A Winnipeg woman has spent weeks in hospital following serious complications from surgery, as she appeals for urgent medical assistance and a transfer to Montreal for specialized treatment.
Emma Cloney underwent what was expected to be her final lipedema surgery on October 20, 2026. However, complications developed shortly after the procedure, leaving her facing a prolonged hospital stay and concerns about potentially life-threatening consequences.
Cloney lives with lipedema, a chronic condition that causes painful fat accumulation and swelling, particularly in the arms and legs. She was diagnosed in 2021. She also has Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, a connective tissue disorder that can make the skin and other tissues fragile and affect the body’s ability to heal.
According to a report by CityNews published November 12, Cloney experienced bleeding beneath her skin after the October surgery. The buildup of pressure eventually caused both surgical incisions to reopen.
Five days later, she noticed that the skin on her left thigh was turning black, raising fears of tissue death, a condition known as necrosis.
On November 1, she underwent another operation. However, the extent of the tissue damage meant doctors could not close the wounds because her skin was too fragile.
Both legs remain open, and Cloney has been told that healing could take several months.
The prolonged complications have left her distressed and worried about further infection and the possibility of developing sepsis, a potentially life-threatening response to infection.
Cloney said the experience had been traumatic, particularly because she felt that much of the care she received was reactive rather than proactive.
Seeking specialized treatment outside Manitoba
Cloney says medical professionals have told her that hyperbaric oxygen therapy and complex wound care could help her recovery. However, she says these specialized services are not available in Manitoba.
She has therefore been seeking a transfer to a hospital in Montreal where she could receive the treatment.
According to her account, Manitoba Health informed her that the province had approved the transfer, but staff at Health Sciences Centre (HSC) told her that the necessary paperwork was not available.
Cloney said she spent November 12 trying to contact Manitoba Health to resolve the situation and obtain answers about when she could leave Winnipeg for the specialized care.
The uncertainty has intensified her concerns, as she fears that further delays could result in additional tissue damage, infection and other complications.
Province confirms one-time coverage
The provincial government acknowledged the difficult circumstances surrounding Cloney’s case.
In a statement reported by CityNews, Manitoba Health said it could not comment on individual medical cases but confirmed that the minister’s office had been in direct contact with Cloney.
The province also stated that, given the exceptional circumstances, it had approved one-time coverage for her out-of-province transportation and requested treatment.
CityNews reported that Shared Health had not responded to its request for comment at the time of publication.
Cloney’s situation has renewed attention on access to specialized medical services, communication between health-care institutions and the challenges patients can face when treatment unavailable in their home province becomes necessary.
For Cloney, the immediate concern remains securing the transfer and receiving the care she believes is needed to prevent further complications.
Her experience highlights the importance of timely medical intervention when serious post-operative complications arise. As the situation continues, she hopes the arrangements for treatment in Montreal will be completed without further delays.
Swifteradio.com
