Tomorrow is the date that Jodi was originally given when she would be well enough to go home. It is so hard for her to not only still be here but to still be on ICU. She is having some real down times. Because of her latest surgery, she still cannot tolerate tube feedings and because she is getting so weak, she received a central line today so that she can receive TPN (Total Parental Nutrition). This line goes from an arterial line in her arm to a vessel in her heart and allows nutrients to be pumped directly into her blood, thus bypassing her stomach until the trauma team is prepared to put another tube (using the original tube that goes into her stomach) into her small intestine thus bypassing the stomach that way. Her tube feeding would then go directly into her small intestine and be absorbed there. We are all praying for her to begin the process of full recovery. She has developed a “drop foot” on her left side as a result of lying in bed without using leg muscles. Her foot is contracting and it is difficult for her to stand and put her heel onto the ground. She has to sleep with a special boot that keeps the foot from dropping further and physical therapy is working to stretch those muscles that the foot uses to walk. If not corrected, she could develop a limp that may not go away.
She and I (her mother) have decided that it is past time for that stupid trach to come out. We have decided to concentrate on having her do the swallow strengthening exercises every hour instead of three times per day. She is a trooper about it and works hard at it every hour. It would be such a blessing for her to lose that trach. I think that if she can lose it, her whole outlook would be so much better because she would finally talk. It is a real blessing to everyone including the doctors and nurses that she can use sign language. Jodi got out of bed and stood three times today as well as doing all her exercises for her leg, neck, and arm muscles. She continues to fight.
Connie
January 15, 2008
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
9 comments:
Hi Jodi, We're sad that we haven't been able to come see you in a while, it sounds like they still won't let us. We do want you to know that we are thinking of you always. Alayna still prays every night saying "thank you that Jodi can feel better" You're so amazing to keep working so hard, even though you may feel like giving up while you're going through this little rough patch right now. WE KNOW YOU CAN DO IT! So hurry up so we can come see you soon! Hey and maybe by then Alayna won't be as scared with your trach gone.
Jodi, we have been keeping track of you since day one. Because Chris works for Brad, our family discovered your condition immediately and have been praying and pulling for you to stay strong. We all remember so vividly our trip to Lake Powell when John tore your book in half without asking permission so that you could both be reading at the same time. We had so much fun on that trip and all the other fun times when you were all in high school. John had a stroke in 2002 and was left paralyzed on the left side but he fought back hard and is walking to this day thanks to the great help there at the University of Utah rehab. He recognized Libby in the photograph of you in a wheelchair. He comes down to therapy there about two times a week and works with Randy. There is only one place in Utah to be in your condition and that's right where you are!!! Hang in strong gal! You are loved by many who want to see you back with your darling family. Love to your mom. She is a long time friend. Hugs from John and Sue Ross & Chris, Curt, and Mark Ward.
Jod,
I am so proud of you. I am sorry you have had some set backs, but I am still amazed at how determined and strong you continue to be! I can not wait to come up again and visit. YOU ROCK!
Hi Sweetie, OK, so I told you I would tell you about the moose I talk to. My dad tried for 28 years to get a moose hunting permit. His name was finally drawn, and he was simply giddy from that day until he got his moose. It meant so much to him. Not too long after, was when we lost my dad. He was so proud of that dang moose, but it is (in Isabel's words) ginormous! Well, wouldn't you know it, what I got from my dad, besides all the camo gear Chip could ever need, was the moose. A MOOSE! I'm happy to have it, because it meant so much to him, but come on, a freakin' moose... in my family room. That is so not the style I had envisioned for my house. Any way, we call him Grandpa Moose, and I have conversations with it, as if I was talking to my dad. We come nose to nose, and I often pat his nose, and he often wacks me up side the head while I'm vacuuming. So, I talk to my computer screen for you and a moose for my dad. It takes all kinds! Love you, Karen
Dween,
Will you hurry up and get out of isolation so I can have my social life back. I have actually had to work full days with no hospital breaks. I miss hospital breaks.
Seriously, I am sorry for all the set backs and frustrations. I can't imagine how difficult this is for you and your family. You are in our prayers daily and constantly in my thoughts. You know I love ya like the hills.
Keep truckin' along.
Maima and Markly
Jodi,
Just wanted to let you know we are continually thinking about you, and are so grateful for the progress you are making. Not a day goes by where we are not concered about your well being. We look forward to reading your blod daily, and are always amazed at how strong you truly are. We love you so much, and will continue to pray for you and your family.
Love Ya Nicki and Nicki Barnes!!!!
Jodi, I am so sorry to hear that you are facing some additional struggles right now. Joan Hunt and I keep chatting about you at work, and I want you to know that we are all still thinking of you and praying for you all the time. You have touched so many lives and we all just want to help you right now! So, if it is comments you want, comments you'll get. In addition to the comments, know that there are literally hundreds of prayers being offered for you everyday. Keep you head up, get that trach out and let's roll! Lots of love, Jodi Brown
Hi Jodi C. This is your previous co-worker Lisa Peirce at NCSBS. Keep fighting it helps. My sister-in-law had a massive stroke 6 years ago and she is still with us. She and her 13 year old daughter live by themselves, she has challenges but she is overcoming them. Of course the 13 year old could be the end of her yet, as she put it. My husband had 2 small stroke's 4 years ago and he is doing fine. We made adjustments. I know what your Mom and Husband is going thru as far as working on getting the trach out. I had a major motorcycle accident several years ago and my husband and mom were my nurse at home. Per my doctor my Mom is a wonderful nurse. She pushed me to do my exercises even though I didn't want to. Of course at the time I would never have told you she was a wonderful nurse, I would have told you she was a pain and she needed to go home. I'm glad she did not listen to me. I have almost full use of my leg; the doctor had said they may have to amputate if I did not heal. Thank God for my Mom and my husband. My point is keep up the good work. It does pay off eventually. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. My Mom has a prayer group in Mississippi, were she lives’, and you are in their prayer's also.
Your friend Lisa Peirce
Jodi and Rob,
I will try this comment section again. We continue to pray for you each day and hope the very best for you. We admire your courage and faith as you face these new challenges. Please let your family know how much we admire their willingness to serve you at this time. It is a great blessing to Aleq, Tommy, and Ana Jain to be loved by them continuelly. We are always ready to help in anything that you would need or want.
Love, Judy Hall
Post a Comment