Shark attack survivor Leah Stewart has shared a major health update, after months of surgeries and rehabilitation.
The 36-year-old went for an early morning swim in Coogee Beach on June 13, when a great white shark attacked her, ripping off her arm and a part of her leg.
On Sunday, Stewart shared her leg has finally healed, despite initial issues.
“I have some very exciting news … my leg has finally healed. It has been a journey,” she said.
“In June of this year I was attacked by a great white shark that took part of my arm and a huge chunk of my leg … when I got to hospital, part of my quad muscle and my outer hamstring couldn’t be saved and I was left with a huge divot in my leg.
“St. Vincents are absolute miracle workers, and they managed to close the wound … it covered almost my entire thigh.”
Medical workers at the hospital had used an advanced surgical implement called a Dermaclose to help close the wound.
“What it does is it hooks onto the outer parts of your skin and then self-winds and gradually pulls your skin together.”
She then underwent two skin grafts to help further close the wound, which failed, meaning that she had to wait for her skin to naturally heal.
“It’s been four and a half months … keep in mind, it looks like a little bite … as you can see I’ve got a big scar there, but the fact of the matter is I can use my leg and I don’t have to wrap it up every time I have a shower or worry about infection.”
“I am just so happy. This is the best update for me.”
Image: Instagram
