Tuesday, July 8, 2008

ANOTHER UPDATE.....

So sorry for the impersonal way to keep everyone informed about Mark. Mark's procedure went well yesterday. He suffered very little during it. The doctor told us that Mark has a severe case of esophagitis. He kept saying the word "severe" and shaking his head....he said his esophagus looked like someone took a Brillo pad and scrubbed it really hard. He said he cannot figure out what Mark could have eaten to produce this result. He said he has never seen a person Mark's age with a condition as "severe". He said his esophagus was so swollen that he is surprised he didn't have a complete blockage. Mark is to take a regimen of acid reducers and a medication that coats the stomach. He cannot eat any acid producing food or drink for a month. He has been able to get some ice cream down but that is about it. He is having a hard time finding anything that he can swallow without causing more pain. We are sort of pushing him to eat, however, as he has lost 6 pounds in 4 days. He is still having a hard time sleeping but we are hopeful that as soon as the medicine begins to take care of the over production of acid in his stomach, he will be able to. Unfortunately, this will put his missionary plans on hold for a bit. Only a month, though. Thank you again for all your prayers and blessings. They mean so much and we so appreciate them. We also appreciate your support and kind words...it's nice to know that Mark isn't the only one who has ever been faced with this problem. I will be getting back to everyone's emails very soon. :):):)

9 comments:

Kim Walus said...

I put his name on the prayer roll today when I went to the temple. It doesn't hurt to have lots of people praying for his quick recovery so that he can get his papers in!

Thanks for the update and we will keep you all in our prayers!

BTW, I mailed your pattern on tuesday so you should be getting it any day now. I sent it 1st class mail.

Anonymous said...

We hope Mark will feel better soon. Good thing he wasn't in a foreign country on a mission, huh? We're anxiously waiting to hear where he will be going.
Jo-Anne, the name of that book I told you about is Simple Abundance A Daybook of Comfort and Joy by Sarah Ban Breathnach. If you find it, start by reading January first, then go to the current month and read by day. ~Michelle

PARKER KALAEKOI KAM said...

I hope the medicine helps

lera said...

I wish Mark a speedy recovery and easy-to-swallow foods. How about applesauce, pudding or chicken broth with mashed potatoes in it? (That's our go-to when we are sick.)

I hope he doesn't have to postpone his mission for long. Prayers work mighty miracles.

Gettysburg Homestead said...

Sending Mark good thoughts and prayers. I am sure it is very tough for him at this age to be faced with this. Let us know about his recovery Jo Ann.

Mary

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the update...I'm so glad that we got to talk the other day. I'm glad that Mark is getting this taken care of now...it would be horrible to have to deal with out on a mission. I'm glad that it only has to be postponed for a month. You are all still in my thoughts and prayers...Much love being sent your way!

Tammy ~ Country Girl at Home ~ said...

Jo-Anne,

I've been having trouble with my computer running slow and haven't made it around to everyone's blogs, so I'm sorry I've missed this. I will put Mark on my prayer list right now!

Hugs to you all,
Tammy

Something Nice and Pretty said...

I sure hope Mark is feeling better today, so hard for him I'm sure.
Thoughts and prayers for him:)]
*Rondell*

Anonymous said...

What an ordeal for you all, especially Mark. Yep, I'll be praying for him as well. Sorry about your experience at the ER too. I'm sure that only added to everyone's stress. Hugs to you all.