Perth mum Chloe Mowday fighting for life in Vietnam after nose job, eyelid surgery goes horribly wrong

A dream family holiday to the vibrant landscapes of Vietnam has tragically turned into a desperate fight for life for Perth mother, Chloe Mowday. What began as an exciting adventure with her husband and three children in November, exploring the popular Southeast Asian destination, took an unforeseen and catastrophic turn following a planned cosmetic procedure. Now, the 31-year-old lies in an induced coma, reliant on life support in a Vietnamese hospital, her family grappling with a medical nightmare thousands of kilometres from home.

The Unforeseen Catastrophe in Vietnam

Ms. Mowday had undergone a nose job and eyelid surgery, procedures often sought by those looking to enhance their appearance. However, within mere hours of the operation, her body began to shut down. The situation escalated with alarming speed; her organs failed, and she reportedly "died on the way to hospital," only to be miraculously resuscitated by paramedics. This harrowing sequence of events has left her in a critical condition, unable to speak or breathe independently, tethered to an array of machines keeping her alive.

The exact cause of this catastrophic organ failure remains a mystery to her family, compounding their distress. Her brother, Rod, who has flown to Vietnam to be by her side, described her condition as incredibly precarious. "She is really touch and go," Rod shared with PerthNow, painting a grim picture of fluctuating health. "One day she is better and the next she is being put into an induced coma, she’s on all kind of machines and the language barrier is immensely difficult." This uncertainty and the constant shifts in her health are a torturous ordeal for her loved ones.

A Family's Desperate Vigil Amidst Barriers

Upon receiving the devastating news, Rod and other family members immediately flew to Vietnam, only to be met with a daunting reality. Beyond the profound shock of seeing Chloe in such a critical state, they encountered significant hurdles that have made an already unbearable situation even more distressing. The language barrier, in particular, has proven to be an immense challenge, hindering their ability to fully comprehend Chloe's medical situation and the treatment plans being administered.

"It was heartbreaking to see her like that," Rod recounted, his voice heavy with emotion. "With the language barrier, it’s hard to understand what has gone wrong and what they are doing." This lack of clear, direct communication with medical staff creates a terrifying vacuum of information, leaving the family feeling helpless and isolated. Navigating a foreign medical system, especially one where language is a constant impediment, adds layers of stress and anxiety to an already traumatic experience.

The Perils of Medical Tourism and International Care

Chloe's ordeal casts a stark light on the complexities and potential risks associated with medical tourism. While the allure of lower costs or access to specific procedures can draw individuals abroad for elective surgeries, the unforeseen consequences can be dire. Different medical standards, varying levels of post-operative care, and the intricate logistics of dealing with complications in a foreign country can quickly turn a planned procedure into a life-threatening emergency.

In such critical situations, the absence of comprehensive travel insurance that covers extensive medical evacuation can leave families facing astronomical costs. Medical experts often highlight the importance of thoroughly researching clinics, understanding local medical regulations, and ensuring robust insurance coverage before embarking on any medical journey abroad. For Chloe, the immediate priority is survival and repatriation, underscoring the critical need for specialist care in a familiar medical environment.

The Daunting Financial Hurdle: Bringing Chloe Home

Doctors treating Ms. Mowday in Vietnam have reportedly advised her family that her chances of survival would significantly improve if she could be transferred back to Australia for specialist care. This recommendation, while offering a glimmer of hope, comes with an overwhelming financial burden. The cost of arranging an air ambulance – a highly specialised medical flight equipped to transport critically ill patients – is exorbitant, and the mounting medical bills are already staggering.

Rod revealed the staggering upfront cost for the air ambulance: "$125,000, paid upfront before flying." This colossal sum, required before any transfer can even be initiated, has pushed the family to their limits. In a desperate bid to bring the "devoted mother" home, they have launched a fundraiser, appealing to the generosity of the community. "We’ve been advised to increase our fundraising goal while we’re also trying for bank loans, accessing super, more hours at work - anything we can," Rod explained, detailing the lengths to which they are going to save Chloe.

Community Rallies: A Beacon of Hope

Despite the immense challenges, a beacon of hope has emerged in the form of overwhelming community support. Donations have begun to pour in, offering a much-needed lifeline to the struggling family. Rod expressed profound gratitude for the outpouring of kindness. "We are proud Australians and I feel we are all doing it tough at the moment. I am so thankful for the love and support from everyone, people are just beautiful," he said, humbled by the solidarity shown.

Every contribution, regardless of its size, brings the family closer to their goal of getting Chloe back on Australian soil, where she can receive the advanced care she desperately needs and be surrounded by her extended support network. Rod's heartfelt promise to those who donate speaks volumes about their appreciation: "After we get her home, my life’s ambition will be track down every name and pay you back somehow. We love you all."

The Ongoing Battle and Official Investigation

As Chloe continues her arduous fight for life, her condition remains critical. While there are signs of improvement, Rod noted, "We believe Chloe is getting stronger every day. At this point infection is starting to emerge in certain parts of her body. The doctors are trying their best to fight it." This ongoing battle against secondary complications highlights the fragility of her state and the continuous vigilance required by her medical team.

Adding another layer of complexity to this tragic saga, Vietnam police are reportedly investigating the incident. This official inquiry seeks to uncover the circumstances that led to Chloe's catastrophic medical emergency, potentially providing answers to the questions that plague her family. Meanwhile, Rod is scheduled to travel to Vietnam on Wednesday, reinforcing the family's presence at Chloe's bedside as she remains in intensive care, on life support and dialysis. The family's unwavering hope is that with continued medical intervention and the community's support, Chloe will eventually be strong enough to make the journey home and begin her long road to recovery.