So today started really well. Johnny woke up about 7am, and then woke me up about 5 minutes later. It was really nice to see him have a little energy. We spent the morning watching skate videos, and he even ate a little a little for breakfast. At about 10am Johnny had his first set of visitors. Jim T., his wife Lynn, and son Jack flew out from Oakland last night, and came to the hospital bringing swag. Lots of cool videos, books, and a couple of decks. Exactly the type of stuff to keep Johnny occupied during hospital stays. Johnny really lit up when he saw Jack, and it was really fun listening to Johnny and Jim talk skating. Johnny was still really weak, but that was the most animated I have seen him in over a week. The Thiebauds have become really close friends over the last few years, and it’s obvious Johnny really loves them.
Ups And Downs
Jim and family had been here about half an hour when Johnny got two more visitors. Pro skaters Kenny Anderson and Chris Haslam are in town for the opening of the new skatepark in Houston and stopped by the Hospital to surprise Johnny. Kenny was part of the group of skaters that spent time with Johnny at his first MAW Texas Jam, and he has kept track of him ever since. He has got to be one of the coolest and most laid back people ever. Johnny had never met Chris before today, but they really seemed to hit it off. I know they were probably really busy, but they seemed comfortable just hanging out. It was super cool for those guys to take the time to visit Johnny. I think he had a really nice morning.
The ID doctors stopped by to explain the plan for continued treatment of Johnny’s bacterial infection. Although the really nasty bug in his blood seems to be responding well to treatment the doctors need to keep him on the antibiotics that target that infection for at least another 10 days. They also believe he has a secondary infection in the walls of his gal bladder and intestines. They started him on another antibiotic to treat that infection, and said the initial plan is for 14 days of doses by IV. That means Johnny will be in the hospital for at least another two weeks. That should take him through the end of the first block of treatment. The second block starts with a scheduled 5 day hospital stay, so it is very possible that Johnny will be here for the next three weeks straight. I could tell that when he heard this he wanted to react, but he didn’t. I don’t think he wanted anyone to see that he was upset.
At some point while everyone was still there it became obvious that Johnny hit a wall. Kenny and Chris needed to get back to the park, and Jim took the family to the zoo for a while to give Johnny some time to rest. Shortly after everyone cleared out Julie showed up with Kathleen, Joey, and Sophie. By that time it was clear that Johnny wasn’t just tired, but really not feeling well. He started turning red, and his temp started rising. My first thought was that the infection was returning, but the doctors think that he may be allergic to the new antibiotic. They treated him with Benedril, and he quickly lost the redness, but his temperature remained high (flirting with 103). It’s after 10pm as I write this and it has only now dropped below 101. It’s good that the reaction probably isn’t directly due to infection, but it sucks that he appears to be allergic to the first choice of treatment. Apparently nothing is going to be simple and easy this time around.
The Thiebauds returned in the afternoon, and since Johnny wasn’t feeling that well we all gave him some space and only spent short periods in the room. That seemed to work well, and it was really good to get to spend some time catching up. Kathleen took the kids back to the house around 6p, so that Julie and I could spend the evening together with Johnny. I think Johnny liked having both of us in the same place for a while, and I agree. Julie and I have literally been passing each other in the parking lot as we traded off staying with Johnny this last week.
Johnny seems to be feeling a little better, and is resting comfortably. Even though he didn’t get out of bed much, it was a pretty big day for him. He is worn out.
Hi Romano Family!! It’s me, Jennifer, from the Make A WIsh Foundation…I have met you all several times at meetings and at the St. Patricks Day parade!!I have been reading this blog for awhile and finally I am able to make a comment!!
I am hoping to come by the hospital this week to visit you all! I am praying hard for you all and for Johnny….he is by far the coolest kid I have ever had the privilege of knowing and I adore your whole family!!! Hope to see you all this week!!
Lots of love and prayers
Jennifer Welch
That stinks that he has to be in the hospital for so long, but we are SOOOOO relieved he is doing so much better
I thought of Johnny a lot today. I tried to donate blood for the first time today, but my hematocrit was too low:(
I keep getting updated every morning and every night by reading your blogs. Know that I think of Johnny and your family often. I am so happy that he had visitors and was able to enjoy them. Hang in there and if there is anything I can do, please let me know. I would be happy to take a shift at the hospital. Sara Spence has another blanket for Johnny. It is the same one I got him and thought he could use another in case it needed to be washed from time to time.
Keep smiling
Love,
Aimee Severns
Hi! Wow! Sounds like Johnny had some really cool visitors….I’m so glad he was able to enjoy the day with them…..Heath is really missing Johnny. He was so happy that Mike brought him into Surf Specs last weekend. Let us know if Johnny is up to having visitors this week and I will bring Heath over for some “BRO” time.Say “Hi” to Johnny for us!
xoxo,
Kim and the crew
JOHNNY! JOHNNY! JOHNNY! JOHNNY! HI HI HI HI HI !!!!! WHATS THE DILLO PUNK BUTT! I miss your face lil man!!! Does the big sis need to come and make a visit!?!?!
Ok so i was thinking in ohana. . . its been pretty boring ZzZzZz if you know what i mean, anyways so i think you need a nurf gun ( if thats even how you spell that, hey whats can you expect from a cixelsyd . . i mean dyslexic
tehehe) So i think you need one and make the nurses your target practice, so your mad paint ball skills dont start slacking… ya know! Ok anywhoo it was just a thought, and i can totaly hook a brother up! =)
ok yeah! LOVE YA !!!!!
.:ReBeCcA:.
Just got your blog site we have been thinking of you often you are in our prayers. It is not fun being in the hospital so long but at least you will get feeling better. Take care of each other.
We will check on you often.
God Bless