@Normal:Elina has a comforting hug from her favourite pet, Billy Bones. 71892
By Nicole Williams
IF ELINA Zulkarnyaeva was a cat, she would be one life down.
The 10-year-old nearly lost her foot in a traumatic crash involving a truck last month but it was her kittens which brought a smile to Elina’s face last week.
Dandenong Hospital organised a special visit from her furry friends, only days before she was transferred into the rehabilitation ward.
Elina, who moved to Australia last year, had dreams of dancing professionally before she was hit by a semi-trailer in September while crossing Centre-Dandenong Road, Springvale, only 100 metres from her home.
Elina’s right foot was trapped under the truck for four minutes and, despite the shock; she managed to call her parents three times to tell them of her pain.
Her injuries were so severe doctors initially believed the budding dancer would lose her foot.
After 15 operations, doctors managed to save the foot but were forced to amputate her big toe and heel.
Elina’s stepfather said she had been very brave during and since the accident but she started to miss the family cats once she began to believe everything would be OK.
Southern Health organised a special treat for Elina last Wednesday, with Billy Bones and Captain Flint paying a visit.
Elina could not wipe the smile from her face and kept a tight hold on her favourite furry friend, Billy Bones.
But Captain Flint was a bit tetchy and the threat of a scratch got a little too real for Elina who asked for him to be put away a number of times.
Elina said she was glad to see her cats and she was looking forward to going home. Dandenong Hospital Director of Plastic Surgery Dr James Leong said Elina arrived at the hospital in a bad way.
“It was a nasty injury as a lot of the skin from the foot and sole of her foot was ripped off,” he said.
“Her foot is still there and she can manage. She was a very good patient despite the time in hospital and all the operations.”
The orthoepic frame, which was holding the foot and leg up, was taken off on Friday when she was transferred to a rehabilitation bed.
Her family is hoping she will be home within a month and are looking forward to celebrating Christmas with the whole family together again – including Billy Bones and Captain Flint.
Dr Leong said Elina will be able to walk again but her dancing dreams are uncertain.
“She is very young and there is a big chance the nerves will grow back into the skin but we just don’t know how sensitive it will be,” he said.
“We hope she will be able to pursue her dreams.
“The worst is over and truly the foot is salvaged.”
