Mackenzie Smoley, an Orlando teen, loves to ride her electric scooter. A seemingly minor accident on the scooter drove the handlebars into the teen’s midsection, knocking her to the ground. What happened afterward knocked her family for a loop.
Other than feeling embarrassed, Mackenzie, 14, had no visible bruises or scratches – just some discomfort. Her mom, Sharon Smoley, didn’t think the injuries were serious.
After resting all day Sunday, Mackenzie returned to school Monday and the pain returned to the point that she was unable to walk up stairs. She went to the school nurse, who called mom to suggest that mom take Mackenzie to a doctor.
Sharon Smoley took her daughter to AdventHealth Orlando ER and physicians performed a scan that revealed something unexpected: The teen had a lacerated kidney with internal bleeding that, if left untreated, could result in a loss of that kidney – or worse.
“Grade 4 laceration of the kidney is a very serious situation,” said Dr. Pat Casale, pediatric urologist at AdventHealth for Children. “It would be impossible for the parent to know the child’s condition on the inside, but that’s why you bring them to the ER for evaluation. I’m glad she came in when she did.”
WESH-2 News shares the story of how a visit to an AdventHealth ER following the fall led to advanced care that saved a teenager’s life. https://www.wesh.com/article/orlando-teen-er-discovery/39898299
Sharon’s message for parents: If your child has any traumatic accident, it is worth the trip to the ER.
“If there is ever a question, you go,” she said.