neuropathy pain, Kylie cannot work to pay her mounting medical debts and other associated expenses (ex: gas), not to mention her normal bills. Her family is helping all they can, but Kylie's health needs are quickly outstripping their abilities to provide care and cover her costs—which is why Kylie's sister (Malinda Smiley) set up this GoFundme page.

Please share Kylie's story and/or donate to help her recover from osteomyletisis forever! Thank you everyone who has helped in any capacity! Thanks to the funds raised through this page, we have not had to worry about Kylie's expensive prescriptions or therapy costs. It's been a long seven months, and Kylie's recovery process is starting all over. We need on-going assistance as we continue to provide for Kylie's many needs. Even $10 a month would help a lot!

Kylie and her family thank you for your support, love, prayers, and warm, fuzzy-feelings. This page will be used to update everyone on Kylie's health.



Also, Kylie wants to encourage everyone to talk to their doctor if they have a problem. “Don't let doctors dismiss your pain,” Kylie says. “You know your body best. Ask questions, a lot of questions, even if you don't know the right terminology! Don't be intimidated. You are amazing, and your health is important. Attempt to prevent wrong or missed diagnoses from bringing your life to a crashing halt by asking questions. Research everything and work hard, so you can do what you love and make your own chain of memories!”