[Vets_Husband_and_Wife]

(I sent this to Budge..and some of my friends through e-mail,..and wanted to share it here too. You all have been the best. SORRY if you get PINGED twice (maybe even THREE times..arghhhh sorry!!). I just don't want to miss anyone who sent prayers and was so caring towards me. God Bless!! Mary Ann)
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Hi.. just a quick update. I'm going to type this to everyone as we are in the middle of our move. (Did I mention I HATE MOVING!!!)

When the Doctor did the endoscopy and colonoscopy during my last hospitilization, I had understood there to be "one" lesion on the stomach and small intestine. I was kind of shocked to see the pics. There were well over a dozen in the pictures I saw alone. I look like a polka dot dress inside, pink with red polka dots.

We are surprized there was so much inflammation. During the previous hospital stay in December for a week, all the time in between and then during this last hospitalization from January 10 -17, I was ON stomach medicines to calm it down, along with anti-biotics.

I continue to have problems eating. I can only eat bland foods. NONE to little FIBER or what they call a LOW residue diet. Anything else makes me have a flare up.

The Doctors are diagnosing it as Crohns. The only other thing they think it could "possibly" be, is my liver disease causing an inflammatory response that resembles/acts like Chrons. My doctors are trying hard to figure it out. They are absolutely awesome. I know how much they care, and how hard they are trying to help me.

I began a new medicine yesterday called Pentasa. I take four pills, four times a day. It is a medicine for Ulcerative Colitis and Crohns. We are hoping and praying my liver can let me do this medicine. We will be watching for the possible side effects from the medicine, pancreatis, kidney problems, and of course monitoring my liver through all of this. I already have one side effect.. a headache!! ughh It will be SUCH A BLESSING if this medicine can work for me.

We are repeating the Colonoscopy on the 20th of Feb.

We really appreciate all your prayers, and love.

If you could please continue with the prayers, it would be appreciated very much.

I'm sorry I had to write this "generically". I don't like doing it this way. But I hope you will all understand. I love everyone who has recieved this, and hope to be in touch better after this move is over.

Art and I have been dealing with all this very well, and feel it is all in Gods hands. Yesterday I was depressed, and allowed myself time to absorb everything even to grieve. Art and I talked this through, and I have to say,.. we are so strong. No matter what this life throws at us.. we are going to survive it somehow.

Our belief in God and our love for each other is stronger than anything that can happen on this earth!! That is the BEST kind of medicine, and we know how blessed we are. So all continued prayers are extremely welcome. God is so great!!

Talk soon.. and hey,... if you LOVE moving.. let us know!! (Just kidding, we are truly on top of this move).

Love to ALL,.. Mary Ann and Art

[okimhere]

There is no need to try to reply to each of us personally. Prayers offered seem to reflect back on the pray-er, too. Wonderful arrangement!

More prayers for you, and for your knowledgable doctors. You know how much we all care. It's great that you have each other so that a passing depressed feeling can be booted out quickly. Stay strong!

[JulieRNR21]

Mary Ann & Art:

Thanks for the update.....prayers continue for your healing.
Be not afraid.....trust in the Lord.

Please read Psalm 91 every day!

FRegards,
Julie

[BlueAngel]

You will continue to be in my prayers. God will give you strength and comfort through your illness.

[freedumb2003]

No need to reply -- Jeeze how much you are going through.

The last response was a great BTTT -- I and my family will be praying for you. I wish I would have hade FR a while back when I was ill -- feel free to vent and scream and tell us what is going on. You will find only friends and supporters here.

Take care and all our Freegards

Tom and Lily

[maestro]

Amen and Amen,.........MORE Grace and Mercy,..........In Jesus' Precious Name, Amen!!!

[JohnHuang2]

Thanks for the update -- more prayers on their way. Please keep us posted.

[Budge]

(I sent this to Budge..and some of my friends through e-mail,..and wanted to share it here too...

Holy cow! I never received your e-mail! You know I would have posted it as soon as I had though.

I'm so sorry you had to post it yourself, Mary Ann. Please forgive me.

I didn't even know about your move. Our FReePrayers remain with you...always!

[KineticKitty]

You are still in our thoughts, Good Luck with the new Meds.

[Bigg Red]

Please do not apologize for your "generic" message. I'm sure everyone understands. Moving and dealing with your ailments! I don't envy you.

May Our Saviour bring you healing and peace.