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Ra 'RAZOR' Redden

  • Counting down to Burwood!

      12 January 2018
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    Every little bit of progress is a huge milestone for this amazing man 👊

    A few days ago Ra was transferred into his first wheelchair. Each day Ra spends a small amount of time in the chair just getting his body used to being upright.

    Ra was able to swallow for the first time (he hasn't been allowed to because of all the tubes down his throat etc) which meant he could smash back a fruji iceblock. He'll be hanging out till he can have his first proper meal!!

    Ra tried out a new computer device where he can control a computer using head movement.

    AND the most exciting part is that after one month, we are finally leaving ICU next week and being transferred to Burwood Spinal Rehab Centre - this is where all the hard work will really begin.

    Ra - you continue to amaze us all every single day with your inner strength and determination!

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  • Hard work and determination

      3 January 2018

    Happy New Year to all!

    What a whirlwind couple of weeks it has been - and this is only the start of the journey!

    In our last update Ra had just undergone Tracheotomy surgery and began the process of learning to breathe again on his own. On December 29th Ra was able to breathe unassisted,without the ventilator, for 30 minutes which was a huge achievement.

    Over the past 5 days Ra has reached a couple more milestones!

    On the 31st December we ended the year on an absolute high with Ra proposing to Katie - what an awesome way to see the year out.

    Ra kick started 2018 by showing his true fighting spirit and determination by pushing himself and breathing unassisted more and more! Ra has now managed to breathe unassisted for 2 HOURS at a time! The nurses have been so impressed with his efforts. Ra has indicated it is harder than his gym training sessions and he is shattered afterwards - but he keeps pushing himself to the last minute and doesn't give up.

    We are so proud of you Ra!!

    We have sat with Ra and shown him and read him all the encouraging messages from you all. It has really lifted his spirits seeing all the support behind him and encourages him to keep on fighting!

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  • Another milestone

      29 December 2017

    Hi Guys the last two days have been amazing. Ra is awake and while his speech is limited , we are getting very good at lip reading.

    Some great conversations are being had, many tears but also a lot of laughs.

    He is very aware of what has happened and already showing his true fighting spirit. Today he managed to breathe unassisted for 30 mins which is a huge achievement.

    Ra is feeling the love from all of your support, and has asked us to thank each and every one of you.

    We have limited his visitors to immediate family as we would like to give Ra some space to deal with the situation in front of him.

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  • Update number 3

      27 December 2017

    Hi everyone

    We want to thank you all again for your love & support during this time.

    Ra has been in Intensive Care for the past 10 days following his c4 spinal injury. The medical team who have been working with Ra 24/7 have done an amazing job at taking care of him and making sure he is kept stable. To all the staff in ICU - we thank you!

    Ra is still under heavy sedation. The main reason for this is because he has had a breathing tube down his throat to control his breathing. Ras induced coma and sedation have been to keep him comfortable and help with his healing.

    We have now ticked off 3 major milestones for Ra over the past 10 days. His first procedure was to realign and reduce the dislocation, taking pressure off his spine. His second procedure was to stabilise his necķ. And today, Ra had Tracheotomy surgery.

    The Tracheotomy surgery means that his breathing tube has now been removed from down his throat and replaced with a tracheostomy device at the front of his throat.

    With this device, he can slowly learn to train his diaphragm and learn to breathe again on his own and speak again. The surgery for the tracheostomy went really well.

    Ra has still been kept asleep following this procedure, however we are hoping he can be woken up over the next day or so.

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  • Another quick update on Ra...

      20 December 2017

    Hi guys, quick update...

    The journey to healing Ra's neck injury starts with him learning to breath for himself. Ra is currently on an assisted breathing machine to help his body learn to breath properly again. He's in the best hands possible at Christchurch ICU and will be there a few more weeks before he can start his rehab journey at Burwood. Right now the focus is getting Ra off the ventilation machine and breathing for himself, but this will take some training of his diaphragm.

    Ra is still sedated to help with his healing process but is showing signs of responsiveness to his families voices.

    There is still a long journey ahead but there are already signs of cheeky old Ra coming through in his limited means of communication.

    Thanks you all for all of your support and help!

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  • Ra's progress

      18 December 2017

    Quick update on Ra... He had surgery today to stabilise his neck and is now in recovery mode. He is being kept under sedation to let his body heal while he's on the ventilator. Still have a fair way to go on this healing journey and his partner and family really appreciate the support and strength everyone has given them. The Givealittle page has been going amazingly and there are a few other great fundraisers happening

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