Thursday, May 21, 2009

Hospital Stay - Day 9 - Making Progress

Jodi had a reasonably good night thanks to your continued prayers and she is doing okay today.

The lumbar drain continues at the pace of 15cc's per hour. There has been no leak of spinal fluid again today. If the leak doesn't come back by tonight the doctors will slowly start to cut back on the level of the lumbar drain...to 10cc's per hour and then 5cc's per hour and then finally they'll take out the lumbar drain entirely. The idea is to gradually allow the pressure to rebuild in the fluid around the brain. They don't want to do it too quickly, because it may force open the hole again.

If this progress continues Jodi will hopefully be able to leave the hospital and return home in a few days for the remainder of her recovery. That would be terrific! Of course, there is a ways to go and the doctors want to make sure everything is okay. She does need to gradually rebuild her strength, including her ability to sit up, stand up, and walk.

Jodi had another sponge bath this morning and had her hair washed and braided. Just this much really helped her to feel better.

She continues to be uplifted by your messages of encouragement and support. In fact, she asked me to let you know that she really wishes she could personally respond to each message, each card, each call, each comment, each email, because they do make such a difference and she is so very grateful!!!

Before closing this update I thought you would enjoy a few pictures from the visit by Jodi's children last Saturday.




Baby "D" (Daven) with his Mom.
Casen and Daven with Mom.
Lindi combing Mom's hair.
Lindi giving her Mom a big hug.
Trenden hugging Mom.
Jodi's brother, Scott, and sister, Tami reminding Jodi how to smile.

17 comments:

Carol Liptrot said...

I am so happy that things are improving and moving in the right direction. The picture of all the kids are so fun. They are so darling. Thanks for putting them in for us to see. You have a beautiful family. I can see why they love you so much Jodi. Hope to see you soon.
Love, Carol Liptort

bishop howell said...

Hi Jodi,Tolan and family!
This is Jared and Jodi Howell. We we're so sorry to hear about your struggles and just wanted to let you know that we are praying for you and your family and know that Heavenly Father is watching over you because you and your family are always so strong and righteous and such a great example of love and service. We have been keeping up with you through your wonderful blog and love to see the good news of progress every day! Please know that we love and miss you in our lives and that we will continually pray for you!

PS. The kids are sooo BIG now!!

Anonymous said...

What wonderful news! We continue to cheer you on from the sidelines. Thanks so much for taking the time to keep us all updated. I keep refreshing this blog constantly!

The Gardanier Gang

Cathleen Sparrow said...

Jodi - Noellee & Michelle just got back from your visit. Glad to hear that you're having a good day! You are so good to worry and care about us and our upcoming events! Thank you! We'll be glad to keep you posted and send you a few of our worry issues. :) Everything on our end is progressing well - We're hoping to break ground in July. We'll make sure you get an invitation. Heard you got your walmart grant - congrats! Take care - Cathleen

Anonymous said...

Jodi, Tolan, Von, Sherri and all the rest of the family, I am thrilled to hear that Jodi has had a better day and there are many more of those to come. I can't help but cry as I read the updates - I know that prayer is powerful and that you are being blessed. We all continue to keep you in our prayers and you are constant in our thoughts. Love you all, Sue Davis, Cami, Ashley and Kirt.

Anonymous said...

Could you Orgill girls--Jodi and Tami--be prettier? NO! My heart sings with the news that you, Jodi, may be able to go home for the remainder of your recovery. Our prayers continue without skipping a beat. Until all is well for a good while, we will not be slackers.

Anonymous said...

Hi Jodi,
It is so good to hear that you are doing better today. We follow the updates everyday. We love you and continue to admire your courage! Stay strong. You are always in our prayers.
Love Deanne,Steeve and family

Anonymous said...

This is the kind of news we like to hear. If you get really bored, Jodi, check your email. Sent you a newsy letter to break up the monotony of the day/night. W.T.

Chaston said...

Jodi, I'm so happy to hear that you had a better day today. I can't imagine how sore, tired and frustrated you must be feeling. I hope you know that you are still in our thoughts and prayers. All we want is for you to get better so you can go home and be with your sweet little family. Hang in there Jodi! You can do it!!!
Love Amber Mitchell

Anonymous said...

Jodi, we cannot describe how happy we are that you are improving This brings thanks to our Heavenly Father for all the prayers being answered, all the help given by family, etc. We pray that you will continue to make progress so you can go home to your sweet family! It brought tears to my eyes to see the pictures of your children with you! They are so precious and miss you so much! We love you Jodi!
Grandma and Grandpa

Suzy Q said...

Jodi, I love you. Plan and simple.

Suzy Q

britt said...

more good news...what we all like to hear. I will be praying for many more days like today. I soo appreciate the updates. Hang in there Jodi and remember I and sooo many others love you!

Nichole Giles said...

Looks like you're starting to feel a little bit better. That's a great thing. Nine days is a long time right now, and more days will feel like eternity.

But just think...next year, you'll look back and be so glad you went through it now--rather than later--and are all recovered.

The news people will come hold a microphone in your face and say, "Jodi Brown, you just survived brain surgery. What are you going to do now?"

The question is...what will your answer be? (Maybe something like, "I'm going to Hawaii..." or "Disneyland" or "I'm going to write a book about survival.")

Prayers from Pleasant Grove and the Giles family.

Unknown said...

Hi Jodi,
We are so happy you had a better day today - we pray that they will continue. Russ works in the temple on Saturdays and when he is the follower, he has you in his mind when he says the prayer. We put your name in the temple twice a week (I'm there on Wednesdays).
Jodi you are strong! I know you can get through this!
We love you and miss you!
Love Russ, Carrie, Liz, Peyton, Drew, and Ryan

Flints Facts said...

I am so glad to hear that things are improving. I am hoping to hear of more positive days.
Prayer is such a powerful thing!

Looking forward to seeing you soon.
Love, Kelly

Kristi said...

I love you Jodi! I may be far away, but I am sending prayers and love across the ocean. Can't wait to see your smiling face again! Keep up the hard work and great attitude. I'll talk to you again soon.
Love, Kris

Annie Link said...

Dearest Jodi and family,
You don't know us, but I hope you can feel our deep love for Von flowing over and pouring out to you right now. I spent this morning reading about your journey and growing in love for your family and faith in our Heavenly Father's plan. Thank you for this sweet experience. Jodi, I feel awe when I think of your great heritage, both Heavenly and earthly, and I can see that heritage magnified in these touching pictures and feel it as I read of the deep faith, courage and strength you are showing during this time of testing. Your lives are miracles. I feel so blessed to be able to share in them. Know that our prayers for you all will be constant. And give your Dad all our love and a huge bear hug from Greg and Annie.