By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Achille Polonara went into a coma, following a successful bone marrow transplant, but has been feeling better, revealed Nicolo De Devitiis on Le lene with his report on Tuesday evening featuring various reactions of Polonara and his wife Erika Bufano.
“Sorry, I did not reply immediately. They told me there was a 90% chance I would die,” the 33-year-old Italian forward shared in his first discussion with De Devitiis after emerging from a coma and regaining consciousness, and leaving the hospital on Saturday.
“He is doing quite well. He is out of danger. His right arm is weaker than his left, and his hand,” added his wife.
View this post on Instagram
The medical emergency was connected to complications from his battle with myeloid leukemia. After being in a coma for ten days, he continues his recovery.
“I don’t remember much. Basically, it was like I was sleeping,” shared Polonara. “It was tough. They gave me a little hope. But I could feel it.”
“At first, he was asking me questions. Then he started singing songs, but he was crying. He was telling me things that never happened,” his wife talked about her husband waking up.
“He didn’t immediately call for the kids. And I wondered how he could not understand that the kids are important. Four days ago, he asked me about them,” she furthered.
“I was feeling terrible, thinking about my kids more than anything else, and what to tell them. Every day, bad news arrived, the only thing I could do was pray. For his situation, a miracle happened,” she said.
The worst is now behind Polonara, but there was a serious scare.
“When they removed his CVC, he felt sick,” Bufano initially explained concerns. “He fainted. This blood clot formed. His brain is starving for oxygen. Now we have to hope that this situation is resolved. At least a little, and then understand the damage he has. If they increase, his chances of survival are slim.”
Therapy and basketball
Back in August, the experienced forward signed with Banco di Sardegna Sassari, a participant in the FIBA Europe Cup and Italy’s LBA UnipolSai, and intends to move on and formally complete the reunion with his former club.
“It will take some time. I have to commit to physical therapy,” he mentioned on his recovery.
“Yes, of course,” he stressed, also confirming his intention to return to basketball action.