Latest update for those interested ~ Christmas came early dear friends and once again we are truly counting our blessings!!!!
My dear DH has continued to have off and on problems since his so called virus when we almost lost him in due to 105.6 fever and unknown source of infection. He was fine for several weeks, then suddenly started with off and on bouts upper stomach pain, jaundice, fever, coke colored urine w/clay colored stools (sorry if TMI), all the liver enzymes and other numbers totally off the chart. DD's and myself did much research and the more we read the more concerned we became as it's only natural for your mind to wander.
DH continued to be under the care of a local specialist and also his VA doctor who ran more tests and told us they were totally puzzled as if this was reoccuring problem or a new one or even worse, liver failure
. As weeks passed we were feeling frustrated and together w/drs decided we needed a liver/bile duct specialist and decided on Johns Hopkins hospital. Altho we had to wait couple wks. for appt with a liver specialist, the first visit dr suggested an immediate ERCP test. This is the very test our family nurse, myself and DD's had asked to be done when DH first became ill. However drs felt totally unnecessary
, as they were determined with all the tests being negative it was some type of rare infection, as did improve with IV antibotics.
Anyway, back to this week
~ DH had ERCP procedure done at Hopkins and you'll never guess what his problem has been all along!?!?!?
GALLSTONES!!!!!! 
Unfortunately the Hida scan, cat scan, sono, and all the other tests Gerogetown hospital did previously and his most recent MRI w/contrast
never showed any gallstones
! So sadly my soul mate has been a walking time bomb!!
After procedure the dr talked to myself and DD's ~ he had the biggest grin on his face
and this huge sense of relief came over us
! He said he spent 45 minutes removing lodged gallstones and sludge blocking the bile duct! After we picked our chins up off the floor ~ we thanked him and asked if we could hug him
!! Then we broke down and cried
! Praise God we finally have an answer, DH is on the road to recovery and hopefully our nightmare is over
. DH has a stent to keep duct open, is on an antibotic, and in 2-3 mos will have stent and gall baldder removed.
OMG friends ~ we feel like we have been through he!! and back
!! Thankfully we were persistent and never gave up! My heart goes out to all those, specially seniors, who may not have patience, time, spirit or insurance to be proactive nor have attentive family advocates
. I don't have to tell you, we are feeling extremely blessed for the wonderful liver specialist who finally diagnosed DH's problem, Johns Hopkins medical team, our loving supportive family who have gone above and beyond the call of duty
, all our friends RL and on this board, and our faithful prayer circle. We are truly praising God for his grace and healing touch
. DH is bouncing back quickly and says he feels like he has a new lease on life
! He is anxious to make up for lost time and wants to plan a spring vacation.
Thank you for taking time to read. I hope this helps someone out there who may have unanswered medical problems, to be proactive and always hold out faith and hope.
I really do feel like 'Yes Virginia, there is a
'!!!!!!!!!
Thank God. You will have a very happy Thanksgiving this year!
