Encouraging News and Update from T.J.

Thanks to each one for their prayers. We have heard back from the nephrologist and the creatinine level had declined from its significant levels back to a reading 1.3 which is very close to normal levels which are 0.6 - 1.2 mg/dL. It is possible that when I am tested again the levels will be in the normal range because of my low sodium low protein diet. This was better news than we could have expected, but God has proven himself good once again.

I am currently taking the sabbatical that I was going to start in December. Most of July, August and September will be spent working on our health, writing, reading, thinking, exercise and rest. My prayer is that when I come back to work in late September that I will have normal energy again. My take is that I came back to work too much, even though it has been a lighter schedule.

On the health front, both Mary Ann and I are doing weight watchers, exercise, and Mary Ann is doing a great job transitioning us to a low fat, low calorie and low sodium diet. We are in Montana for a month so we are enjoying the beauty of the mountains and of course the wonderful fly fishing.

Mary Ann continues to regain her stamina and strength as she recovers from her mold reaction. We are encouraged with the progress she is making.

Jon has secured a full time job working in information technology in the Twin Cities which will also serve as his business internship. Chip (Steven) is happily guiding kids in the Boundary waters of Minnesota as he uses that setting to share the Gospel and help kids grow in their faith.

My second book, Leading From the Sandbox: Develop, Empower and Release High Impact Ministry teams was published last month and is available on Amazon. I am currently working on a third manuscript which I hope will be completed in September. I would appreciate your prayers as I work on this project.

Words cannot express our appreciation for all of you who have walked through these months with us. We will keep you updated as we move forward.

Nephrologist

I [T.J.] saw the kidney specialist today. The good news is that my current lack of energy is not related to the kidneys and he thinks that the upward trend in my creatinine levels is due to some overlap in medications I was taking. He does think that I need to slow down and focus on recovery. He does also believe that there is compromise to the kidneys but, thinks that it is not at a critical stage. He will know more after he gets lab results back (hoping that the levels have gone down not up).

He will also look at a CT taken of my abdomen to see if there is a blood flow problem to either kidney. If he cannot get the information from that picture he will have an Ultrasound done to look at both kidneys. My diabetes could be a complicating factor in this although he does not know. Sepsis* in the hospital could have taken a toll due to decreased blood flow to all organs. So, all that to say, we are more optimistic than we were going in but won’t know what we need to know until the lab work is back and he has looked at some pics.

I will let you know what we hear on the lab work, hopefully yet this week. He wants to see me in about 6 weeks to talk about a game plan although he did affirm that weight loss, exercise, getting back in shape and insulin control is very important since diabetes can have a negative effect on the kidneys. I am also on a low sodium and low protein diet and that will continue. We will post results when we have them. Thanks for your prayers and concern, we are deeply grateful!

-T.J.

*madjon's [Jon's'] note: septic shock will always take a toll on one's body. I know I am not a doctor, but the septic shock must have had a negative effect on T.J., although, I, my family, my father, and many others remain confident in the complete full healing of T.J. through divine confidence and power. To me, this feels like nothing. It is something, but, to be as frank as I can, I don't have to worry about being down in the hospital within minutes. to me, this seems like nothing compared to such long December

God has proven His faithfulness -- even the ICU staff got that [in someway or another, but they did get it!] -- and I, the family, my father, the readers of this blog, expect that God will be faithful.

I have no idea what, but there is something yet in store for T.J...