Monday, June 8, 2009

Pneumocephalus Doing Better – Preparing for Surgery

Jodi is doing better today. Frankly, last night was scary to watch. I have never seen her like that before. She was in so much pain it seemed for a while she couldn't keep fighting. I was quite worried. She had oxygen all night and is feeling much better. Dr. Couldwell isn’t as concerned about the air pockets at this point. He checked her for leaking and the CSF leak continues so we’re going to proceed with the surgery to tie off the Eustachian tube today, which is scheduled for noon (in hospital time that probably means about 4pm). The doctor performing the surgery is Dr. Orlandi and he will go in through the nose, a procedure he specializes in. As he described the procedure, it will be permanent, is delicate and technical, but the recovery should be quick. He said the way he will do the procedure – going in through the nose instead of through the ear – should preserve “some” hearing in that ear but it will feel plugged and be muffled. Had Dr. Shelton performed the surgery through the ear Jodi would have lost all hearing in that ear so this seems like a better option. Since it will be permanent we’re hoping it won’t be too frustrating to deal with long term. Hopefully it will solve the pesky CSF problem once and for all and Jodi can go home in a day or two.

Tolan

11 comments:

Carol Liptrot said...

Best wishes with this surgery. I wish you a quick recovery, strength, no headaches, a huge Appetite, lots of hugs and smiles, and little arms around your neck soon. My love and prayers are with you.
Love, Carol Liptrot

Brandi said...

Wishing you the best with this surgery today. I pray that when you wake up from the surgery your headaches will be gone.

I can't wait to read the good news when you are able to go home to your family.

Take care,
Brandi

Susan Judd said...

Jodi-
So glad to hear that you are feeling better today. Sorry to hear about another surgery, but I feel that it will go well... and that this doctor is a specialist and can preserve some hearing. I look forward to reading that your headaches are GONE!!! Such a miserable experience. Be strong.. I hope that you are over the worst now and can recover!!!
Love,Susan Judd

Cathleen Sparrow said...

Jodi - I'm so glad that you're feeling a little better. Good luck with the surgery - I hope that it all goes well and that you're home soon. best wishes and prayers to you - Cathleen

Flints Facts said...

Good Luck with the surgery today. I pray that all goes well and that you will soon be home with your family.

Stay strong, lots of love, hugs and prayers your way,
Kelly

wjmom said...

Shall we try to meet someday? You all are quickly becoming heroes to me as you gather round one another, look at each new challenge with optimism and hope, and just plain ol' "Keep on keepin' on!"

Love and prayers (again and still)!

Aundrea

cathy said...

I hope the surgery goes well today and that you make a speedy recovery. All my love and prayers are with you today and always. Cathy

Amy Wicks said...

Jodi-

I'm sending good thoughts and hoping this surgery is your LAST, that it works as planned and you can head home soon.

Love,

Amy

Anonymous said...

oh my dear! Glad to hear that they final decicion is made on the surgery. Let's get it done, and come home! Before Tolan polishes off the rest of your goodies in the care package....! ha, ha!
Hang in there, just a little longer...

Debbie said...

I hope the surgery is successful and you and Tolan are able to return home soon to your sweet little ones. We are praying for you and your family.

about us said...

We know Dr. Orlandi from diabetes camp! He is great! We're sad that you have to have more surgery, but glad you are in good hands and that you should be on the upswing after this!

Love, The Taylors