Sad twist for Aussie desperate to leave Japan

The family of an Aussie man have been left devastated after he was rushed back to hospital in Japan moments before boarding a flight home.

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.

Tomas Zdanius, 72, from Melbourne was on holiday in Japan when he suffered two heart attacks leaving him partially paralysed.

“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 news.com.au.

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 news.com.au.

He was due to fly home but was rushed back to hospital.

“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.

Tomas is a photographer and DJ.

“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).”

The family is desperately trying to get him back home.

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.”