‘Felt dizzy': Aussie's horror trip in Japan
The 57-year-old photographer and DJ left his home city of Melbourne for Japan on April 1 in what was meant to be a joyous trip after a difficult period of losing his mother a few years ago.
But things took an unexpected turn when the Aussie suffered two heart attacks, with the latter leaving him unconscious and partly paralysed.
He was at his hotel room listening to music and writing in his journal, - a passion that brought him peace of mind - when he suddenly felt dizzy.
His sister-in-law Tanya de Haan. who set up a GoFundMe to help assist with mounting medical bills, said he took himself to the local hospital for a check-up after being concerned about his symptoms.
'The doctors ran their usual tests, and he was sent back home to his hotel with reassurance that he was fine,' Ms de Haan told news.com.au.
'But his symptoms worsened quickly, and he developed a mild stroke. An ambulance was called, rushing him to the hospital, where his condition quickly deteriorated; and he suffered a second, more severe stroke and lost consciousness.'
Tomas was rushed to ICU where he underwent procedures to unblock any blood clots in his brain.
Ms de Haan said the second stroke left him paralysed on the left side of his body and unable to speak or eat, relying on a feeding tube.
'It was a devastating turn of events for everyone who cared for him.'
She said the family and friends were unaware of the severity of his condition, with Tomas having sent them a 'simple text' that he was going to the hospital.
'He said he may have had a small stroke. No one realised how serious it was at first - we [then] understood that this was a life-altering event, one that required urgent action,' she explained.
Ms de Haan said Tomas' two brothers and dad are trying to get him back home to Australia for 'proper rehab and ongoing care'.
A such, they have launched a GoFundMe with just over $30,000 already raised. The funds will also assist the family with piling medical bills.
'The costs of international medical retrieval and treatment are staggering and the hospital-stay in an international hospital is around $5,000 for the room.'
Tomas, who is currently in Iseikai International General Hospital in Osaka, is in a stable condition.
'We're lucky for the expertise of Tomas's father, a qualified and experienced doctor, who has been able to make arrangements for a medical retrieval service to bring him back to Australia,' Ms de Haan said.
The family are hoping to bring him home as early as this Friday.
'When his close friend Paul arrived from Australia at his bedside Tomas found some relief in the knowledge that he was not alone - that behind the scenes, many friends and family had been working tirelessly for his care and to bring him home as soon as possible, even if he didn't fully understand it at the time. It gave him hope,' Ms de Haan told news.com.au.
'The road ahead is uncertain, but the love and support from his family, friends, and community give us hope.'
The family has thanked everyone who has donated funds, adding the outpouring of compassion has been overwhelming.
'Thanks to the generosity of those who have helped us raise money to cover the mounting medical expenses and hopefully bring Tomas home soon.'
Tomas' former local radio station where he once DJ'd have also spread the word in helping their family raise funds.
'The TLC FM radio community has been amazing and all his Yamba friends in NSW have been there during this difficult time - from family to strangers who simply want to help in any way they can, have donated they can,' she said.
Ms de Haan said Tomas' journey is a reminder how fragile life and our health can be.
'We need to know that life can take an unexpected turn, no matter how careful we are. Most importantly it shows us the significance of cherishing one another and our loved ones, regardless of the circumstances.'
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