Doctor Clears Forlano to Play for Notre Dame
SHERMAN OAKS — Senior tackle Peter Forlano of Notre Dame High, who underwent emergency brain surgery seven weeks ago, is practicing with the team and has received a doctor’s clearance to play in Friday night’s Southern Section Division III semifinal game against Serra.
Forlano was hospitalized Oct. 7 after experiencing numbness of the right arm and right leg, as well as blurred vision. Doctors removed fluid from Forlano’s brain and diagnosed a severe bacterial sinus infection that spread to the brain.
Forlano was released 20 days later after dropping 30 pounds from his 6-foot-1, 215-pound frame.
He was expected to miss the remainder of the season. However, Forlano, who weighs 190 pounds, last week underwent a magnetic resonance imaging test and was given clearance to practice.
“The surgeon said I was able to do anything, basically,” Forlano said. “I feel great, actually. I don’t feel any ill effects. I’m a little fatigued, but it feels good getting back into the swing of things.”
Forlano was unable to speak after the surgery and has been working with a speech therapist. He also has regained full movement of his arm and leg.
Forlano won’t start but should play, Coach Kevin Rooney said.
“He hasn’t practiced for a while and it’s going to take him a while to get back into the groove,” Rooney said. “He’s a little rusty. But there’s a good chance he’ll play.”
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