Update on Jason

I'm going to start posting updates for Jason on my blog because of the number of people that are wanting to keep up with what is going on with him. It is getting overwhelming for me to remember who to call each day, and I want people to know how to pray for him.

An overview of the situation: Early in the morning of December 20th, we took Jason to the ER for abdominal pain and bleeding. They immediately admitted him and ran a whole battery of tests (bloodwork, bleeding study, X-rays, CT scan), diagnosing him with diverticulitis. He spent three days in the hospital being treated with pain meds and IV antibiotics. Saturday evening, we talked the doctor into releasing him to go home because our children were in a Christmas play at church on Sunday morning, and Jason wanted to be there. He was able to go to play, although he was on serious pain meds and doesn't remember much about it :-(

He continued taking antibiotics and resting at home, and although the doctors thought he would be feeling better, his pain was still pretty intense even after completing the antibiotics. A repeat CT scan was ordered for Wednesday Jan 2nd to find out why he was not better. On the way back into the CT room, Jason doubled over in pain. He decided to let them do the scan anyway, because he knew that the doctor would need it in order to find out what was wrong. At that point, we were concerned that he had perforated, but that was not the case.

After the scan, they wheeled him over to the ER and the ER doctor told us that the CT scan showed that the diverticulitis was improved, but that there was a "spot" on his left kidney. He felt that the spot was either an small area of infection or an infarction or "dead place" on the kidney. He also told us that he did not believe that this would account for the pain that Jason was experiencing. He had him admitted as an inpatient for further testing.

On Thursday, Jason was sent to nuclear medicine for a renal scan to find out what was going on with the kidney, although the doctors kept telling us that they did not believe that this was causing his pain. This was another day of long waits and plenty of bloodwork, but no answers. However, they were good about keeping his pain under control.

Friday, he had a colonoscopy which showed nothing significant other than that his colon was very tender (which we already knew--picture the rolling eyes here). We also learned in passing (because we didn't get to see the doctor and ask questions) that his renal scan was abnormal and that they were sending in a nephrologist to consult with us.

Saturday morning, the nephrologist informed us that the scan showed both of Jason's kidneys were functioning at only 50%. However, she cautioned us that this might not be correct because these results were not being confirmed in the bloodwork and urine. She has no explanation for this, but wants to confirm the results with bloodwork and urine before putting him through a bunch of extensive kidney tests.

So, at this point, we have had two different tests point to issues with his kidneys and absolutely no answers because nothing is being confirmed in the labwork. Today, he begins a 24 hour test for blood and urine, and I believe more bloodwork will be done tomorrow. Please pray that, if we need to find something, that it becomes evident in the labwork.

We do not understand how two different tests could be so wrong, but I know that God works in mysterious ways and perhaps he is healing Jason for his glory. We are continuing to trust in Him for answers and praying that he will guide the doctors to any problems that need to be uncovered.

He has been off work since December 20th and is now without pay. God has been faithful to provide for our needs, and we trust that He will continue to do so. Hobby Lobby has been wonderful, and his co-workers and supervisors have expressed nothing but love and concern towards him.

We are resting in Him and waiting on Him for answers, because the doctors seem unable to give us any at this point. God is good and his faithfulness to us during this time continues. Pray for strength for Jason and I and those who are caring for our children. Pray for our children, as well, because I know this is getting hard on them being with so many different people.

Isaiah 43:2 "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you."