Support Jodi: A Nurse in Need

Greetings, good people! My dear friend of the last 7 years, Jodi Marshall, when I have been a friend in need, she has been a friend indeed - she has always been there for me! It’s my turn to return the favor. Jodi has been having debilitating health issues that have changed the quality of her life. Those of us that know and love Jodi know since she’s a nurse, her normal response is to power through and pursue. Sadly, she is now realizing that is not the case any longer and she could use a little help. Please take the time to read Jodi’s history below. Your time and prayers are greatly appreciated. Anything will help!!!! Much love and gratitude to all of you taking the time!

Jodi Marshall is a 49 year old nurse living in Chandler, AZ. After having her first child, Rebecca she decided to pursue a career in nursing. Her second daughter Alisha came along just as she was starting the nursing program and was a welcome addition to the busy family. Jodi started her nursing career at Southeast hospital in Cape Girardeau Missouri. Unfortunately the climate did not agree with her and multiple bouts with pneumonia let to a move to Wyoming for Jodi and the girls. Jackson Wyoming soon became the second true home for Jodi. Between an amazing group of coworkers and a rich local music scene, Jodi quickly grew to love the town. Unfortunately asa single mom, it was not economically feasible, so travel nursing entered her life and she was able to spread her wings and fly as a travel nurse for over 10 years.

2020 entered the scene with a bang. Jodi worked Covid units here in AZ and then in upstate New York. She managed to dodge the COVID bullet until early 2021. Since then Jodi has had Covid 4 times along with the brain fog that entails. It unfortunately did some damage to her pancreas and Type 2 Diabetes entered the mix. Controlling that is of vital importance, so Jodi decided to take a permanent job in Arizona to have better access to medical care. Jodi’s love of music has never waned, leading her to start learning how to play multiple instruments. While she had never before played stringed instruments, she fell in love with the bass. Jodi also loved being outdoors and active. Always ready to go with friends kayaking, paddle boarding or (as long as it’s not too hot) hiking.

Jodi has a long history of severe back pain due to many injuries throughout her life. Between a horse wreck in high school, 21 years as a bedside nurse, and her tendency to do active things on off days, the pain was getting to the point she could no longer function, even with the care of her amazing Chiropractor Dr Cynthia Long. Dr Long went far above and beyond, getting a MRI ordered and getting a consult for a neurologist. PT commenced bringing more amazing people into her life. While the pain never really got better (At that time) all the wonderful care did stabilize her spine. Jodi has had mild vertigo for years. Between motors, music and the very loud job that is hospital nursing, Jodi thought she was just getting older and losing some of her hearing…often prompting her to have her friends and coworkers to repeat themselves. During her stint at Banner Baywood, Jodi thrived in the role for preceptor, enjoying a chance to mold the next generation of nurses. This did help relieve some of the physical toll on her body, but her balance and tinnitus just kept getting worse. Fortunately Jodi was able to go on light duty at the hospital while continuing PT and going to Dr after Dr to figure out what is wrong. This severely limited Jodi’s income for months at a time when not only were there more and more Dr bills, but she physically needed help. As time went on it was determined that Jodi was having difficulty processing sensory input, with audio input being the most severely impacted. Loud noises and bright, flashing or moving lights severely negatively impacted her balance. Memory and speech issues were also becoming more and more of a problem for Jodi. This caused Jodi to have to go on short term disability, further limiting her resources. Through all of the Dr appointments, a diagnosis has finally been reached. Vestibular migraines are a type of migraine that can cause vertigo, lack of balance (unfortunately Jodi did have her first fall last week (praying it’s the last) and fortunately was uninjured. This led to having to bite the bullet and schedule a move to a first floor apartment before a fall down the stairs leads to a catastrophic injury.

Jodi’s life has been altered to the point it is unrecognizable. No longer able to get out and go kayaking or dancing has definitely taken its toll, but walking around her apartment is dangerous enough lol. Even reading causes severe fatigue. Those of you who know Jodi can imagine the neurologists surprise that Jodi was ecstatic to fail her sleep study. While normally failing any kind of test would send Jodi into a panic, anyone who has slept in the same building knows Jodi has obstructive sleep apnea. Jodi had previously passed 3 tests, probably due to her history of insomnia. Once Jodi can start CPAP the hope is it will help with these symptoms. Jodi will be starting Neuro cognitive rehab as soon as possible to help with her cognitive impairment and has thrown herself into the activities recommended by the neurologists until she can get started with her usual stubbornness and determination to get back to a productive, fulfilled life.