Absent .. but not forgotten

[Padams]

Hi everyone!

I'm sorry for my extended absence, again. I've had so many tests these past few days that my body has been worn out.

My results that I have been promising you all ..

Good news first. I am not comsuming any gluten! At all!

Bad news second. My intestines are horribly enflamed. My body is still attacking itself; my immune system is horribly weak. My GI has concluded that I am, he's almost 100% positive, suffering with Refractory Sprue. He said the reason that he has delayed the diagnosis simply because I am so young. It's rare for most people to get refractory sprue, but a 20 year old? That is almost unheard of.

I have a sit-down face-to-face appointment with him next Wednesday. Hopefully he will tell me what I can do next!

Oh .. and if that is not enough -- my dad was just DX with cancer. I swear, the Lord is really trying to test my patience. Ah, what doesn't kill 'ya makes you stronger.

Take care everyone!

Wish me luck for Wednesday .. I'll update again.

-Patrick
_________________
Patrick
06/14/05
I love Danna Korn

[tootenfromgluten]

Patrick:

I am soo sorry for your troubles, and yes, you will be stronger! It helps me every day knowing I have all of you guys to suffer with, and honestly, it makes me feel so much better! Hang in there! I'll be thinking of you....Kelly aka-tooten from gluten

[aklap]

Patrick,

I am so sorry to hear about your news & about your father. You both will be in my prayers!!

What is the prognosis for your Dad?
_________________
Al

“We cannot all do great things, but we can do small things with great love.” Mother Teresa

[paw]

Patrick, I am sending healing wishes to you and your Dad. I will throw in a couple for you Mom who has a lot of worry about the two of you also. ((hugs)).

I hope that soon you start getting better reports at the doctor. They need to get a little weigh on you and get you strong and feeling better.

I hope your Dad's problems were caught early and can be taken care of quickly.

[paw]

Sorry, wrong button!

[nowakb]

Good luck to you and your family Patrick! Hugs!!

Becky

[Judy]

Oh Patrick, I'm so sorry for your troubles. Hope you and your dad will be on the mend soon.
_________________
Judy

[csocain]

Patrick, you and your family are in my prayers. Please keep us posted on what is going on with each of you. Blessings of peace and grace to all of you.
_________________
Carolyn

Surviving And Thriving By God's Grace

[isto]

Patrick, Praying for you and your family! It will make you stronger, but its still difficult! Hang in there!

Danita

[Padams]

[aklap]

Hi Patrick,

Protrate cancer is slow growing and very treatable. I am glad they are optomistic about it!!

You'll still need to follow a GF diet I assume. I am not that knowledgeable on Refractory Sprue..but I'll hunt around.

YOU BETTER STICK AROUND! IF you leave I'll be really PO'ed. HEHEHE
_________________
Al

“We cannot all do great things, but we can do small things with great love.” Mother Teresa

[Laurie]

Quote"They feel they caught the prostate at just the right time in order to safely remove and cure my dad. "

My dad had this also, they removed the cancer with no complications and has never came back, so keep your chin up he will be ok Im sure. As for you good luck on this I hope its only a temporary thing for you to have to be on the IV I will be praying for you as well.
Laurie

[strawdog]

Hi Patrick,
My thoughts are with you, too.
I've been coming in to check on your progress every few days. Please keep us updated!

[dkad]

Patrick, just wanted to let you know my prayers are with you. Sounds much better with your dad. I personally went through cancer from 12-15 and have numerous health issues. I keep thinking haven't I been through enough and was upset when it was finally decided I had ref. sprue 2 years ago. I had a rough time getting through college because I was sick all the time but made it. I am a huggy person and wish I could give you a big hug. I will be praying that God gives you the strength that you need. I know it is hard but keep your mind busy with good things. It is how I get through every day. God bless you and know there are many people on this board who are praying for you.
dkad

[Padams]

Hi All,

Thank you all so very much for the kind worded replies. Again, it means the world to a kid going through this trial alone to have people with whom he may relate with. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

This will be a short reply, as I have to head off to work.

In answering Al's question: My GI called today and said that he is ready to make a Refractory Sprue diagnosis. My cells from the biopsies were formed with a "T" or some jumble like that. He said that he will explain in much greater detail on Wednesday. Every test I've had, endsocopy, colonoscopy, barium CT scan, barium small bowl scan, biopsies and blood work show that I am not consuming any gluten .. yet my body is still attacking itself.

I do not have any other food allergies at this time ..

He has had the most experience with RS in the Omaha metro area .. but, like you said, Al, I am going to get a second or third opinion. My parents are going to force me, and I will go along volunteering my body

Geeze, this is a bit longer than I had expected .. now I'll be late ..

Hope you all are doing well! Again, thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Take care!

-Patrick
_________________
Patrick
06/14/05
I love Danna Korn