The O'Dell Family

Scroll down to see updates as the O'Dell family progresses in their CDH Journey! (All updates are written and given by parents with consent)

Update 9/22/24

My wife, Janelle, and I found out our son Manny had some biological defects at 20 weeks, and he was diagnosed with Left-side CDH a few days later. We were referred from our local hospital (Women's Hospital) in Baton Rouge, LA to the UT Health Fetal Center and Memorial Hermann Childrens Hospital team. We scheduled for several scans, doctors' appointments, and consultations in Houston during week 27 of pregnancy and were advised to relocate to Houston on Week 32.

We did not quite make it to week 32.  On Monday, during a routine checkup in Baton Rouge at Women’s Hospital, Janelle was admitted for observation to the hospital due to high blood pressure. After 24 hours, she was diagnosed with Preeclampsia, and we were advised to quickly transport to Houston to be at Memorial Hermann, as she was anticipated to become more ill. After being in Houston for 24 hours, Janelle’s condition worsened, and an emergency c-section was performed. Manoah “Manny” Jameson O’Dell was born at 31 weeks and 5 days weighing 3 pounds and 12 ounces.

Manny is doing well, considering his premature nature and CDH diagnosis. He has remained stable for 4 days (and counting). His CDH repair surgery is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 24. Janelle is set to be discharged today (Sunday, Sept. 22nd).

Update 9/29/24

Manny's CDH surgery was rescheduled for Thursday, Sept. 26th to allow his medical team to re-establish his stable ventilator settings. His CDH surgery took about 3 hours and was performed at his NICU bedside. The surgeons reported no complications. The medical team will try to ween his ventilator support and start feeding him breast milk in the days that follow.

Update 10/7/24

Manny began showing some signs of an infection - high temperatures and yellow coloration. Tests indicated an infection was in his blood and lungs. On Wednesday, Oct 9th the doctors decided an emergency exploratory surgery was necessary.  A hole in his small intestines was located and repaired. The next day the doctors were able to close up his abdomen. After 10 days of antibiotics, Manny was cleared of his infection. A lumbar puncture (spinal tap)indicated the infection had not spread to his brain.

Update 10/22/24

We believe that at just over a month old, while being a preemie and CDH survivor, that he is thriving. He’s putting on weight from momma’s milk, getting off of many meds and sedation, cleared to not require intervention for his PDA closure at this time because of healing naturally, and very surprisingly extubated!! He now requires some help from the CPAP breathing. We are hoping and praying that he continues to do well on the CPAP in terms of oxygenation and does not need to be re-intebated. 

Update 11/18/24

The O’Dells were discharged from Memorial Hermann Childrens hospital! 

Over the past few weeks Manny has done great on the low flow nasal cannula and feeding by breast and bottle. He continues to use a low dosage of oxygen and a few feeds through his g-tube but we’re home and creating our routines! The first few hours home felt as if we were living a dream after spending 62 days in the NICU.

We are so thankful for Mannys amazing medical care team in Houston. Now we’re trying to establish his care team in Baton Rouge, LA. We are also incredibly thankful for the support and resources provided by the Eden Calhoun Fund!