Randy Pijoan

Dear family, friends and loved ones,
Randy was born with a congenital defect called Marfans syndrome. It affects his connective tissue, which has critical risk to the arteries and aorta. Randy was scheduled for aortic replacement after a recent scan of his aorta showed enlargement and multiple aneurisms (thinning/weakening of the aortic wall). The carotid arteries were also damaged and needed repair, which increased the risks of the surgery. The Cardiothoracic Surgeon replaced the upper arch of the descending aorta with an artificial, Dacron mesh, on Tuesday, May 24. He also grafted this material onto the lower part of the carotid arteries. Because of this, the risk for stroke was increased and unfortunately, Randy suffered a right-hemispheric stoke after the surgery.  As he came out of the anesthesia, he was unresponsive on his left side. After three more serious surgeries and 9 months of intense rehabilitation, Randy is back home and beginning to take steps in physical therapy.  He is painting again in his studio and is working two days per week with therapists to improve mobility, strength and cognitive function. His left arm is still unresponsive and causes consistent nerve pain. He is also now epileptic, after having two seizures, and will be on anti-seizure medication indefinitely. He has a caregiver while I am at work, and we have mostly finished the modifications to the home and studio so he can navigate in his wheelchair.  Many challenges are still ahead, and we appreciate your continued prayers and support. 

(Any contributions made on this site go to Caring Bridge, not Randy. Donations are not required to use this site.)


Much love and gratitude ~ Evy