Just about a month after an accident that changed her life forever, Reyna Gonzalez says it’s a miracle she is alive to talk about it.
“I remember saying to myself 'this is it. I’m going to die here,'” said Gonzales, 34.
On July 24, she was working at a Dallas recycling plant when her ponytail got caught in the conveyer belt, ripping off 70 percent of her scalp.
She remembers a pulling feeling, then everything went black, except for her memory.
“I remember again, the first thing that came to my mind was my three girls. And at that point, I don’t know where I got some strength out, and I pulled myself to the front to try to get away from those rolling things,” says Gonzalez.
When she finally did, she remembers co-workers standing near her, covering their faces.
“At that point, what I did is touch my head, and the only thing I could feel is my skull,” said Gonzalez.
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She was rushed to Methodist Dallas Medical Center.
Dr. Paul Pierce just happened to be in the emergency room when Gonzalez arrived. Pierce is a plastic surgeon, who specializes in re-attaching hands, toes and fingers.
“If they come in asking for my help, it's usually a pretty bad injury,” said Pierce.
Pierce was able to save the existing scalp and re-attach it to her face.
On Wednesday, Gonzalez went back to Pierce for a follow up visit.
“Everything has healed. No complications at this point," said Pierce. "Her hair is growing back, so at this point we are working on scar massage and getting back into a normal life.”
Gonzales says she is grateful.
“I give thanks to God and the doctor for being here, because thanks to them, I’m still here,” said Gonzalez.
Reyna says her husband has been her rock. He didn't leave her side at the hospital until she was able to go home with him.
“I want to take this opportunity to thank my husband and tell him how much I love him,” she said.
