We need you again!

Last week we found out that TJ has pretty significant kidney failure. His creatinine levels were elevated while he was in the hospital, but have taken quite a jump. For you medical types, here are the numbers: Creatinine 2.68, BUN 39, and GFR 25. He can't get into see a nephrologist (kidney specialist) until July 9th, but from a bit a research I have done it looks like he is at stage 4 (out of 5) of kidney failure. stage 5 is where you start dialysis. The cause is probably from the lack of blood flow to his kidneys while he was in septic shock in December. We are taking a 2 prong approach. One is to start diet limitations of sodium, protein, and phosphorus to decrease the load on his kidneys. The other, and far more important approach is to storm heaven once again for COMPLETE healing. Hey, if the Father could repair his mitral valve miraculously, kidneys should be nothing!

1 Chronicles 5:20. "They were helped in fighting them, and God handed the Hagrites and all their allies over to them, because they cried out to him during the battle. He answered their prayers, because they trusted in him." We are crying out to God as the battle continues.

Other key factors are controlling blood sugar and blood pressure. His blood pressure is pretty well controlled and he gets an insulin pump tomorrow that will tighten his blood sugar control which has been pretty decent.

Please note, that we probably won't have much, if anything, to post here until we can see the kidney doc in July. However, if any of you have some great low sodium recipes please let me know!

On a similar, but less serious note, I have had a mold reaction from where I work that has not let up since April, and I have not been in the building since April. I am short of breath and very fatigued. I saw a lung doctor last week and had several tests but no results or plan as yet. We make quite the dynamo pair these days!

Jon is looking for work and recovering from a very strenuous school year. Steven is in the Boundary Water Canoe Area leading groups into the wilderness on canoe trips. It is through a ministry called Boundary Water Experience. Last year he had the privilege of leading a couple of kids to the Lord. It is the perfect summer for him.

We deeply love and appreciate all of you!

Mary Ann