Woman survives falling logs: 'I felt like I died and came back to life
After being sedated several times and receiving treatment for nearly a month at Hospital Raja Perempuan Zainab II (HRPZII), Norelyana has been allowed to return home.
A woman who was crushed by a falling log from a lorry in Gua Musang, Kelantan on July 9 is now gradually recovering.
Who would have thought that Siti Norelyana Kamarulzaman, 21, could now lead a normal life despite having nearly damaged internal organs such as the liver, lungs and kidneys, along with fractures in five ribs and her spine?
After being sedated several times and receiving treatment for nearly a month at Hospital Raja Perempuan Zainab II (HRPZII), Norelyana has been allowed to return home.
"I felt as if I had died and come back to life. Imagine, since the time of the incident until August 7, when I left HRPZII, many thought I had already passed away.
"Thank God, thanks to the prayers of my family, all Malaysians, and my fiancé, Allah has given me another chance to enjoy life," she said.
Recalling the horrific accident, Norelyana said she was on her way to work and had stopped at a traffic light when she heard a very loud noise.
She recounted that she saw the logs rolling towards her and felt immense pain, but she remained conscious.
In fact, the sixth child out of seven siblings was able to hear every word spoken by those around her while receiving treatment.
"I was aware of what was happening even though I couldn't respond to those around me. I could only endure the pain and listen to people talking until I was taken to the hospital.
"Throughout my treatment, I was also aware of what my family, doctors, and nurses were discussing, but I could only respond by moving my limbs."
"Every day, I talked to myself, telling myself to stay strong, not to lose hope, and to get up and walk again," she said.
Norelyana said that even to this day, she still could not believe that she was able to walk, return home and live her life with her family as before.
She was very grateful and thankful to everyone who helped her throughout her treatment at HRPZII.
Norelyana shared that her fiancé, Nik Amnan Arif Nik Anuwar, 22, would come to the hospital every day, even while she was sedated.
They were originally set to marry in December, but due to her health condition, their special day has been postponed to next year.
"To this day, I am still in a state of trauma, especially when I see logging trucks, hear loud noises, and continue to have nightmares about the incident," she said.
"That's why I have to stay at my sister's house here (Paloh 3) because my mother's house in Simpang Aring, Ciku 4, is located by the roadside," she said.
Mother grateful for daughter's long life
Every day, the word 'critical' was all that the doctors said while Norelyana was receiving treatment.
Her mother, Miskalsom Domea, 59, admitted that she could only rely on prayers, especially since many thought Norelyana’s life was in jeopardy.
Miskalsom is profoundly grateful and finds it difficult to describe the miracle that Allah has granted her daughter.
"Thank God, she has recovered and can continue with her life despite being in a state of trauma," she said.
Miskalsom recounted that the most unforgettable moment was when Norelyana had to receive five units of blood within an hour and was sedated.
She added that their family's focus now is on continuing Norelyana’s treatment at HRPZII twice a month and working together to alleviate their family’s trauma.
Police investigations found that the accident involved a logging truck driven by a 58-year-old man, believed to be travelling from Bandar to Kuala Lipis, Pahang.
The truck’s 'turntable' was reported to have broken, causing the load of logs to overturn.
In addition to Norelyana’s motorcycle, a Toyota Vios car that was stopped in the opposite lane due to a red traffic light was also crushed.
The case is being investigated under Section 43(1) of the Road Transport Act (APJ) 1987 for negligent driving resulting in an accident.
