Actor has leg amputated after COVID-19 complications
Broadway actor Nick Cordero has had his right leg amputated after suffering complications due to coronavirus, his wife has confirmed.
Since the end of March, the 41-year-old has been in hospital in Los Angeles, where he was initially diagnosed with pneumonia before testing positive for COVID-19.
A Tony-nominated actor, Cordero had moved to California with his family to star in musical Rock Of Ages.
While being treated in intensive care, a drop in blood pressure led him being placed on life support and he has remained unconscious ever since.
His wife Amanda Kloots has been posting regular health updates on social media about the condition of the star who has been on a ventilator at the Cedars-Sinai Medical Centre.
View this post on InstagramWe did this photo shoot with our friend @ash_a_ley about a month ago. I remember at the time saying to her that I really wanted to capture this time right now. Wow, am I glad we did! It’s Day 17 since Nick went under. Today his body is adjusting. Adjusting to being off ECMO, adjusting to more medications and some sideways steps but we are staying positive. He is no doubt receiving the best care from the team @cedarssinai ❤️ Continued prayers for our guy. I’ll see you at 3pm to sing and dance to Live Your Life! #wakeupnick
A post shared by AK! ⭐️ (@amandakloots) on Apr 17, 2020 at 1:45pm PDT
In an Instagram story on Saturday, she said: “He made it through the surgery which is really big, because obviously his body’s pretty weak.
“They’re taking him back to the room to recover and rest, so hopefully he’ll just kind of relax and rest.”
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Cordero underwent initial surgery to help with “blood flow issues coming down to his foot”.
At the time, she said: “We don’t know what the damage will be. We don’t know if he’ll be able to walk again.”
View this post on InstagramThese days I’m counting my blessings. This one is top of the list. To say I’m thankful for her is the greatest understatement. She only spreads love in the world and does her best to make it a better place. If you know her you know what I mean. It’s @amandakloots birthday today, so take a second and show her some love. If anyone deserves it it’s her today. Happy Birthday baby. I love you with all my heart. ❤️🎂
A post shared by Nick Cordero (@nickcordero1) on Mar 19, 2020 at 7:50am PDT
However, on Saturday she confirmed they had received “difficult news”, as the blood thinners Cordero had been given to combat clotting in his leg had sparked internal bleeding in his intestines.
The decision was then taken to stop the blood thinners and amputate his leg.
In an earlier post, Kloots had asked for a miracle and expressed frustration at not being able to be close to him.
She wrote: “I just wish I could see him. Hold his hand. Touch his face. I do believe this would help him wake up!”
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A fitness instructor, Kloots has been leading nightly dance and sing-along sessions to help “#WakeUpNick”.
The couple have a 10-month-old baby together, Elvis.
A month ago, the Canadian actor posted a photo of his son and wife together on her birthday, writing: “These days I’m counting my blessings… This one is top of the list”.
View this post on InstagramMy sweet husband needs your prayers please. Nick has been sick for awhile with what we were told last week was pneumonia. Unfortunately we think he was misdiagnosed and we are waiting to hear if this is in fact COVID. He is scared, in the ICU and now unconscious so his body can get enough oxygen. We are all trying to stay positive and strong knowing that he is in the best care. I miss him terribly. I’m not allowed there to visit of course and can do nothing to help him. Nick is scared too, this has gone from bad to worse. He isn’t allowed to eat or drink, he is very weak and having a hard time breathing. Elvis and I are feeling completely fine. My hubby is fighting like a champ but this is serious. Please stay home everybody. Thank you to everyone who has been helping us so far you know who are and you are all angels. 🙏🏻
A post shared by AK! ⭐️ (@amandakloots) on Apr 1, 2020 at 5:18am PDT
Cordero had been starring in Rock Of Ages before theatres across America were closed due to coronavirus.
He has also performed in musicals Waitress and A Bronx tale, and appeared in US detective drama Blue Bloods.
A GoFundMe page has been set up by friends of the actor to raise money to help with his medical bills.
It has swiftly neared its $250,000 (£200,000) target.
