Shark attack survivor wakes from coma after arm amputation: ‘SOONER THAN EXPECTED’
· Toronto Sun
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A Sydney woman who was attacked by a shark less than two weeks ago has awoken from an induced coma she was placed in as she underwent several life-saving procedures.
Leah Stewart, 34, suffered multiple bites to her arms and legs, resulting in extreme blood loss, in the attack at Coogee Beach on the morning of June 13.
The mother of one was rushed to hospital where she underwent several “complex” surgeries, including getting her left arm amputated.
Leah’s brother, Josh Stewart, took to a GoFundMe page he launched to share “wonderful news” about his sister’s recovery.
“She has continued to make progress over the past days, she has now been stabilized and is no longer critical,” Josh wrote in an update on Thursday.
“Leah has been brought out from the heavy sedation and is now awake and alert and has been able to speak with our family and her medical team,” he continued. “It’s amazing to hear from her so much sooner than anyone expected.”
It marked the first time Leah was able to see her daughter, August.
Not out of the water just yet
Josh noted that Leah doesn’t yet have the use of her hand, explaining that “her remaining arm has severe tendon and nerve damage which will require further repair and intensive rehabilitation.”
He also revealed that Leah “remembers the whole event in detail,” and will share her story when she’s up for it.
For now, the plan is to focus on resting and healing as she undergoes more tests, regains movement and prepares for further surgeries.
“Leah still has a long way to go, with an extensive recovery and rehabilitation process that will have her in and out of surgery through the coming weeks,” he added. “Leah has shown she is so strong, fighting to come back to her daughter August.”
‘A miracle’
In a previous update, it was revealed that Leah was able to tell her mother and partner Fernando “I love you” after she was briefly brought out of the induced coma.
“This is a lot faster than anyone expected, and for us this feels like a miracle and is everything so many of us have hoped and prayed for over the past week,” he wrote in Wednesday’s update.
Stewart, a teacher and accomplished local swimmer, was swimming close to the shore when the attack happened.
Hers was the latest shark attack in Australian waters , which include two that occurred last month, one that killed a spearfisher in Queensland and the other killing a father of two in western Australia.