Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Hospital Stay - Day 29 - Headaches, Nausea, Weakness

Right after I posted the update last night, Jodi had a vomiting spell. She lost everything that she had been able to eat and drink yesterday, which wasn't much in the first place. She has gone a week now with very little nourishment. She's basically surviving on the IV. She was in pretty rough shape late last night, so Sherri stayed with her all night. Right now, Sherri is asleep on the couch in Jodi's room.

Today, the headaches continue unabated. The nausea is also continuing. She is very weak and only moves when she has to go to the bathroom and then she's not going to the bathroom. She either uses a bed pan or a portable potty placed next to her bed. It's hard in either case, because the headaches are so strong, even though they aren't the spinal headaches, they are still punishing in their effect. She is still receiving valium for the headaches.

She is having spasms in her neck. We're alternating heat and ice in hopes of reducing those spasms.

They've taken her off of the three strong anti-biotics as of 8:00 a.m. this morning. The anti-biotics were contributing to the nausea. We're hopeful there will be a gradual improvement now in that arena. She continues to receive nausea medicine, but Jodi whispers that she is "gun shy" and hesitant to try much of anything, because she hasn't been able to keep anything down.

It seems that the cumulative effect of three surgeries in such a short time have taken their toll. The feeling currently is that these after-effects should begin to lessen today or tomorrow.

Jodi is very weak and literally only whispers when she speaks at all.

The "bouncing back" from all of this is a longer and more difficult process than we had anticipated or hoped. We're still expecting improvements today and tomorrow. We'll keep you posted.

21 comments:

Debbie Rhoads said...

Sounds so awful. This is much worse than I ever even imagined. I'm so sorry to hear things aren't so good. Wish there was something I could do. We'll keep you in our prayers.

Flints Facts said...

Jodi, So sorry that you are on such a rough road, hang in there! I pray that each new day is brighter for you...remember baby steps right?! My heart aches for all the pain and trials you are having to face, you are a great example of endurance and faith...stay strong and know that our Heavenly Father is watching over you and hears our prayers.

Lots of love, hugs and prayers for you and your family,
Kelly

Anonymous said...

Jo this is sooo not cool. If I ever get sick again I am going to try my darndest not to ever complain again and think of what you have been going through. I know this feels never ending for you, but I KNOW you can make it through this! I think you can, I think you can, I think you can!

I love you more than The Cheesecake Factory! ;-)

Tam

Anonymous said...

jodi, we are praying for you. We can't wait for you to come back to YW. WE miss you sooo much. Wish there was more we could do for you.
Hydee and Jessica Weeks

Heather D said...

Jodi, you are in my thoughts each day and my prayers each night. I even dreamed about you lastnight and you looked great! I'm going to take that as a sign of things to come!! Love, Heather Doutre

Carol Liptrot said...

Dear Jodi and Family. I know it is so difficult to have patience during these trials and I don't know if it is so much about what you need to learn, but what all of us are learning through this experience from your faith, endurance and love. To see how you live this exhausting challenge and continue to endure all you are going through with such a sweet spirit shows your love and trust in the Lord. I know the Lord loves you so much Jodi, and all your family. I pray for the Lord to have his comforting spirit help you rest and remove the pain from your body. Thank you for all you do by sharing this experience with us that we can come closer to the Lord through prayer in your behalf. May your family be blest for all they are going through. I love you Jodi.
Love, Carol Liptrot

BloggerBuck said...

Jodi,
We feel so bad to see you this way. Just know, prayers are continuing to go out for you. I'm sure it's hard to understand why you must edure this suffering, but I hope the care and concern of family and friends will help you to pull through. We think about you and check your condition everyday. We're thankful that the blog is regulary updated. May God be with you. We hope you do better soon.

Love,
The Baileys

Anonymous said...

Oh Jodi,
nobody know why YOU have been given this trial, and it seems to be such a long and difficult one. Probably because YOU are the strongest of us all and the one who can handle it best. I am sorry that you are unable to just feel comfortable. I hope the nausea and pain go away very soon, so you can begin to feel somewhat normal again and even eat "something" and keep it down. You are a fighter and one tough girl. This too shall pass...the question is when??
love ya and hang in there. thinking of you often! Brittany
ps for some reason it is not accepting my password, so I am now anonymous

Randy and Ann Allred said...

