Erin Bates Paine hit a major milestone this week as she was able to take her first steps since being hospitalized following the birth of her seventh child.
The former Bringing Up Bates star took to Instagram on Thursday to share that after weeks of not having use of one of her legs– during which she’s “been carried, wheeled, and held up through tears and prayer”– her leg finally “moved” and she was able to take her first steps.
“Today I took steps,” she wrote. “They might be a little wobbly, but they are steps I wasn’t sure I’d ever take again.
“ … To those who have prayed and encouraged us, thank you,” Erin continued. “You have been part of this miracle. To the doctors, nurses, and therapists who have poured so much into my recovery – we are forever grateful. Today we are standing (literally!) in awe, giving thanks for every single step forward.”
As The Ashley previously reported, Erin first went into the ICU after developing a severe UTI and kidney infection following the birth of her seventh child, Henry, in September. The infections put Erin into septic shock, causing her to suffer a lengthy and severe seizure. According to an update given by Erin’s pastor at the time, Erin had suffered a 15-minute-long grand mal seizure.
After spending weeks in the ICU and NICU, respectively, Erin and Henry were sent home; however, Erin soon confirmed on social media that she was still unable to move her right leg, while her husband, Chad Paine, confirmed in a YouTube video that his wife “still has complications.”
“She cannot use her right leg for some reason,” Chad said. “The doctors don’t have an explanation. They don’t have an answer, and they are only hopeful on recovery. They’re positive towards it, but they still haven’t really identified the problems that have been frustrating, but we’ve been continuing to ask for prayer.”
Erin went on provide another health update last week, in which she revealed she was still unable to use her leg, but “learning how to navigate using a walker and wheelchair much better now.”
“I’ve been doing physical therapy consistently and they are hopeful that time will heal!” Erin added.
Erin’s most recent post received many encouraging comments from friends and family, including one from fellow former TLC star Jessa Duggar Seewald, who complimented Erin on her “beautiful family.”
Jessa’s sister Jinger Duggar Vuolo also reacted to Erin’s positive health update, writing, “Praise God!!! 🙌🏼”
As you may know, Erin has struggled with her health for years. Prior to the birth of her first child, Charles, in 2015, Erin suffered three miscarriages, which she’s said were likely due to a blood clotting disorder she has. After welcoming their fourth child, Holland, in 2019, Erin and Chad told People that after consulting with their doctor, they realized “having another baby was not going to be in our future.”
In 2021, Erin underwent multiple surgeries due to ruptured cysts, resulting in her having one of her ovaries fully removed and the other partially removed. Despite these health issues, the ‘Bringing Up Bates’ star went on welcome daughter Finley in January 2022, son William (who was born prematurely) in October 2023, followed by Henry last month.
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(Photos: Instagram)
7 Responses
It’s beyond me why people can’t just be thankful she’s starting to do better as opposed to being a smart mouth butthole about their being a POSSIBILITY of another child.
Oh goodness. She can move her leg just enough to open them. She’ll be pregnant with baby #7725289 here shortly.
Thank goodness! I can’t imagine being so young and with so many children to care for and not being able to walk..
Glad to hear her paralysis is starting to subside. Having a paralyzed leg sucks. But I still think they misses an ABI on the left side
Just keep those legs together from now on honey 😂
Oh it’ll probably be taken as a sign from God that it works again.
That said, I truly hope she continues to get well.