Thurs afternoon 7/10

Aneta just called me with an update. The doctor is very concerned about the risk of infection, and should things take a turn for the worse, she would likely get spinal meningitis. The doctor basically said if it were to get that bad, it would be too late for the shunt surgery. He clarified that the 48 hour window started after they put the replacement catheter in.

They have been monitoring the pressure in her head, keeping it at a 20 or below. (Basically that's like having a big, fat free-flowing drain, so little pressure builds). They are now at that 48 hour checkpoint, and are going to increase that pressure (so fluids won't drain so easily) over the next few hours, until it gets to a 25, and this is leading up to clamping it off entirely. She will probably have a rough night, as the pressure builds, and will not be given as much pain medicine so they can get a clear picture of her current status. The last time they did this increase in pressure, it made Jana quite sick. They will make the decision on the shunt probably tomorrow, after they have a chance to see what her body will do independently. She will get another CAT scan at that time too.
So the next day or two are quite critical in determining the course of action, since the threat of spinal meningitis is so great.
Please continue to lift Jana and her family up in your prayers!