"I testify that bad days come to an end, that faith always triumphs and that heavenly promises are always kept."
Elder Jeffrey R Holland
Liberty Jail Fireside

(The whole talk is quite uplifting:
http://www.deseretnews.com/pdf/Holland2008.pdf
)
We are still united in pleading for the pain to subside, and for your return home with your family.

Anonymous said...

Jodi,
It's been a while since I checked the updates....I didn't realize how bad things had been lately. Tears have been coming as I've been realizing all of the suffering that you and your family have gone through lately. And yet, I've felt gratitude that you have such a wonderful support system and incredible family. What a blessing! I don't know why you are having to experience all of this, but I have faith that someday you will know and that it will all be okay...the Savior's grace is sufficient for all. But, I don't think that would comfort me much during day 29 of a hospital stay that has been so rough. I think I would resort to asking a LOT of "why's?" And I'd be tempted to hold a few pity parties. You are demonstrating amazing fortitude. I'm sure you are thinking that you are enduring because you have to, not necessarily because you are strong enough or want to continue. But, so many of us would have become depressed and bitter by now. When I see pictures of you smiling and with a light in your eye I am amazed at your perseverance and that you can find the will to smile.
I'll continue to keep you and your family in my prayers.
Kimberly Morris (former co-worker of your dad's....)

In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. (John 16:33

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Philippians 4:13

Anonymous said...

Ah Jodi and Tolan, this is such a trial. Prayers continue.

Kara said...

Jodi I saw your cute little boys today in Walmart! I hope and pray that you will get to go home soon. Stay strong:)

Nichole Giles said...

Okay, it's no wonder you're nauseous. I'd throw-up everything too, if I'd had to live in a hospital for a month. Not to mention laying flat on mu back, having a bunch of people poke and prod at me, shave my head and then open it up to play with my brain! Hello! What do they expect after everything they've done to you?

I vote they decide you've had enough already and send you home where you can actually get better. Any takers? But just in case you have to stay put for a little while longer, you can find some awesome and inspiring music at www.yldsr.com.

You'll be home soon, I can feel it.

Nicki

Well,

Diane said...

Thanks again for keeping us updated. You have so many people who care about you! I'm so sorry to hear about another bump in the road. You really find out how strong you are when you have to be, huh? Hang in there! Love you much, from Diane

annie said...

We love you Jodi and want you to know that we think you are an amazing woman. We hope that you will be able to go home soon and sleep in your own bed. Happy Huggs and fervant prayers, Annie

Anonymous said...

Jodi, Tolan:

We watch the posts prayerfully each day hoping for good news. Things will get better, we know they will. We pray for you each day to be strong through the trials you are going through. Have faith, not doubt. Have hope, not fear. Know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers all day, each day.

Love,
Doug, Cathy and family.

Martin Merx said...

Jodi Brown!!!

Get better! I check this blog everyday a few times per day - at work and at home before I go to bed. Whoever keeps posting on your blog gives me hope and then tears it down the next day with more "bad news". I get enough bad news from following politics and the economy, so you need to get better so that I can start reading about the cute things your family does or the funny things Tolan does. :)

Get well soon!

Belinda said...

Maybe - if you could sleep for 12 hours straight - it would help!!
We pray that tonight brings a rest and a better tomorrow!
Love you all,
The Jacksons x

Anonymous said...

Jodi,

We miss you very much. We can't wait to see you sitting on your porch or doing things with you kids in the yard. We're looking forward to taking you to the Bombay House!!! Please hang in there. You are in our every prayer. Don't give up!!!

Love,

The Browns

Unknown said...

So sad that you are in such pain...I couldn't even imagine...What can we all say to alleviate any of it?

Know that you are loved, know that we are all petitioning for you.

Anonymous said...

Jodi, I love you so much!!! You are absolutely amazing and i am so glad that you have been an example to me in my life.. Thankyou I love you so much and hope you are doing better. Remember that no matter what happens you are a beautiful daughter of god and loving woman in this world. I am so grateful to know you and hope to see you soon. Get feeling better and hold strong to the light ahead. You are never alone. I love you,
Janie