Latest news with #TomasZdanius
News.com.au
2 days ago
- Health
- News.com.au
Sad twist for Aussie desperate to leave Japan
A Melbourne man who has spent over a month in ICU in Japan was about to board a flight home when he was sent back to hospital. Tomas Zdanius, 57, was left paralysed on the right side of his body after what was meant to be a joyous trip turned into a nightmare when he suffered two heart attacks. He was rushed to ICU where he underwent procedures to unblock any blood clots in his brain. The photographer and DJ left for Japan in April and by May, he found himself hospital and hasn't been able to return home since. 'He is still hospitalised in Japan, unable to communicate well with family and friends, trapped in a hospital bed far from home,' his sister-in-law Tanya de Haan told A few weeks ago, Tomas made a turn for the better and with the generosity of those who donated to his GoFundMe, his family members were able to organise him a flight home. However, he never made it on the plane. 'Tom did not make it back to Australia as we had planned and hoped,' Ms de Haan said. 'Despite all our efforts, he struggled to sit up in the wheelchair provided. 'He was rushed back to the hospital in Japan before boarding the plane, and now the medical bills continue to escalate rapidly.' Ms de Haan described it as a 'nightmare situation', adding it has been incredibly challenging for Tom's family and friends. '[They] have been tirelessly trying to communicate with the hospital, facing language barriers that make everything even more difficult,' she said. 'Helping Tom recover has proven to be an extraordinary challenge. We are now faced with the urgent task of arranging a medical transfer and finding a suitable airline that can accommodate his needs.' What happened Tom 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. 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 '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 at Iseikai International General Hospital in Osaka, 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. '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. As of today, he remains in hospital as he undergoes rehabilitation. '[But] the longer it takes, the less chances he has of being able to walk talk and eat. 'He's been getting a little physiotherapy to help him sit, but they don't think it's going work sitting the whole flight, so we're trying to fly him laying down as the first attempt proved it was too much for him to sit,' Ms de Haan said. Ms de Haan said the first flight they tried to get him home on cost about $30,000 and 'we don't get that reimbursed'. 'They take out seats from a commercial flight (about nine rows).' So far, just over $40,000 has been raised but Ms Haan said the costs are mounting. 'While some say 'insurance will cover it', we've learned first-hand that this is often not the case until you are in the situation yourself,' she said. 'The expenses for medical flights, hospital bills, and ongoing care are overwhelming, and the financial strain is mounting each day.' Tom remains partially paralysed on one side of his body and face, Ms de Haan said. 'He is unable to eat solid food or speak clearly, though he is trying. Sitting up is a major milestone. 'The family is doing everything they can - trying to communicate across language barriers, co-ordinate medical care, and arrange the logistics of his return. Unfortunately, this process is complicated, costly, and time-sensitive. 'We are reaching out for support from our community once more to help us bring Tom home where he belongs, surrounded by loved ones.' Ms de Haan said the support so far has meant the world to them in 'helping us cover initial expenses and getting closer to the goal'. 'But we still need your help every donation, no matter how small, makes a significant difference.'
News.com.au
26-05-2025
- Health
- News.com.au
‘Felt dizzy': Aussie's horror trip in Japan
Tomas Zdanius has been left paralysed on the right side of his body and is unable to walk, eat, speak or swallow. 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 '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 '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.'
