Johnny Braz's Health Journey: Healing and Hope

UPDATE FROM JOHNNY (Original post at the end):

Hello Friends, Johnny here--

From a medical standpoint, I shouldn’t be writing this. I am out of the hospital and staying with my sister Sandy and brother-in-law JT, who are giving me extraordinary care and love. Doctors, nurses, and specialists were in awe that I survived the aortic dissection and femoral artery split. But remarkably, I survived. I wake up everyday so grateful to all of you for your love, prayers, support, and donations. The outpouring of love is not just overwhelming but extremely humbling.

So, to update my condition: as of a week ago, my feeding tube is out. I have a new appreciation for the ability to just simply eat food by mouth, as the breathing tube in the ICU damaged my vocal chords and capability to swallow. After not eating any food by mouth for the first five weeks, the first thing I was able to eat were tiny ice chips, which seemed like a delicacy to me, and I looked very forward to getting them. Ahead of the initial projections, I moved on to small, pureed meals, and have now moved on to a broader range of regular, smooth foods. Last week, after long and attentive therapy, my audible voice mostly returned, I’m no longer whispering, and I can communicate much better. It will take a while before I get my full voice back.

My mobility is another issue. I’m still using a walker when I leave the house, as I am “relearning” how to walk, balance, and go up stairs. I’m very wobbly, and have lost most of my flexibility, so I have to move slowly and deliberately. I'm also battling bouts of weakness, fatigue and dizziness. The leg with the two large incisions is most troublesome. It’s painful and healing slowly.

While in the rehabilitation facility, the nurses and therapists (aka angels) were amazing. They helped me get stronger and gave me faith that I would get better. They walked the halls beside me, bolstering my confidence. While I am making a little progress everyday, I still face many challenges, and I’m nowhere near living an independent life. I’ve been told that it may be at least a year before I should expect that, which unfortunately includes my returning to work.

My sister has unselfishly put her life pretty much on hold, to not only take me in, but being my number one advocate. While I was in the hospital, she sat next to me hour upon hour, day after day, while I was intubated. She handled all the information the medical staff needed, and continues to this day to take care of all my follow-up appointments, driving me wherever necessary. At times, especially in the beginning, this took a huge toll on her- it was physically and emotionally wrenching, especially not knowing what the outcome would be.

When I look back at the chain of events, I realize that the California wildfires actually saved my life. As you know, I was living in Topanga and lost most of my belongings when the fires hit at the end of January . Subsequently, I was forced to temporarily relocate to a hotel in Santa Monica and that’s where I collapsed. If the fires had not pushed me out of Topanga, I would never have gotten to a hospital in time, and no doubt, would not have survived. Not only did I get to a hospital, but one of the best: USC Cardiac Unit. This is just one of the many miracles in all of this.

The words “thank you” don’t begin to express my gratitude towards all of you. I’m extremely blessed to have such amazing people who reached out and continue to support me. So, from the bottom of my heart, (with its plastic aorta and replacement parts): God bless ALL of you. I will never, ever forget your kindness, prayers and generosity! Peace and love to you all!

ORIGINAL POST:

Our brother Johnny was rushed to the KECK USC Hospital on February 6th. He suffered an aortic dissection and endured an emergency 8 hour surgery. At that time the doctors advised us that his survival rate was very low, and that few people survive this type of aneurysm and to plan for the worst. About 2 hours after the heart surgery, we were informed that his heart was not responding because the femoral artery in his left leg had split and no blood was getting to that leg. In order to save his leg from being amputated, another emergency surgery was necessary.

For the next 6 days, Johnny was sedated and intubated as he continued to hang on. Finally, doctors were able to remove his breathing tube. Throughout the past few weeks, he’s had a few set-backs, but we remain optimistic that he will fully recover. Johnny has a very, very long road ahead of him, physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Fast forward to today. Johnny is still unable to talk and has a feeding tube which the doctors think he will have for at least 6 months. Although very weak and unable to walk , he is getting physical therapy. He has no memory of what happened and was shocked when he found out that he almost passed away. His survival is nothing short of a miracle.

In addition to this terrible tragedy, he also endured another tragedy. Prior to the aneurysm, Johnny was living in Topanga Canyon and lost all his belongings in the California wildfires. At the time of his falling ill, FEMA had put him up in a hotel in Santa Monica until he could find another place to live.

Johnny’s next journey is being placed in a rehabilitation facility where he will attempt to improve and literally get back on his feet. Because he has very little belongings, and no place to live, he needs financial help. His feeding tube supplements will cost about $1600 a month, and he will need to replace his belongings, and pay rent, and other bills when he’s able to physically live on his own again. We aren’t sure about when/if he’ll be able to get back to work. Johnny has to build up his life again, not only his physical and mental health, but build his life back from scratch…it’s like he is starting his life over from the beginning.

If you look at Johnny’s Facebook page, you will see a feed full of fundraisers that he was supporting--- he was always giving to those suffering in need--whether human or a furry friend!

Always athletic and active, Johnny was an avid bike rider (10mi) a day, yoga practitioner, gardening, hiker...etc....in fact, the morning of his collapse, Johnny put in a full workout at the gym! The doctors credit his healthy lifestyle for probably saving his life.

We hope that his generosity toward others comes back to him. We know times are tough now, but Johnny is in a desperate situation . Our family would be eternally grateful for any support and help you could give to our brother. Our brother who went from having a full life---to a devastating fire--- to fighting for his life.

Donations can also be sent to Johnny via Zelle @ (570)-983-4264.

God Bless and Peace to All of You!

The Braz Family

Terri Erdmann, Sandra Tailor, Chris Braz, and Corina Simms