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A 52-year-old mother from Ontario, Canada, is fighting for life after what was supposed to be a simple tummy tuck surgery turned into a medical nightmare. Nicole Grigorov, a mom of four, including twins, had long dreamed of getting a “mommy makeover.” After multiple pregnancies, a hysterectomy, and the recent removal of a 20-pound cyst from her abdomen, she finally decided to go for the cosmetic procedure. “For 20 years, I’ve wanted to get a ‘mommy makeover,’” she told the Toronto Star, explaining that she saw it as a way to boost her confidence and take care of herself. Surgery Turns Into A Nightmare A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, removes excess skin and fat from the stomach area to create a flatter appearance. Since the surgery wasn’t covered by insurance, Nicole decided to travel to Costa Rica, where it was far more affordable. On September 30, she underwent the procedure at a clinic in San Jose, performed by Dr. Carlos Wu Chin, an intensive care physician. Everything seemed fine at first, but within two days, Nicole developed a severe infection. Doctors soon diagnosed her with septic shock and heart failure. “She got very unlucky,” Dr. Wu Chin told The Star. He said the hospital treats many foreign patients and rarely sees complications. Nicole was sedated and placed on life support for two weeks as her organs began to fail. Family’s Desperate Plea for Help As Nicole lay in critical condition, her son Nicholas created a GoFundMe page to raise money for her care and possible evacuation home. “My mom is currently fighting for her life in Costa Rica after a surgery that went horribly wrong,” he wrote. “What was supposed to be a simple tummy tuck turned into a nightmare.” He said her kidneys were failing, her red blood cell count had dropped dangerously low, and doctors described her condition as “delicate.” “We’re all terrified, praying every hour for a miracle and trying to find a way to bring our mom home,” Nicholas added. Doctors Say Amputation May Be Necessary After weeks of treatment, Nicole’s kidney and blood function slowly began to improve. She was taken off the ventilator on October 17 and is now conscious and speaking. But the ordeal has left her with serious circulation problems in her hands and feet due to low blood pressure during the infection. According to Dr. Wu Chin, her fingers and toes have turned completely black from tissue damage and “most likely” need to be amputated. “If we don’t get her home fast, the effects could be even further life-changing,” her friend Dave Schiff told The Star. ‘I’m Really Lucky to Be Alive’ Nicole is now awake and aware of the difficult road ahead. “I can feel the pain in my fingers and toes. I haven’t looked at them yet. I’m scared to,” she said from her hospital bed. Despite everything, she’s grateful to still be alive. “I’m really lucky to be alive,” she said softly. “I should have died.”
