Leah Stewart: Coogee shark attack victim reveals sad reality of wound care after surviving great white’s jaws

Coogee shark attack victim Leah Stewart has given an insight into her lengthy recovery from the injuries she suffered after escaping the jaws of a great white.

The 35-year-old was brutally mauled by the apex predator while she was swimming less than 30 metres from shore at the popular Sydney beach on June 13.

The horrifying attack left the mother with “severe and life-threatening injuries” that required 11 surgeries, including the amputation of her arm.

She also spent 11 days in a coma, and suffered multiple bite wounds on her arms and legs, significant blood loss, and fractures throughout her body.

In an Instagram update on Friday, Ms Stewart introduced her followers to the portable wound therapy machine she has to carry around with her daily as the wound on her leg continues to heal.

“Today I thought I’d show you my very stylish grey hand bag that I have with me everywhere. And it is called a VAC machine.. it is also known as a negative pressure wound therapy machine,” Ms Stewart told her followers.

“I have had one of these with me for three months, I used to have one five times this size, but I am very excited to have a smaller one. now.”

“It is a little machine that is connected to my leg. My leg is still an open wound at the moment, hopefully it will be closing soon with my second trial at a skin graft, but for now this machine is pulling all of the wound together and then collecting the excess fluid.”

According to Wounds Australia, a VAC machine uses gentle suction to help severe wounds close and heal faster.

While Ms Stewart is grateful to have the wound healing technology by her side, she said the daily dependence on the device can be annoying at times.

“If the wound, which is on my leg it’s got sort of like a plastic all over it, if there’s any sort of movement on the leg, it will start beeping at your if you get like a little bit of air going in there,” she explained.

“So I am constantly being harassed by this machine, but I am very thankful for it because it has made a huge impact on the healing of my leg.

“So, now you know, if you see someone with one of these stylish little machines, it is a VAC machine.”

Her positive outlook quickly prompted an outpouring of support from people in the comment section.

“What a positive person you are!! Everyone would understand totally if you felt victimised and negative but you’re so bubbly and grateful. You’re firmly focused on the half full cup! Good on you!” one person said.

Another added: “Oh Leah your attitude throughout this whole ordeal has been amazing. I’m so glad that you are doing do well. I wish you all the best. You honestly rock girl.”

In a tell-all interview with 60 Minutes on Sunday, Ms Stewart detailed the sheer horror she experienced when she came face-to-face with the great white shark.

While in the water, she said she heard a “shrill shriek” from a woman nearby.

“I turned and there was a huge, huge fin behind her, it was massive,” she said.

“I could feel movement in the water and I turned around and it was right there.

“I’ll never forget its face.”