Tony’s recovery
To provide financial support to Shell to allow her to continue to be present for Tonys medical meetings, and support her two boys.
Otago
On Thursday 12th November 2020 Tony went to Hospital suffering from a severe head ache. A CT scan showed abnormalities but the Doctors didn’t believe that they needed an MRI to show more detail as Tony was a fit healthy 40yr old male. But Tony was feeling as though his head would explode, unable to walk properly, very confused with muddled speech as well as failing the arm stroke test and unable to stay awake with complete loss of vision in the right eye.
Tony spent the night in ED and discharged on Friday 13th at 5.30pm. I took Tony back into ED first thing the next morning as he had deteriorated and was vomiting day and night. An MRI scan was completed and a stroke diagnosed. Tony was transferred to ISIS rehabilitation ward for rehab. On the 24th of November Tony deteriorated and an MRI was done. This showed that Tony had more damage and swelling of the brain. Numerous tests were undertaken and samples were sent to Finland where a diagnosis was achieved of MELAS disease. MELAS disease is a Mitochondrial disease. This was confirmed with a brain biopsy and we received the results of these on Christmas Eve.
Tony has bounced between ISIS rehabilitation ward, and Dunedin Public Hospital over the past 6 weeks and has faced numerous challenges. He cannot talk and communicates via pointing to pictures in a communication book with his left hand as unable to use his right arm. Tony can only walk a few meters while being assisted otherwise needs to be in a wheelchair.
The most recent challenge is that Tony is now having seizures and the medical team are struggling to get these under control. Tony has been in ICU for the past week as doctors try to achieve the right medication regime.
This nightmare has been devastating to our two boys aged 4yrs and 6yrs. Our lives have been turned upside down and inside out. Tony was the main earner for our family and now our we have used all his leave we are started to struggle financially.
All we want is for Tony to be well enough for a long period of time so that he can come home to his family.
Ingrid Roberts' involvement (page creator)
I have been privileged to get to know Shell and Tony through rugby and futsal and with our boys being in the same class at Wakari School.
Use of funds
To provide financial relief to pay day to day bills, to allow Shell to concentrate on Tony and the boys during this stressful time.
Latest update
Thank you 4 January 2021
From my family to your family tony and I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone that has donated. The txt, Facebook messages and offers of meals and support are humbling! Please know I read all of your messages even if I don’t reply. We are truely thankful that we have you all in our lives.
Love tony, shell and the boys xx
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