Australian Woman Fights for Life After Cosmetic Surgery in Vietnam

An Australian woman is currently in a critical condition in Da Nang, Vietnam, following complications from a cosmetic procedure. Chloe Mowday, aged 31, traveled to the popular destination with her husband, Josh, and their youngest son, Elijah, as part of a family holiday that included plans to visit Disneyland in Hong Kong and Universal Studios in Singapore.

While in Da Nang, Chloe underwent a rhinoplasty and a blepharoplasty, both procedures typically regarded as safe. However, the day after her surgery, she began to exhibit severe symptoms. According to her brother, Rod Mowday, she initially felt unwell after being discharged from a local clinic and returned to her hotel. “A few hours later, she started to deteriorate,” Rod recounted. “She experienced pain in areas beyond the surgical site, took prescribed medication, and then laid down to rest. When Josh checked on her, she was unresponsive and then stopped breathing.”

Rod suspects that Chloe may have suffered from a rare complication known as Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS), caused by a bacterial infection, although this has not been confirmed. Chloe remains in intensive care, undergoing tests to determine the exact cause of her condition. A police investigation is also underway.

“She is on dialysis, has had a blood transfusion, and is receiving medication to stabilize her blood pressure, which had dropped so low that her extremities turned black,” Rod explained. After receiving news of her condition from his brother-in-law, Rod immediately flew to Vietnam with his 16-year-old daughter to be by Chloe’s side. “I was absolutely mortified when I heard what had happened,” he said.

For five days, Rod was permitted to visit Chloe for 15 minutes each day in the ICU. He described the experience as heartbreaking, noting that she was unconscious and connected to multiple tubes. Despite attempts to bring her out of an induced coma, the medical team was unsuccessful, and her condition required her to be placed back under sedation.

Chloe’s family is now faced with the challenge of bringing her back to Australia for further treatment. Medical professionals have advised that her chances of recovery may improve if she is transferred home. As the family grapples with mounting medical bills, including a staggering quote of $228,000 for an air ambulance, they have launched a GoFundMe campaign to seek financial assistance.

“Pride aside, we have no choice but to ask for help,” Rod stated, highlighting the urgency of their situation. So far, the campaign has raised over $15,000, aided by generous donations, including a notable contribution of $2,000 from a supporter named Brian Fisher.

The family has also reached out to the Australian embassy for support in navigating the complexities of medical transfers and to ensure Chloe receives the necessary care and assistance. A spokesperson for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed that they are providing consular assistance to Chloe’s family, which may include liaising with local hospitals and authorities.

Rod emphasized Chloe’s role as a loving mother and wife, stating, “She has three young children and a devoted husband who has been by her side during this ordeal.” He expressed hope that Chloe would be cleared for travel within the next month, allowing her to return to Australia where she can receive care in a familiar environment.

As the family navigates this challenging time, they are also exploring options for loans and accessing superannuation funds to cover medical expenses. Meanwhile, the investigation into the circumstances surrounding Chloe’s medical emergency continues, with a police report filed by the hospital to inquire further into the incident.