Thursday, May 14, 2009

The Day After Surgery Update

Jodi is feeling much better today than she was yesterday. She was moved mid-day from Neuro Intensive Care to Neuro Acute Care. That's good! She also had a sponge bath and was able to brush her teeth, both of which made her feel better.

We've been able to talk a lot and it was particularly enjoyable to watch her as we read yesterday's posts to the blog and the comments all of you made. She had tears in her eyes and a smile in her heart as she heard the expressions of love and support. Thank you again! You all are wonderful!

She continues to experience some of the natural consequences of this type of brain surgery. She has a severe "spinal headache", blurred vision in her right eye, little and only fuzzy hearing in her right ear. The headache is a result of the loss of spinal fluid associated with the surgery. The eyesight and hearing challenges are from swelling, which is also natural with this surgery. The doctor said these should all be better in a matter of a few days.

The facial muscle paralysis will take weeks or months to improve, according to Dr. Shelton and Dr. Couldwell. They confirmed that the nerve controlling the facial muscles is in good condition and should heal itself, but that is a slower process.

Because of the paralysis, Jodi is having a difficult time with trying to eat anything. She can only control half of her mouth, so it is hard to hold in any liquid. She can't chew. The movement of her jaw causes too much head pain, so she is really only able to have soft foods for now. Even that is a bit of a challenge. She can't open her mouth much at all so we've had to use the handle end of a spoon to give her pudding, etc.

We are still assuming it will be Monday or so before she will be able to leave the hospital.

Mom and Dad Orgill were with her for 6 hours today and Tolan will be there until late tonight.

We'll let you know when it is okay to visit...maybe in another day or so.

With all the physical challenges, Jodi is still pleasantly and gratefully overwhelmed, as are we all, with the continued outpouring of support in the form of comments on the blog, emails, phone calls, etc. etc.

If anyone wants to send a get well card or flowers they should be sent to:

Jodi Brown
Neuro Acute Care - Room #5
University of Utah Hospital
50 North Medical Drive
Salt Lake City, Utah 84132

Thank you again and again for all of your love and support!!!

22 comments:

Anonymous said...

I am glad today was better and for the update. Jodi, Lisa and I are anxious to see your bright smile. You are a trooper. Hang in there. You have our love and prayers, always. Wendy T.

Nichole Giles said...

If I could send a flower via comment, I would...

Glad to know things are still going well.

Nicki

Tami Searle said...

Glad to hear things are going okay after surgery. You will all remain in our thoughts and prayers for several months. May Heavenly Father continue to watch over and comfort you all at this time. Good luck with the journey ahead.

With much love,

Tami

britt said...

It was such good news to hear that today was such a better day. That gives lots of hope for recovery coming somewhat quickly. I so want to come visit you but life is crazy the next couple of days...maybe Sunday? but I will watch the updates to see when you may possibly be coming home.
hang in there-you are such a fighter! Love to you :)

Heather D said...

I'm so glad everything is going well! Jodi, you are in my thoughts and prayers, you are an amazing woman and I know you'll conquer this huge challenge :) Love, Heather Doutre

Unknown said...

We are so happy to hear things are so good! Yesterday my parents were over at my house and we were all checking out the updates and anxious to hear more. You have always been such a great example to me from the time you became friends with my sister! You amaze me! Keep up the positive attitude! I'll keep looking up to you! We will keep praying for you! We love you Jodi!

Much Love,

Brooke (Loveless) and Justin

annie said...

Jodi, You have such an amazing spirit and attitude!! We will continue praying for quick healing and strength for you and your family. Happy hugs. Love, The Datos

about us said...

We have been following the updates the past few days and are glad to hear that things are improving. We pray for you each day and hope things will continue to go well! We love you Jodi!
Koby, Melanie and kids

Anonymous said...

Glad to hear there is so much good progress, you are AMAZING Jodi! It is great to hear all the good updates. Love, April

Von Orgill said...

i love you jodi

--brett

Eric and Cami said...

Wow sounds like you've been through a lot, We're just glad the surgery went well. Hopefully each day will be better from here. Were thinking of you all of the time. Casen was over today and I think they pretty much wore each other out, Corbin was asleep by 7:15! We miss ya neighbor!
Much LOVE!!

Chad and Stacey said...

The whole family is thinking about you Jodi! We're glad the surgery is over and hope the recovery is speedy and quick! You're in our prayers daily!!

Flints Facts said...

Glad to hear that today is a brighter day. I pray that your recovery goes smoothly. You are one tough gal and I know you have a lot of fight in you...hang tough!

I love ya Jodi!

Kelly

Junior said...

Hey Jodi, it's your cousin Ryan. I'm glad to hear that your surgery went well. We're all thinking about you down here in Utah county. I still remember how we use to get into trouble as kids.


With all my love,


Ryan

Anonymous said...

Dear Jodi,
You have been on my mind ever since Wednesday. I am so glad that you're okay! I just wanted to let you know that i am thinking about you everyday! I love you and I hope you get feeling better!! :D

Jessica W.

SteveO said...

Jodi, Iam greatfull that your surgery has gone well despite the temporary side effects. I know this because I am still dealing with my own,though not as serious as yours. When I heard of your condition my first thought was Elder Wirthlin last conference address " Come what may, and Love it." I think of the challenges that have come into my life and can't say that I have loved them, but somehow the Lord has consecrated them for my gain as Nephi taught. I look forward to talking with you in the near future.

With love Steve and Pam

Carol Liptrot said...

Yea Jodi! Great update! I'm glad to know things are going well. Keep up the good work. You'll be home with your family before you know it. Prayers in your behalf are still continuing. My love and thoughts are with you. Keep improving. Love you! Carol Liptrot

Brian Lopez said...

Best news of the day. We're so happy to hear that everything went as well as it could have. Amy kept giving us updates on how things were going during surgery as Amy appears to have an "in" at the hospital. WONDERFUL!

Cathleen Sparrow said...

Jodi - you're always in our thoughts and we are so glad to hear that your progress is good. We are so grateful for the updates. Noellee just made a comment that if anyone can make this - you can! Your spirit and determination is remarkable. Know that we're praying for you - keep fighting! Cathleen, Noellee, Kassi, Ellen, Michelle & Danielle - all your friends at the McKay-Dee Foundation

Kim Campbell said...

Jodi, thank you so much to your family for the updates. I have followed each and every post just waiting for news of your progress. You are an amazing person and with the love and support of family and friends you will get through this trial. I understand the pain you are going through with the spinal headache. Two years ago I had surgery on my trigeminal nerve and the pain from the headache was just about the worst pain I have ever felt. It will pass with time, but is no fun right now. I just want to thank you for being my friend and being an amazing example. You are truly amazing!!!! Kim

Cathy said...

Jodi,
I sure had fun with your little guy Daven today. He is such a cutie. Thanks for letting me watch him. We played on the swings, read books and played with legos. Hope you are having good day today and feeling well. If I can help with Daven or your other kids, please let me know. Cathy

Anonymous said...

Hey Jodi. I know how freaked out you must be. I recently had a scope surgery on my knee last Tuesday. :/ And I'm only 14! They couldn't find anything, which means that my nerves in my right leg are 'misfiring'. It's called Patella Firmal Pain Syndrome. In a few months I'll be back to running and everything. Even though it wasn't too big a deal, it was still hard to deal with. When this is all over, you're going to be so much stronger. I promise! :)

Kailee Atkinson (Annette's daughter)

and angela annette's daughter says I hope you get felling better and that i have been praying for you for a long time and i just hope you get feeling better!!!