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