Quality of Life Wanted

One month before my injury, I filmed a documentary titled I Am Jane – I Am a Survivor. Little did I know that just one month later, I would be tested in ways I could never have anticipated.

Eating is now my daily challenge. Every time I eat, I fear choking. Most days I do choke, vomit, experience severe reflux and dumping syndrome, lose energy, and become depressed. Then I recover, only to face the next round.

In August 2019, at 3am, I went to my fridge and took two mouthfuls from a bottle I believed was Mizone. It wasn’t. It was caustic soda. My life changed instantly.

Hospital became my home for nearly a year. I could not eat, swallow saliva, or relieve the constant dryness in my mouth. My weight dropped to 39kg. Every day was painful, but I had no choice but to fight.

After 68 oesophageal dilations in one year, multiple stents, and perforations, my weight increased to 50kg, allowing surgery to remove and reconstruct my oesophagus and stomach.

I was advised that chewing food thoroughly is essential, as I am at constant risk of choking and severe pain caused by poor digestion and dumping syndrome. However, I have no back teeth and rely on damaged front teeth. I currently have a top denture, no lower back teeth, and eight front teeth in poor condition from overuse.

ACC will not assist, leaving me unable to meet this critical medical need on my own. I live alone and it scares me no end.