A father underwent a surgical procedure at a hospital but ended up with a lasting brain injury. James Wood required the surgery due to blood clots in his lungs that led to an enlarged heart. Following the operation, he spent time in intensive care, and his condition worsened. Despite the complexity of the surgery, complications arose, leaving James with difficulties in making eye contact, gripping his wife Nina’s hand, and swallowing food.
Upon returning home from the hospital, James exhibited erratic behavior, confusion, and disorientation. He struggled with identifying family members, sent nonsensical text messages, and experienced mood changes and behavioral issues. After two years, James received a diagnosis of Perioperative Hypoxic Ischaemic Vascular Parkinsonism, a rare condition that permanently impacted his brain function. Nina now serves as James’ primary caregiver, despite facing her own battle with thyroid cancer.
James’ daughter Keara expressed the challenges in obtaining the correct diagnosis, as initial assessments attributed his symptoms to depression. Keara highlighted the misdiagnosis and emphasized the difficulty of accepting a brain injury instead of depression. James, formerly active in golfing, cycling, and cooking, now faces difficulties in walking, speaking clearly, and swallowing safely. His rapid deterioration from good health to severe impairment has been distressing for his daughters.
Keara, currently pursuing a double Bachelor’s degree in Criminology and Psychology, lamented the inability to bid farewell to the father she once knew. She emphasized the emotional toll of witnessing her father’s drastic decline and the feeling of losing a part of him.
Since ceasing work in 2024, James has experienced falls, weight loss, and challenges with daily activities. The family noted the persistence of some blood clots, underscoring the complexity of his condition. Keara initiated a GoFundMe campaign to provide assistance for her family, support her mother’s cancer treatment, and cover her father’s care expenses.
Keara emphasized the importance of donations in aiding her family and raising awareness of their situation. Sharing their story was encouraged as a means of support.