Another Diagnosis??!!

Well, the day Karen was released, the Internal Medicine doctor came by to release her. She said that she looked at the GI's findings and did not agree. She said that ischemic colitis is typically found in patients 50 and older with low blood pressure, a history of stroke and vascular issues. She said that it was possible a tiny clot could do that, although highly unlikely. Karen has high bood pressure and doesn't fit that criteria. She explained that she is fairly confident that it is Ulcerative Colitis or Crohn's. That would explain all of her current symptoms along with several symptoms she's had for many years. This was NOT what we wanted to hear. On Wednesday, Karen went to see her regular internal medicine doc and he went over all of her hospital records with her and is in agreement. He said that he is 95% sure that the biopsies will prove this. The treatment is typically low dose chemo, steroids and several other meds. The goal is to get her into remission and prevent flares. The more damage is done, the more likely resection or complete bowel removal ("a bag") is. Her appointment with the GI docor is on August 4th. That's when she'll receive the biopsy results. Although, we KNOW that things could be MUCH worse, we are very discouraged with this diagnosis because it is a chronic condition. Karen is in good spirits, but still in some pain. She is so happy to be home with the kids!! Angie has been a great help to our family and a great friend to Karen during this time. She's got so many great friends. Her phone rings all day long, although that's nothing new! Please continue to pray for her complete healing along with peace of mind for our family during this transition. Above all of this, we want to continue to praise God for all of the many wonderful things that He has done and continues to do for our family!!!! We can make it through ANYTHING!



" Thou art the God that doest wonders: thou has declared thy strength amoung the people." Psalm 77:14