A Night We’ll Never Forget: Alycia’s Kitchen Accident
It’s been seven weeks since that fateful night when Alycia had a freakish kitchen mishap that almost cost her a finger. The memory of that night still haunts me, but time has begun to heal the emotional wounds. I’ve kept a photo from that night, taken in the ER of the first hospital we rushed to. I never had the desire to post it on my blog because it’s too graphic, and looking at it brings back the traumatic experience. But as time goes by, I feel more ready to share what happened.
For those of you who missed my my post in early June 2024 on the accident, I’ll do a quick recap here.
It was a Thursday night, 6 June 2024. That night started off like any other. Alycia was in the kitchen washing a glass container after eating mangoes that I had cut for her. Suddenly, there was a loud crash and a scream. Alycia was screaming to me that she had a very deep cut on her finger and it was very painful. I rushed in to find Alycia holding her hand, blood pouring out from a deep cut on her finger. My heart sank, and I immediately knew we had to get her to the hospital.
I drove to the nearest hospital in our neighborhood, and the ride felt like an eternity. Alycia’s finger was wrapped in a thick towel and she was in so much pain. All I could do was try to keep her calm and told her that whatever it is, the doctors will surely be able to fix the finger. When we arrived, the ER staff quickly attended to her. The doctor examined her finger and informed us that it was badly injured and she required surgery in the OT to save it. My heart broke hearing those words. The doctor gave Alycia an anti-tetanus jab and bandaged up the wound.
From this hospital, we went to two other hospitals and were told that most of the private hospitals in the Klang Valley had no more rooms, even for ’emergency’ cases. I don’t know how serious an emergency case had to be in order to get a room but thank God, we finally got a room at SJMC after midnight. I guess Alycia’s injury was considered serious enough to warrant a room. She stayed in the hospital for 3 nights and was discharged on Sunday.
I managed to take a photo of Alycia in the ER, with her hand being treated. It’s a very bloody and gory image, and I’ve blurred out the doctor’s face for privacy. The photo captures the severity of the injury, and looking at it reminds me of the fear and helplessness I felt that night. But as difficult as it is to look at, it also reminds me of Alycia’s strength and resilience.
Now, seven weeks later, Alycia is finally free from the splint and bandage. Her finger is still a bit stiff, and she has to do finger exercises to regain full mobility. We’re hoping she won’t need to see a physiotherapist, but we’re prepared for whatever comes next. Alycia is determined to recover fully, and I’m confident she will. Her next appointment to see the hand & microsurgery doctor is this Friday.
Time has a way of healing wounds, both physical and emotional. Sharing this story again and the photo feels like a step towards moving past the trauma of that night. Alycia’s courage and perseverance continue to inspire me, and I’m grateful for the support and care she received from the medical staff and our family.
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