Saturday, June 6, 2009

Hospital Stay - Day 25 - Headaches continue - Tolan with the kids - celebrating college graduations

Today is Jodi's 25th day in the hospital. The original plan was for a 4-5 day stay. It has been a long road with many setbacks and many blessings.

Jodi's spinal headaches continue non-stop. The pain medications continue as well. They help, but Jodi basically is laying flat with no head movement to keep the pain within bearable limits.

If the body doesn't heal the CSF leaks on its own then it looks like additional surgery will be required, as Tolan mentioned earlier. We pray this won't be necessary. This next surgery would take away Jodi's hearing in her right ear permanently and make it feel like her inner ear is filled with fluid...always! It's not a pleasant thought.

Sherri (Jodi's Mom) is with Jodi in the hospital today, so Tolan can spend some time with the kids. He hadn't seen them since last Sunday.

I flew back to Hawaii yesterday to attend the BYU-Hawaii graduation. Jodi's brother, Brandon, is graduating today. Sherri is graduating from BYUH today too, but instead of being in Hawaii for commencement she is staying with Jodi in the hospital in Utah. Jodi and her children were scheduled to be in Hawaii today, along with most of our family for this special occasion. Those plans, of course, all got changed, but Sherri is in the right place by Jodi's side. We just want her to know that we are celebrating her accomplishment along with Brandon's. As we do, we are offering special family prayers for Jodi, Tolan, and their children.

Thanks again to all of you for your continued prayers and support. How can we ever adequately communicate the depth of our appreciation?

With love and gratitude,

Von (Jodi's Dad)

14 comments:

Diane said...

Jodi, extra prayers going out for you today. Congrats to the college grads, that is awesome! Love, Diane

britt said...

Congrats to Sherri and Brandon, and as sad as it is that you ALL can't be Hawaii right now, I am glad you have your mom by your side Jodi. I can't imagine it any other way. You have definitely been there 20 days too long, but I sure hope things heal themselves and there is no need for surgery again. My thoughts and prayers continue to be with you, even as we move :) Hope I can find the time to call or see you soon!

Belinda said...

Jodi,
Did we co me up with a reason for being glad? It's really hard to find something!!!I thought of one....! Be glad that you are not in an English hospital!!!! Be very glad!
How wonderful for your Mom to be by your side! It's funny that no matter how old or young we are - we always need our mum's. Congrats to the graduates!!
Hang in there! Love ya, Belinda x

Anonymous said...

I keep reading your BLOG information hoping that the next message will be that you have been sprung from the hospital. I agree with Belinda no matter how old we are there is comfort in having our mum's with us. You have a very dear and special Mum. Our prayers are for you to get better real soon.
Love
Jerry & Carol

Unknown said...

Hello Jodi,
We will never forget to pray for you.
I had a good day with three of your children-Tenden, Lindi and my little buddy Casen. We watched a movie called "Up". They were so good. Afterwards, we went to the Arcade to play a little bit. It was fun! After all that Lindi and Casen wanted to see the progress in the Basement. Lindi is such a little lady. She made a comment that Last time she was in the backyard, it was all dirt. They also wanted to climb the big rock.

My little friend Casen played a trick on me. After he has been home, he knocked at my dooe and hid. Well of course, I know that the person wh knocked was one of my little friends, so I looked for him. He was hiding and when he saw me, he shot me with his water gun! We played for a bit, him with his little water gun and me with the garden hose. Doesn't seem fair, does it?

As D am typing this message, Lindi, Casen and Davin came to spend time and watch a movie. I will have to end now and attend to the little friends. I know you'd rather be the one who spends this time with them. I promise to love them as you do.

We love you, our Riverdale relative. Love, Curtis and Vener

Anonymous said...

Hoping and praying for the best today! Hang in there cuz. Maybe you just need more cherry chocolates :)

Love,

Dustin Orgill

Kim Schneider said...

Jodi,
You and your family are always in our prayers. Moms are the best and also the strength you feel from your children whether they are by your side or in your thoughts, is the most amazing strength. We got to spend some time with Trendon at a birthday party today and he was so funny. The normal Trendon. His "As a matter of fact" comments make me smile. You have so many friends and family looking over your kids...you just focus on you. We love you and pray for your strength.

Tami Searle said...

Well, congrats to Sherri and Brandon...that is very exciting! Sorry you can't all be celebrating together. Sherri, you are an incredible mom and Jodi is so blessed to have you by her side. I hope and pray that things will get better soon...hang in there! Love, Tami

Anonymous said...

Jodi,
We are so glad that your wonderful mom is with you for a couple of days. Your mother is truely a remarkable woman!! Congratulations on your amazing achievement Sherri.
We are praying that Jodi will have a better day today. We know that soon all this will pass and you will be pain free.
We love you and continue to keep you in our prayers.
Deanne,Steve and family

Anonymous said...

Dear Jodi,
Hope today is a better day for you. Things will get better. I went to the temple with Sanya, Catie and Nate(Catie's husband) yesterday. The first thing we all thought of was to put Jodi's name in for prayer roll. Congratulations Brandon and Sherry. Let's celebrate later when Jodi gets feeling better and can be home with her children. You all have been such a great example of what family is all about. May the spirit of our Father in Heaven be with you all throughout the day. Always thinking of all of you and pray for your speedy recovery Jodi.
Love, Saras

Susan said...

Hi, Jodi- I hope that you are having a better day today. I hope that you can sit up a little and move your head. I can't imagine having to be so still. However, if you can relax so it so your body can heal and heal up the leak. It can be done - try to visualize the leak being sealed up. I don't know why, but I have heard this often happens. If you can, try talking to and ENT (Ear Nose and Throat doctor) about keeping your hearing IF it comes down to the surgery that we all don't want to happen. It is worth it! Now find some soothing music and relax and visualize the leak being closed up! That is your assignment today! You'll have a great day.
Love, Susan Judd

Anonymous said...

Just want to let you know that uncle Gordon phones me every other day to get an update on your condition. When I shared the latest news, he said, "Well, I guess I had better get back on my knees! I must not be praying hard enough or long enough!"
All of our prayers are with you, Jodi! Be strong. Have faith. Love, Uncle Denn

(The system wouldn't accept my google account i.d. That's why I'm anonymous.)

Anonymous said...

Jodi, Please know that I love you and I am continually praying for you. You are constantly in my thoughts. You are a strong person Jodi. Sherri, please let me know if I can do anything. I have wanted to call you, but I am hesitant, as I know you are busy. Know that I am here and will do anything for all of you. Tolan, know that I am praying for you and your family. Love, Sue Davis
P.S. Jodi, Chris and Rita Morrison from Virginia told me to tell you that you are in their prayers.

Anonymous said...

I was directed here by a friend to read Jodi's story and I believe it was a the lord God acting through my friend to direct me to this blog. I will add you to my prayers and wish you relief from your pain. May you heal and enjoy a long and fruitful life. Miracles do happen, I was saved 3 years ago by a miracle so I know God does grant them.