Christa Pike describes constant pain in first statement since her failed execution

(AP) Christa Pike says she is in constant pain since surviving a lethal injection in Tennessee last month. In her first public statement, issued Friday, she expressed gratitude for the love and support she has received.

Pike says she went into the execution chamber prepared to die in peace but woke up confused in a hospital bed. She said she’s been “deeply hurt by the incompetence.” Pike says she had not contemplated life beyond her execution date and is thankful for the medical workers who saved her.

She says she is trying to heal and is holding on to the kindness of others.