Catalano still in ICU but improving

Trainer Wayne Catalano remained in the intensive-care unit of St. Alexius Hospital in northwest suburban Chicago as of Monday, but Catalano has made steady progress recovering from a severe illness that hospitalized him July 22.

Catalano has been in an induced coma since late last week and has been receiving oxygen to assist his breathing. The medication to induce the coma has been withdrawn, however, and Catalano’s level of oxygen has been reduced, according to his wife, Ren é e Catalano.

“He’s still sedated, and he hasn’t really come to yet,” Renée Catalano said Monday afternoon. “He’s not breathing on his own yet, but he’s been progressing all along.”

If all goes well, Wayne Catalano should soon regain consciousness. His oxygen level gradually will be reduced until he is capable of breathing on his own.

Catalano was diagnosed with influenza A in addition to pneumonia. He fell ill almost two weeks before he was hospitalized and initially attempted to treat his illness on his own. Catalano saw a doctor July 21 when his symptoms failed to dissipate and was later hospitalized with seriously low oxygen levels in his blood. July 24 and July 25 were difficult days, but since that time, Catalano’s condition generally has improved.

“He’s responded to all their treatment. It just takes time,” Ren é e Catalano said.

Life has gone on for Wayne Catalano’s racing stable. At Monmouth on Sunday, Irish You Well finished a solid fourth in the $1 million Haskell, and Catalano-trained runners went 4-1-0 from seven starts Saturday and Sunday.