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What was supposed to be a routine operation turned into a life-or-death struggle for an East London grandmother.
After complications arose following an op to remove ovarian cysts, Claudette Power slipped into a coma.
When she eventually regained consciousness three months later, the 52-year-old had to learn how to walk and use her arms and hands.
Now, a year on from her coma ordeal, she is sharing her story in the hope that it will inspire others.
“My journey started on 16 January 2020 when I went in for a routine operation to remove two ovarian cysts. The cysts were so large that they were pushing against my colon, forming a kink.
But after the op, complications arose. After developing septicaemia, I fell into a coma and was in ICU for three months.
During this time, my life hung in the balance. I developed organ failure, had numerous strokes, was put on dialysis – which did not work at first – and contracted pneumonia.
The nursing staff did not have much hope of me surviving. I had a huge wound in my stomach and had a vacuum attached to it for four months, which cleaned the wound.
While in the coma, I could hear everything going on around me. I could hear the doctors and nurses, and members of my family saying they loved me and urging me to fight.
I remember my daughter played a video of my grandson saying, “I love you, Ouma.”
The worst part was that even though I could hear him and everyone else, I could not talk no matter how much I wanted to.
After three months, I came out of the coma but was unable to walk, or use my arms and hands because of the numerous strokes I’d suffered.
I was sent to rehab in East London, where I stayed for a month learning to walk and use my limbs again. I also had to go for speech therapy.
During my stay in rehab, I could not even turn myself in bed so the nurses had to help me. And then, as if things weren’t bad enough, Covid-19 happened.
I wasn’t allowed visitors and could only communicate with loved ones via phone calls. I knew I had to fight and get through this – not just for myself but for my family and friends, and I had to tell my story.
I left rehab using a walker and 34kg lighter. Now I can walk on my own and I’m getting stronger every day. I'm able to cook, clean and feel truly blessed to be alive.
But I couldn’t have done it without my husband, Tony; daughter, Teneil; and the rest of my family and friends. Without everyone sending messages and prayers, I would not be here today to tell my story.
Three years ago my husband and I got identical tattoos on our left arms, which read: “Faith Hope Love”, and this sums up everything.
I'm proof that miracles do happen.”
