Sunday, May 17, 2009

Risk of Infection - Limitation on Visits

With spinal fluid (CSF) from the area around Jodi's brain leaking into her nasal cavaity there is a real risk of infection, which could lead to bacterial meningitis, as Tolan mentioned in his update last night. To minimize that risk Dr. Shelton has put Jodi on anti-biotics. To further minimize that risk it will also be important to limit visits to Jodi's hospital room, at least for now.

Late last night the lumbar drain was inserted into Jodi's spine. She is required to lay flat with very little movement. She's been experiencing muscle spasms around her shoulders and her neck and needs to lay quietly with her eyes closed to moderate the pain in her head. The morphine, valium, and codeine combined aren't enough. Sherri is massaging Jodi's neck and shoulders to try and help aleviate the spasms, reduce the head pain, and to help Jodi relax.

Jodi just isn't feeling well right now. Along with your continued prayers she probably needs rest as much as anything.

9 comments:

Flints Facts said...

Hang in there my friend. You are on my mind constantly, and in my prayers daily. Get your much needed rest. There will be brighter days ahead! Love you!

britt said...

I am sure this is discouraging thing to happen AGAIN. I was disappointed to not be able to come visit you today (have been looking forward to it for days now), but completely understand your health and rest is extremely important at this time! I will try to call at least, in the next day or two.

Anonymous said...

raeheaton
Jodi,you are so awesome! Just hang in there, better times are ahead. We admire your attitude and courage and love you soooooo much!
Grandpa K.

Brandi said...

Hang in there, Jodi. I pray that better days will come very quickly. Until then, I hope that you can get the rest you need to be able to recouperate. Make sure those doctors and nurses are taking great care of you.

Love you,
Brandi

Chaston said...

We've been thinking about you Jodi, and praying for you every night. We hope you can rest and heal quickly so you can come home soon. Keep smiling!
~Amber M.

Anonymous said...

Sorry to hear about this set back and I hope the spinal headaches will be alleviated soon. I was glad to see in the photos that your kids were able to visit you before the visitation restrictions were implemented. I think of you guys often and continue to pray for you, your family, and the medical team. Keep fighting and be assured that brighter days are ahead.

Much love,

Jennifer (Johnson)

Nichole Giles said...

Well then, we'll have to visit you on your blog until you're feeling better.

We're still thinking about you, and praying you'll recover as quickly as possible. (Because we know you will recover--it's a matter of when, rather than if.)

Lots of love from the Giles family.

Dicksy Rhoads said...

Jodi--dear sweet Jodi-- I can only pray for you with all my heart. Bob is just on floor three having some minor surgery and I feel your sweet spirit so strong when I pray for you in this hospital. I know because of all our trips and experiences in this hospital that this is the best place and that God is a God of miracles. He works through the doctors and staff here in amazing ways but through all of our prayers He will get the job done. I have learned Tolan, it is very hard to feel the pain from your heart and eyss, it hurts almost as bad because you can not take it and you can't help-- you just sit there by her side and watch and pray and watch and wait.

Jodi and Tolan If I could come and take your pain, I would but I can't and so I just need to let you know how much we love you and every tear we shed in your behalf is a prayer to our Heavenly Father in behalf of you.
Much love to you and your sweet family... Dicksy Rhoads

Anonymous said...

Dear Jodi - I love you! You are constantly in my thoughts and prayers. I hope you can start feeling better and begin healing. Thanks Tolan, and Von for the updates. Love, Sue Davis