The world is but a canvas to the imagination...
Henry David Thoreau

Thursday, April 3, 2008

Alex Update




We finally have an answer for Alex's troubles. He has IBD inflammatory bowel disease. Worse than irritable bowel disease, this actually causes his digestive tract to bleed inside and his body treats his own digestive tract like it is allergic to itself. It is a chronic condition. He lost 45 pounds in about 2 1/2 months, something I would like to do, but not through those methods. He has been out of school for weeks now, having a home bound tutor while he regained some strength. Now for the good news. There is medication, he is on four different kinds now, and should be able to drop down to two that he will have to take for his lifetime. The Dr wants him to gain a few pounds back, but not too many. If we can get him to a healthy place, he actually looks great! It should be interesting what the girls will think when he goes back to school part time on Monday! Here is a weird coincidence. The two tutors that were assigned to Alex were Mr. Wirtela and Mr. Sandler. Oscar Wirtela was the vice-principal when Shon and Colett (and maybe Amy?) were up at Skyview. Bob Sandler was an English teacher up there at the same time. There are at least 50 home bound tutors...what are the odds we get those two? Here are some updated photos of what Alex looks like.

4 comments:

Margaret Kay said...

I am so glad there is finally an answer . . . not a wonderfully great answer, but certainly one he can live with, difficult though it may be. Alex is such a warm and wonderful young man. Give him a hug for me. He does "look" great. I just want him to "feel" greattoo.

xoxox

Joan said...

That is one good lookin young man.
The girls are gonna love him, not only for his looks but because he is such a great kid. Grandm loves ya Alex!!

Colett (*.*) said...

We have been praying for you, we love you! That Alex will do anything to miss school and get some attention! (*-*)

Amy said...

Hey buddy! You look great and we have been hoping and praying for the best! We love you and from looking at those photos, I think the girls will, too! I remember both Mr. Wirtela and Mr. Sandler. Ask Mr. Sandler about the time he met Marilyn Monroe and how he used to pick on Calvin Klein! Hilarious!