Massive heart attack after yoga session leaves Kiwi in Aus facing long recovery
Naz Naha was a healthy 40-year-old living a life centred on wellbeing. He is a musician, is member of a large community choir and regularly practised Bikram yoga.
But on July 5, he suffered the serious cardiac arrest immediately after a yoga session and was airlifted to Brisbane Hospital.
He underwent a 12-hour operation to replace his torn aorta, the body's largest artery, with a metal graft.
After the surgery, Naz was placed on life support for a week. After another week in intensive care, he was moved to a ward – where he then suffered a stroke caused by two blood clots.
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Mum Janine Dewes, who had just marked two decades of work at Auckland's Ōrākei School, dropped everything and flew to Australia where she has been ever since helping to support him throughout his recovery.
Naz's kidneys also failed on day one of admission, which required him to begin dialysis – which he still relies on today.
Since then, he has undergone four additional procedures and has suffered numerous complications, including a bout of pneumonia.
Janine's sister-in-law, Sandra Waaka, said it has been an 'incredibly tough and painful journey, both physically and emotionally'.
'Yet through it all, Naz has shown extraordinary courage. Despite the uncertainty and suffering, he continues to fight, trying his best to stay strong for those who love him.'
She said the road ahead to Naz's recovery is long. Once he is stable, he will begin stroke rehabilitation and continue ongoing dialysis.
'At this stage, the extent of any long-term brain damage remains unknown.'
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Staying with whānau
In the meantime, Janine is staying with extended whānau on the Sunshine Coast and commutes one or two hours each day to care for her son.
Along with petrol, parking and living expenses, Janine is also ensuring Naz receives food which meets his dietary needs. As he has food allergies and is both gluten and dairy-free, Janine prepares and brings meals herself, as the hospital cannot accommodate his specific requirements.
'This is all happening while Janine is on unpaid leave from work. She continues to carry her financial responsibilities back home in New Zealand, rent, insurances, and general living expenses, while trying to meet the growing costs of living in Australia during this crisis.
'Janine has given everything, her time, energy and resources to support her son through this unimaginable ordeal, without hesitation.'
Sandra said Janine would not ask for help herself to navigate this crisis.
This is why they have set up a GiveALittle page, to ensure she has what she needs to continue to support her son.
'It's given Janine the ability to remain in Brisbane by Naz's side, to advocate for him, feed him, support his recovery, and simply be there for him in a way only a mother can. Every contribution helps ease the weight she carries, and we're so grateful to everyone who has shown their aroha so far.'
How long she will need to remain in Australia while Naz recovers is not yet known.
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