Heading Back to Baltimore

Following the June surgery to remove a few bladder stones, Jacob had two really good months.  Other than some leakage from his continence stoma, he finished out his summer vacation and started back to school in early August. 


Then, at the end of August, we attended a family pool party where Jacob fell and seemed to hurt his leg.  During a routine check-up with his Pediatrician, earlier in the month, he had again tested positive for a urinary tract infection.  We checked with our local Urologist (the one who knew us from his time at Johns Hopkins) and he advised us to hold off on antibiotics unless Jacob was showing symptoms.  Since he was not showing symptoms, we held off, but when he started to lose mobility, we started it up again.  Towards the end of that week, Jacob was again feeling better so we attended another family birthday party where Jacob seemed to do very well. 


However, upon returning from the party (on Labor Day), he was again complaining about leg pain.  We continued with the antibiotic for the urinary tract infection, but after about seven days, he was not showing any improvement in his mobility.  We scheduled an appointment with the Urologist, who discovered a different infection in his bladder.  We started another antibiotic, meant to specifically target this UTI, praying diligently that this one would resolve his mobility issues.  As you may recall, he has had this cycle going on for about a year now.  After another week, his leg pain has not improved.  We had x-rays and a blood test this past week, but everything looks OK from those.  After consulting with our doctors here and calling Dr. G at Hopkins (and lots of prayers - thanks to the many who have prayed for us), we have decided to head back to Baltimore. 


The plan is to leave tomorrow morning (9/20) and take Jacob to the Emergency Room.  The reason for this is so that he can receive attention immediately and get admitted if necessary, rather than trying to schedule appointments (on Dr. G's advice).  As we prepare to leave, here are our primary prayer requests:


1.  For safety in travel tomorrow  - especially as their are reported gas shortages in various places from here in TN on up into VA. 
2.  That we will be able to quickly find some answers as to Jacob's mobility issues.  We pray that he will not need extensive surgery, although we know the Lord will be with us even if that is the case.
3.  That in the event that surgery is needed, Jacob's mobility will be restored.
4.  For the Lord's provision financially in terms of travel, lodging and meal expenses.  We hope to get into The Children's House for the duration of our stay, so we'd ask for prayers that a spot will be available for us.
5.  For James as he will be staying behind with Gran and Papa.  Please pray for them, too, as they take him back and forth to school, help with homework and prepare him for his two day SOAR adventure  (overnight camping trip) with his school. 
6.  For Mommy and Daddy, that we will rely totally on HIM to guide and provide for us.  This trip is a little different from some of others in that we really don't know how long we will be at Hopkins or what all Jacob will need to have done while there.
7.  Lastly, that we will be a witness to others who may not know Jesus as Savior, Lord and King.  He always puts these opportunities before us, whenever we are there, whether it be in the hospital or at The Children's House.


Thank you for your prayers and may God be glorified.


Mommy and Daddy