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A fractured spine at Christmas

  • A mighty oak has fallen!

      13 February 2023
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    It is with a heavy heart that I share the news of my Father Edwin Henry Dednam, passing.

    My mum Laura, my brother Sean and I are heartbroken. His Grandchildren, Michael, Josh, Dan Lexie, Rhino and Jayden will carry the tales we share and the love he had for them for their whole lives. While he leaves an empty seat at our table, and we will miss him so, he lives on in our hearts forever.

    Edwin, Ed, Eddie, Pa, Pappa, Oupa, a good friend, tower of strength, a kind man, a brave man, a warrior.

    Our hearts are full of the beautiful memories we created, and the loving legacy he leaves us.

    “May the Valkyries welcome you and lead you through Odin's great battlefield. May they sing your name with love and fury, so that we might hear it rise from the depths of Valhalla and know that you've taken your rightful place at the table of kings. For a great man has fallen: A warrior. A chieftain. A father. A friend.

    There do I see my father, my mother, and my brothers and my sisters. They bid me take my place among them in the halls of Valhalla... where the brave shall live forever.”

    Thank you to all who supported us. Donated funds will be used towards funeral costs

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  • Six month outlook

      6 February 2023

    Unfortunately, Dad is not doing well. After 7 weeks of lying in the hospital unable to move his body or even use his hands, his physical and mental condition is very poor. We had a meeting with the doctors and they recommend sending dad to a facility for specialised care. The bed sores are a major concern and are the cause of the surgery on his spine not being carried out. The 6-week window period for effective surgery has passed, and after treatment in rehab, which the doctor estimates at 6 months to build up his strength and clear the sores, they can look at doing surgery to give him some mobility and perhaps the use of his hands. The Doctor will assist with contacting Netcare Auckland Park rehab centre, who an assessment, and give us an indication of the monthly cost for dad's care.

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  • Mum’s update - 13-01-2023

      14 January 2023

    Another setback!! Ed has a kidney infection!! His potassium levels are too high and the kidneys are not working. The doctor had inserted a drip directly into the vein in his neck, and is flushing the kidneys. Checking every hour. If the count does not come down he will call in the renal doctor and send him to ICU. Will let you know further developments. Love to all.

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  • Some good news, some bad

      9 January 2023
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    Dad has had a few ups and downs. Surgery scheduled for the 7th was postponed as dad has a large bed sore on his back which needs to heal before surgery. Unfortunately, he wasn’t receiving the best care and wasn’t being turned frequently enough and this is a bit of a setback.

    On the good news front, dad has started regaining movement and feeling in his extremities. Mum was so moved and happy when he was able to feel her touching his hands.

    Dad has been struggling with lucidity again, and we think it might be the medication, as he was completely awake and aware for a few days when he wasn’t having any drugs administered.

    The quality of dad’s care fluctuates as well with some genuinely love people and some who seem to care a little less. It’s tough being so far away, but the good news is that the hospital has lifted some of the security restrictions and Sean is now able to visit Dad with mum. My Aunt Sandra has also been able to visit so hopefully that will help keep dad’s motivation to get better.

    Dad was distressed to find out the cost of rehabilitation, but hopefully we are able to raise enough funds here to allay his worries.

    Thank you all for your kind donations and loving words.

    I can’t tell you how much this means to our family and especially my Mum Laura. We are truly moved by the generosity and kindness.

    Will keep posting updates as we hear news.

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  • Thumb sparks

      31 December 2022
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    Dad is more upbeat, he is regaining feeling in his lower limbs, he can move his head a little which he could not do last week.

    Mum says he is feeling sparks in his thumbs, we think it’s his nerves firing, but he still can’t feel touch on his skin. Unfortunately he is getting bed sores from not being able to move his limbs.

    My aunt Sandra visited him yesterday and he’s looking a lot more alert. The picture she took is uploaded.

    Fingers crossed the surgery goes ahead and the spinal cord doesn’t have permanent damage from the compression.

    My boys all sent him a video to cheer him on, and mum said he was delighted by Josh’s broken Afrikaans.

    More updates soon.

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  • Mum’s update 29-12-22

      30 December 2022

    Hi there. Saw Ed earlier, his mind is much clearer today, but no feeling or moving of arms as yet. He says though that he feels sparks in his thumbs although he cannot feel if you touch or squeeze his hands. He is moving his head from side to side which he could not do two days ago. He ate some lunch today and that is marvelous. They have two small bags of fluid attached to his drip, which I assume are antibiotics. Ed has still not been for the scan requested day before yesterday. He is tired and nods off every now and then during the visit. I would love to be able to have him listen to some music, however he would not be able to keep tabs on any device. Such is life these days. Ed says thank you to all the wonderful family and friends for the prayers and well wishes. 🤗

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  • Christmas Day update

      26 December 2022

    On Christmas Day my Dad was very confused when my mum arrived, and after sorting out his malfunctioning drip and making sure he was hydrated he was much more lucid. Mum managed to chat to the doctor. Dad has severe arthritis in his spine hence the extreme damage. They are weighing up the pros and cons of an operation to relieve pressure of the spinel cord. Not an urgent matter. He is receiving physio and been moved to a chair for a while, but basically bed rest. He will recover but the doctor cannot say how much or how long it will take but it sounds like it could be up to a year. Mum fed him a banana smoothie and he drank 250ml liquid and a couple of sips of power aid. That's the news for now. Thank you so much for the love and concern for us. With thankful hearts Laura, Tanya and Sean

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