Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Brain Surgery Hurts!

Jodi has decided that brain surgery is painful. For some reason the nurses in the ICU couldn’t get orders for the pain medication to come through the system so they kept Jodi waiting for pain meds for four hours last night after her surgery, and she wasn’t too happy about that. She didn’t get much sleep last night due to the pain and also due to the fact that her week old IV closed up and they kept blowing the veins trying to insert a new one. Finally, Jodi just insisted they leave her alone so they gave up on the new IV. Another factor contributing to the lack of sleep was the man down the hall screaming for hours at a time about the pain he was in. The nurse mentioned that it is motorcycle season and they have been especially busy since the weather warmed up. She said in the last few days the hospital has had a bunch of head trauma injuries.

Jodi got up this morning to use the bathroom and got another sever spinal headache but the doctors explained that is to be expected due to the CSF loss associated with the surgery. Overall Jodi is doing pretty well. This morning they moved her from the ICU back to the Neuro Acute Care unit (now room #1) where she slept most of the day. She was also feeling good enough to get up and walk around a bit this afternoon. We spoke with Dr. Shelton this evening and he suggested we may want to have a gold bar inserted into Jodi’s right eye lid to help it close. That is something we will consider. He also explained what the next steps would be if the CSF leak reoccurs. Later, Dr. Couldwell stopped by and he mentioned that if Jodi continues to do well he will remove the lumbar drain tomorrow and Jodi may be able to go home Thursday. That’s what we are hoping for!

10 comments:

Shirley Tate said...

Hi Jodi & Company,
Sorry to hear about the challenges you've had. What a trooper you are! We truly hope that each day finds you improving and feeling better, and hope you can rest much better tonight. We love you and continue to keep you in our prayers. Hope you're home soon!
Love and Best Wishes,
The Tates

Jean Francom said...

Oh my Jodi, you just keep trucking along! My heart and prayers go out to you. Blessings on your recovery, prayers to you Tolan and family. Even through it all Jodi, you still have that "Jodi Smile"!

Jean

Michelle said...

Wow, Jodi. You just continue along, tougher than ever. One thing I noticed is how incredibly beautiful you still are through all of this. It's wonderful to see the love you have for your children (photos of you with them made me cry) and the beautiful smile that you continue to share. You are an inspiration to me. Actually, you're been an inspiration to my whole family. Hang in there, my friend! We will continue to keep you in our prayers and hope that things continue to heal properly.

Carol Liptrot said...

Dear Jodi, Just wanting you to know you are being prayed for with all my heart. I'm sorry you have to have such a difficult road. I pray you will be in a lot less pain today and will be home with your family soon. May the Lord bless you and all your family and help everyone be strong.I know prayers will continue from everyone in your behalf. I love you. Love, Carol Liptrot

wjmom said...

I'm just so glad that things are looking good, even if they aren't feeling good. Take really good care of yourself!

Aundrea

britt said...

Sorry to hear you had such a rough time after the surgery, but it was good to hear you were up walking and even better news that a home return could be soon! Take it easy and don't try to get back to NORMAL too soon. Hope today is a better day, with continued positive progress and recovery.
Much love and aloha!

The Judkins Family said...

Jodi,
It has been along time since I have talked with you. I just heard about everything you are going through. You are such an amazing person and someone who I have always looked up to. You always have a great outlook on life. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I hope you are able to come home soon. Love, Lauri Judkins

=Molly= said...

WOW JODI~
It sounds pretty rough, but
hang in there!
It is all coming along!
I hope you get better soon and I can't wait to hear when you finally get to go home!!!
Love ya bunches!!

Cami said...

Jodi,
Don't ever doubt how AMAZING you are! You truly are beautiful inside and out :) The Davis family is continuing to pray and fast for your family and you. We love you! Keep on looking foreward to a bright and happy future--this will pass! LOVE YOU!
--Cami Davis

kathy said...

Hope you're feeling better today Jodi, and that you will soon be home with your children.
Hope you can also feel the loving arms of all of us who care about you, especially the Savior.
Thanks for your example of faith in adversity!
xo
Kathy