An Australian mother is currently in a critical condition in Vietnam after complications arose from cosmetic surgery. Chloe Mowday, aged 31, traveled to Da Nang with her husband, Josh, and their youngest son, Elijah, intending to enjoy a family vacation that included visits to Disneyland in Hong Kong and Universal Studios in Singapore.
While in Da Nang, Chloe underwent a rhinoplasty and a blepharoplasty, both procedures generally deemed safe. However, her condition rapidly deteriorated the following day. According to her brother, Rod Mowday, Chloe was initially discharged from a clinic to return to her hotel but soon experienced severe symptoms.
“She started to feel strange and had a bit of pain in other areas besides the surgery site,” Rod told news.com.au. “A few hours later, when Josh came to check on her, she wasn’t responding well – then she stopped breathing.” Rod believes Chloe may have developed a rare complication known as Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS), although this has yet to be confirmed.
As her condition worsened, Chloe was rushed back to a local hospital where she remains on life support. Reports indicate she is undergoing dialysis, has received a blood transfusion, and is being treated with medications to stabilize her blood pressure, which had dropped dangerously low. “Her feet and fingers turned black,” Rod shared, expressing the family’s distress over the situation.
Rod traveled to Vietnam with his 16-year-old daughter upon receiving a distressing call from his brother-in-law. “I was absolutely mortified when he told me what had happened,” he stated. During his five-day stay, he was allowed to visit Chloe for just 15 minutes each day. “What I saw was just heartbreaking. She was not awake, she had tubes coming out of her,” he said.
Despite efforts to bring Chloe out of an induced coma, doctors were unable to do so successfully. Rod noted that the medical team has advised that Chloe may have a better chance of recovery if she can return to Australia for treatment. “The doctors have informed us that she has a better chance of getting through this at home in Australia,” he explained, prompting the family to seek a medical evacuation.
The estimated cost for the air ambulance is around $228,000, leading the family to set up a GoFundMe page to raise funds. So far, they have raised just over $15,000, with one donor contributing $2,000. “We are proud people and didn’t want to have to ask for help,” Rod stated, acknowledging the financial burden of the situation.
In addition to fundraising, the family is in contact with the Australian embassy in Vietnam. A spokesperson for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed that they are providing consular assistance, which may include liaising with local hospitals and authorities.
Rod emphasized the impact of Chloe’s condition on her family, including her three young children. “She is such a beautiful girl and a loving soul,” he said. The family is exploring options for bank loans and accessing superannuation to meet the mounting medical expenses.
A police report has been filed by the hospital to investigate the circumstances surrounding Chloe’s medical complications, contributing to the decision not to disclose the name of the clinic involved. As the situation evolves, the Mowday family remains hopeful for Chloe’s recovery and safe return to Australia.