As Arnold Jackson Would Say...

Those infamous words Arnold would say to his brother. It is like saying, “Wait, what’s going on here?” “Are you serious?” “WHY?”

After Mark’s second round of HFM Disease I notice his diapers were changing. I do not mean to be too specific, but those of you with kids should be used to conversations about children’s diapers and describing poop. Isn’t it funny how that becomes a dinner table conversation?

“Did the little one poop?” “How often?” “Did you chart it?” **HA HA**

So back to Mark, his diapers changed. The pale yellow diarrhea-like look reminded me of Matthew’s diapers during his symptoms of celiac disease. It’s an image forever burned in my brain. Something in me wondered if celiac could be a possibility, but I wrote that off thinking it was just a bug and to wait it out.

Well, a few days turned into over a week. The diapers are the same. Mark looks as if he is losing weight. Something just isn’t right. I trust my gut feeling! We were told from the get go that the chances of Mark developing celiac disease is 30% since it is a genetic disorder.

I got on the phone to my pediatrician and they ordered a celiac screening for this morning. They took care of it completely and do not want to waste my time. I love my pediatrician’s office!!! After that I will call our celiac specialist at University of Chicago and see what the next step is. Usually if the blood test comes back positive they order an intestinal biopsy to prove celiac (reveals damage to the small intestine). Considering Matthew suffers from the same disease I would hope for a diet trial run and a second screening to prove it. This is a conversation that is plaguing our home right now: to biopsy or not. I want to do the right thing, but to undergo another biopsy is stressful for child and mother, not to mention more time waiting for accurate test results when all I want to do is remove gluten from Mark’s diet.

The feelings I had 4 years ago strike again. I just want my boy better!!!

So I will have Mark’s blood tested, make the call to U of C, and keep everyone posted. Please pray for answers and that all goes quickly. That our house remains sane. Our minds remain on the Lord. He will see us through again!

“...This is what the LORD says: Do not be afraid! Don't be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God's.” 2 Chronicles 20:15