Pitsea Emma Price making a steady recovery in hospital

Emma Price, 32, is starting to regain her independence, and confidence, as she learns to walk again months after being placed in a coma and declared brain dead. 

Last month, Emma took her first shuffling steps and spoke for the first time since the incident in July. Although she still faces a long road to full recovery, both Emma and her parents David and Samantha are now feeling confident she will eventually be able to return home. 

Happy - Emma and David Price (Image: David Price)

Speaking to the Echo from her hospital room, Emma said: “I am hopeful to return to my life, but it won’t be for some time.

“I am in a lot of pain and I can’t walk on my left side. I am on god knows how many pills and I am trying to walk on one leg with a walking frame. I have been in the hospital since July and it has been a battle. I have been on drips galore and I had to be fed by tubes. I have not long been on solid food

Recovering - Emma Price in hospital (Image: David Price)

“I’m managing to get to the toilet with a walker. I am hopping on one leg and that is really a struggle and I sometimes nearly fall. I have had a few falls since being in hospital.”

Emma had previously had a tracheotomy feeding tube and was unable to speak, but has since had it removed as she has improved. After waking up from her coma, Emma faced difficulties with her memory as a result of brain damage but this has started to improve. 

A fall three weeks ago was quite severe and has left her with a slight spinal fracture and ligament damage.

Emma added: “I don’t know how long I will be in hospital. I am okay at the moment but I have to receive physio. I have no idea. My toes are bent and I cannot straighten them on my left left, and my ankles are bent to the side. Every time I move, it cracks. I am in constant pain and I have been given morphine, ibuprofen and codeine.”

Anyone needing help should contact the Samaritans on 116123.