Joe Russo

Joe arrived to a Las Vegas on 12/21 and was happy, healthy and excited to be with the grand babies! On Christmas Eve, he expressed feeling nauseated and vomiting and we thought it was a 24 hour stomach bug. After 2 days and still no success at feeling better or keeping anything down we tried an Urgent Care and they gave him medication for nausea. Still no success morning of the 28th so we took him straight to ER where he was diagnosed with sepsis and renal failure. They are unsure as to what caused the failure - whether it was the kidneys having issues prior to coming out to Las Vegas or in response to the severe dehydration and vomiting. Upon further blood testing they are finding some abnormal levels of toxins and broken cells in his blood. They ordered a bone marrow sample for testing and also placed a port to begin dialysis. 

Blood dr and kidney dr think there are three potential causes of all of this so they are doing extensive testing and waiting on results. 

In the meantime - because there is no kidney function and he is needing help ridding of toxins - they have begun plasmopheresis and dialysis. 

Joe is responsive and cracking jokes like always just very weak and tired. 

I will keep you all posted as I know more!