Dad goes into hospital — but the visit changes his family's life forever

Dad goes into hospital — but the visit changes his family's life foreverJames Wood, of Perth, Australia, is a shadow of his former self, a man who was once a confident and outgoing entrepreneur who loved golfing, cycling and cookingCommentsNewsAndrea Caknis and Bradley Jolly Overnight News Editor23:05, 21 Apr 2026View 4 ImagesJames Wood, pictured with Nina, has been diagnosed with a rare brain condition(Image: @6514_k/Cover Images)A dad went into hospital for an operation — but came out with a permanent brain injury.‌James Wood needed surgery when clots in his lungs caused his heart to enlarge, after which he spent days in intensive care and his condition deteriorated. The operation was complex but complications left James unable to maintain eye contact with others, struggle to squeeze his wife Nina's hand and struggled to swallow food.‌His behaviour became erratic at home too, when James was allowed out of hospital. The entrepreneur became confused and disoriented, called family members the wrong names and sent text messages made up of jumbled letters which made no sense.‌And now, two years after the operation, James has finally had a diagnosis; Perioperative Hypoxic Ischaemic Vascular Parkinsonism, a rare condition which has permanently affected his brain function. Nina has become James' sole carer — despite her own battle with thyroid cancer herself.READ MORE: 'My brother was scared of dying after bowel cancer battle - I feel so betrayed'READ MORE: 'I was told I was a young, emotional woman — but the truth was alarming'4View 4 ImagesJames was once a confident and outgoing entrepreneur(Image: @6514_k/Cover Images)4View 4 ImagesBut the dad is now facing severe health challenges(Image: @6514_k/Cover Images)‌James' daughter Keara, 20, said: "It took so much advocating to get his current diagnosis... They put his mood changes, behavioural issues and everything we were raising down to depression. But it wasn't depressio...