Lift Where You Stand

We took Bryce back to Dr Jones, the Immunologist for our second visit. He sat down with us for about an hour as we went over all of the tests they did on Bryce two weeks prior. It has been helpful to be able to view everything online as the results have been updated on Bryce's medical chart. Dr Jones stated, "You are the most complex case I have ever had." He has spent hours studying over the lab results and thinking of any other possibilities. So, we are looking into multiple things.


Here is what we know:
*His liver and kidney functions are running on the high side. Meaning his labs came in elevated above the normal range.
*He has some inflammation and a high white blood cell count in his digestive system. He does not however have Celiac disease or Crohns disease.
*There are three blood tests they run to check for Rheumatoid Arthritis (CCP, CRP and RF) which have in the past been either slightly elevated or they dropped back to the normal range.
*There is one other blood test called Interleukin 10 which was really elevated. (normal range is 0-18 and his was 145). This blood test basically tells us that his body is fighting or trying to suppress some type of autoimmune disease, infection or inflammation. Dr Jones has only ordered this blood test on three of his patients, Bryce being the third.


Dr Jones is concerned that he may have the beginning stages of Rheumatoid Arthritis and possibly a Connective tissue disorder. (Connective tissues are found in your organs, muscles, cartilage, ligaments, tendons, digestive system, etc. There are fibers that hold things together, which he may be lacking.) After our appointment, Dr Jones then sent us back to Salt Lake for more blood work so that he could monitor his Rheumatoid Arthritis tests and his Interleukin 10 along with 9 other tubes of blood work. We also scheduled a Colonoscopy/Endoscopy for Tuesday the 17th with Dr Zeigler.


The new blood tests show that his Interleukin 10 and his Rheumatoid tests are all in normal range again. However his liver and kidney tests are still elevated. We are praying that the scope on Tuesday will help with more information. We are beginning to understand how amazing our bodies are and how they have the ability to fight off invaders.


This last week, Bryce was excited to go talk with a recently returned missionary. The missionary is home for health reasons and is struggling with being home. Bryce remembers how difficult it was to come home and how much he desired to go back. He still would love to go back and finish his mission, but his focus has changed- to being healed. We have seen how much our family has grown over the past year and what we have been able to learn. Now we try to "Lift where you stand!" (President Uchtdorf)


We hope you have a Merry Christmas!