It’s Allison again…Joe tried to make an audio blog last night but for some reason it didn’t work. He wanted to personally fill you in on the latest details – which we hate to say -- are a bit of a speed bump on the road to recovery.
The last step in Joe’s preparation to leave the Clinic was a final echocardiogram (an ultrasound of his heart) to clear him to come home. They performed the “echo” yesterday afternoon and results showed swelling around the heart. They mentioned that this happens, although rarely, with their younger patients who tend to be in very good physical health. Go figure.
The cardiologist put him on steroids last night in an attempt to lessen the fluid accumulation without another, more invasive, procedure. We found out at 10:30am this morning that the steroids did not work and the fluid had actually increased overnight. Therefore, Joe will be readmitted to the ICU this afternoon so a team of cardiologists can insert a needle near his heart to drain this fluid.
The best case scenario: After 30 minutes, the fluid is completely drained and they can remove the tube. He would remain in ICU until tomorrow morning at which time he could go and spend a restful day and night in the hotel with his parents. Friday morning they would have him return for one final “echo” to confirm the fluid had not returned before being given his walking papers.
The worst case scenario: After 30 minutes, the fluid continues to drain and they are forced to leave the catheter in for at least 24 hours. Since this would take us to Thursday afternoon, they would keep him in ICU until Friday for observation at which time they would reassess the situation. They are (finally) setting his expectations that he could feasibly be in the hospital through the weekend in the event the fluid continues to develop.
So, the good news is that they detected the fluid now and not in another two weeks after he’s returned home. I’m sure the ramifications of this would be much worse and we are thankful he is still in the clinic to be taken care of.
The bad news is that the “echo” was administered yesterday just one hour after Max and I left Cleveland heading for home. We now must do what we can to support him from a thousand miles away which is really a bummer.
Joe remains strong, although disappointed, and continues to pull strength from all of the support from each of you. As you know, he will go back to not having a phone in ICU so the second best thing is for you to “comment” here on the blog and I will be sure he gets to read each and every one. I ask that you continue to send good, strong energy in Joe’s direction over the next few days and pray for a quick and painless procedure this afternoon.
Stay tuned…
Allison
5 days post-op
8 comments:
Team Salvati,
Hang in there, you are a tough cookie!! It will all be better soon.
As always you are in my thoughts and prayers.
-A
Joe - you've always been a bit full of it - just didn't know "it" was actually extra heart fluid. Bummer on the second procedure, but I'm sure you'll power through this with no problem - after last week's surgery a little needle should be a walk in the park, right?
Oh btw, Plavoukos is also full of it - he's been trying to dump that tape now for weeks.
Seriously - Godspeed Joe - may you have a quick and full recovery!
- Curt
Hello Salvatis: We are back from HI - had a memorable trip, but are glad to be back home. After preusing the blog, it made us feel so close to you all, even though there are so many miles between us. What a great way to let friends and family know what is happening. We're sorry for the set-back, and pray that it will be short lived and you will be reunited very soon. We send love and hugs, Doug and Marge P.S. Al -you did a terrific job as Joe's stand-in!! :)
Sorry for the misspelling on perusing - maybe that is wrong too - it's just a typo, we hope!! Maybe I should proofread better! xxoo
I'm sure this will be a quick bounce back. Remember to slow down when you go over those speed bumps next time!
Thinking of you and rooting for you always.
Michael A
Hi Guys -
Thanks SOOoo much for keeping us informed about all that's happening out there!
Speed bumps are no worry - Joe you will do fine amigo!
Take your time, do it right.
See you when you get back.
Joe,
Hang tough, pal...you're doing great and you'll be home soon. Susie and I will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. See you soon back home!
BA
Joe - now project managers are on steroids? Be strong and fluid free (what I wouldn't give for some of that garlic bread right now).
Plavouk
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