Complications…

Hello, this is Tolan. In addition to the facial paralysis and loss of hearing we discovered another complication today that’s potentially serious. Jodi is leaking cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) out her nose. We didn’t initially notice it because it isn’t noticeable when she is lying on her back (because it drains down her throat) but when she sits up it happens. We’re not talking about a few drips; it’s a pretty steady stream. This explains the continuation of the severe “spinal headaches” that feel just like the ones she had about a month ago when she received a lumbar puncture (spinal tap) and had to get a blood patch. The blood patch solved the problem for her that time because the leak was from the spinal area but since the leak is in her head this time the solution may not be so easy and according to Dr. Shelton there is a risk of meningitis. As Dr. Shelton explained it, the brain is surrounded by the CSF which is a clear liquid and the brain essentially “floats” in it. It acts as a cushion or buffer for the cortex. If there is a leak and the pressure is low when the patient sits up the fluid flows down the spine leaving the brain without the optimum cushion effect and leads to debilitating headaches forcing the patient to remain lying down constantly, which is exactly what Jodi is experiencing right now. Any doctors/nurses out there are probably laughing at the way I botched the above explanation…

Since we had the fluid tested earlier tonight and the results confirmed it is indeed CSF Dr. Shelton ordered a large dose of antibiotics to protect her from bacterial meningitis and they are in the process of putting a catheter in the spine to create a slow drain, called a “lumbar drain”. I’m not sure exactly how that works but it’s a first attempt to help resolve the leak problem. I suspect she won’t be released from the hospital until we can resolve this problem.

We continue to receive lots of support from family and friends daily. The Young Women in our Ward planted flowers around our house and pulled weeds Friday night and it looks wonderful and someone (I don’t know who) mowed our lawn today while I was with the kids up at the hospital. From meals to help watching our kids the support continues to be tremendous and has allowed me to spend valuable time at the hospital with Jodi. I sincerely appreciate and support.

Tolan

Here are a few pics I took today...