An 82-year-old woman has survived a harrowing nine-day ordeal after falling into her bathtub and becoming trapped inside her home. Joan Rivet, who was unable to reach her telephone, stayed alive by turning the tap on with her foot and splashing water onto her face to drink.
Mrs Rivet, who lives alone in Clyde, North Carolina, US, was found on 10 June after her brother became concerned when she failed to return his calls and requested a welfare check. Deputies discovered her semi-conscious, suffering from severe dehydration and bedsores.
Mrs Rivet said prayer gave her the strength to survive the terrifying experience as she drifted in and out of consciousness. Following medical treatment at a hospital, she was transferred to a physical rehabilitation facility.
The experience has prompted her to plan a move closer to her family in Georgia and has reminded her of the vital importance of neighbours checking in on one another. Her cat, Phoebe, also survived the ordeal.
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