An Australian woman is in critical condition in Vietnam following complications from a cosmetic procedure. Chloe Mowday, aged 31, underwent surgery for a rhinoplasty and a blepharoplasty in Da Nang, a popular coastal city, but soon after began to experience severe health issues.
While on a family trip with her husband, Josh, and their youngest son, Elijah, Chloe had intended to enjoy a vacation that included visits to Disneyland in Hong Kong and Universal Studios in Singapore. However, her condition rapidly deteriorated after the procedures, which are generally considered routine.
Chloe was initially discharged from a local clinic but later developed alarming symptoms. “She started to feel strange and had a bit of pain in other areas besides the surgery site,” her brother, Rod Mowday, explained to news.com.au. “After taking prescribed medication, she laid down to rest. A few hours later, when Josh checked on her, she wasn’t responding well.” Tragically, she stopped breathing shortly thereafter.
Rod suspects Chloe may have suffered from Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS), a rare complication resulting from a bacterial infection, though this has not yet been confirmed. Chloe remains hospitalized as doctors conduct tests to establish the exact cause of her condition.
Medical Emergency and Family Response
Chloe is currently on life support and facing numerous medical challenges. Rod stated that she has been placed on dialysis and required a blood transfusion after her blood pressure dropped to dangerously low levels, causing her extremities to turn black. “The doctors indicated she is very strong,” Rod noted, but he expressed the uncertainty surrounding her recovery, stating, “They couldn’t give me a straightforward answer, obviously for legal reasons.”
Rod quickly flew to Vietnam with his daughter upon receiving the distressing news. Describing his visit to Chloe in the intensive care unit, he said, “What I saw was just heartbreaking. She was not awake, she had tubes coming out of her.” Despite attempts to bring her out of an induced coma, medical staff were unsuccessful, and she was placed back under sedation.
Rod shared that doctors advised the family of the elevated risk of infection if Chloe remained in the hospital. Consequently, they are working towards bringing her back to Australia for treatment. “The doctors have informed us that she has a better chance of getting through this at home in Australia,” he said.
Fundraising Efforts and Support
As medical expenses continue to mount, the family has launched a GoFundMe campaign to assist with costs, including a quoted price of $228,000 for air ambulance transport. “We didn’t want to have to ask for help,” Rod admitted, but the situation necessitated reaching out to the community. So far, over $15,000 has been raised, with one donor contributing $2,000. Rod expressed gratitude for the support, stating, “People are just beautiful.”
The family is in contact with the Australian embassy, which is providing consular assistance. A spokesperson from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed that they are extending support to the family, although privacy obligations prevent further comments on the specific case.
Rod’s heartfelt plea underscores the impact of this situation on Chloe’s family. “She has three young children and a loving husband who has been by her side since this happened,” he shared. The family is also exploring bank loans and accessing superannuation funds to cover the substantial medical costs they face.
As investigations into the circumstances surrounding Chloe’s condition continue, her family remains hopeful for her recovery and safe return to Australia.
