A 52-year-old woman Ontario, Canadatraveled to Costa Rica to undergo cosmetic surgery. However, after the procedure, he developed sepsis and went into shock. Now he is at risk of losing his limbs and his family is looking for a way for him to return home.
Having long dreamed of a tummy tuck—especially after giving birth to four children, undergoing a hysterectomy, and surgery to remove a 20-pound cyst from her belly— Nicole Grigorov entered the operating room of the Biblical Clinic Hospital in Saint Joseph.
In Canada, this procedure to remove excess skin and fat from the abdomen is not covered by the public health system, and They cost between 7,000 and 25,000 US dollarsdepending on the clinic, while in Costa Rica the value drops to $2,500, according to reports Toronto Star.
«For 20 years, I’ve wanted to get a ‘mommy makeover’‘», Grigorov said from the hospital bed in dialogue with the Canadian media. Nicole, in addition to running her own business – Mattawa River Resort, in North Bay – dedicated the last 25 years to caring for at least 50 adopted children, a decision she made after learning that she herself was adopted by a family.
Nicole Grigorov traveled from Canada to Costa Rica for cosmetic surgery. Photo: Go Fund Me.However, days after the operation, Grigorov developed sepsis. Her heart stopped, she was sedated and put on a ventilator for two weeks.. Dr. Carlos Wu Chin, an intensive care doctor, said Grigorov only had a five percent chance of surviving. «I’m very lucky to be alive. I should have died,» Grigorov said.
The consequences of septic shock are devastating. Beneath his bandages, his limbs are black. Wu Chin pointed out that his limbs will most likely have to be amputated. Grigorov, for his part, can feel pain in his fingers and toes, but confessed that he has not «yet» looked at his limbs, as he is «afraid to do so.»
Although doctor Wu Chin stated that many people from all over the world travel to Costa Rica to undergo plastic surgery and that «they rarely have complications,» Grigorov «He had very bad luck.»
Although the staff at the Costa Rican hospital were «incredible,» Grigorov said she feels trapped, since she cannot walk or perform any basic tasks on her own.
Nicole Grigorov’s relatives seek help to bring her back to Canada
Since the emergency began, Grigorov’s friends and family work to bring her home to Ontario. A close friend contributed $85,000 to hire an air ambulance service out of Florida. However, logistics were complicated by the lack of a guaranteed hospital bed and doctor in Ontario.
They also tried to contact Canadian hospitals and the consulate, but time and time again, they say, they were told there were no beds available. Grigorov’s sister, Brenda Johnsonlamented the lack of structural support. «There are no laws, nothing in force for the citizens of Canada in this situation,» he said.
The federal government of Canada generally has no obligation to repatriate its citizens or cover medical costs when the emergency occurs after such a procedure abroad.
After the procedure, he developed sepsis and went into shock. Photo: Go Fund Me.The situation worsened because private hospital bill approaches $100,000and staff even threatened to cut off medical care due to lack of funds. Grigorov’s son launched a fundraiser on the site Go Fund Me.
«My mom is the kindest and most loving person I know. She was always the one who supported others and guided them to Jesus, and now I am asking for help to support her«Nicholas wrote.
After learning his story, the Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) for Niagara Falls, Wayne Gateshe indicated to Toronto Star that he had secured a bed for Grigorov at Niagara Health. Gates stressed, however, that it should not be necessary for a politician to make calls to receive care in the health system.
