Help Harry Cardillo after his spinal surgery!

I am a 71 year old jazz pianist, composer and educator who was diagnosed with two spinal problems in February of this year. Flat back syndrome and Spondylolisthesis required immediate surgery and without it, I faced paralysis.

These two procedures were done back to back on March 23rd. I was under the knife for eight hours followed by a week of hospital recovery. After being home for a few days, a visiting nurse suspected one of my wounds was infected and I was ordered back to the hospital for surgery. After a two hour cleaning of the wounds in the operating room, I then spent another five days in recovery at the hospital.

Because of the nature of spinal infections, I am now at a Transitional Care Unit and receiving five antibiotic IV infusions and physical therapy everyday until May 30th.

I have been blessed by the love and support of my family, church and friends, but my wife and I are running out of funds. I won't be able to return to performing or teaching until mid-summer and I haven't been able to play the piano since March 23rd, and that alone is driving me bonkers! Please help.

Sincerely,

Harry Cardillo

Update 5/8/2023

I had an appointment with my surgeon today. My sutures were removed and my lumbar spine was scanned. The incisions are healing and all the internal hardware is stable. I have been given permission to play the piano for short periods of time, 15 minute segments to start. I gave a 15 minute mini-concert in the lobby of Magee Hospital this afternoon, that's about all the time and energy I'm capable of today. I won't be able to return to steady performances for quite some time, at least three months. I will continue to focus on slowly rebuilding my body strengh and piano chops, one day at a time. Thanks for all the support and gifts.

Cheers,

Harry

Update Saturday May 13th, 2023

Two nights ago I awoke at about 4:45 AM to intense swelling and itchiness. As part of my antibiotic infusion therapy, I receive two different drugs given in five doses over 24 hours. These drugs are Vancomycin and Cerepime. The Vanco is administered twice a day, once at 4 PM and again at 4 AM. It was during the 4 AM infusion that I reacted to the drug. After being given an antihistamine, the itchiness stopped. My legs and feet are still fairly swollen, hoping it subsides soon.

Today I am meeting with a doctor of infectious disease to determine what happened. Despite having "fat feet", I still intend to play the lobby piano after the appointment.

Thanks for all the help!

Cheers,

Harry