Health Issues

Sorry that I haven't updated in awhile, but I have been battling some health issues related to my stomach. In reality I really haven't felt well in about 4 months now. It started before our home assignment and has continued. Once back in Honduras, we have went to many doctors to get some answers. I have endured and endoscopy and ultrasound and different medications.

Basically this is what was determined. My stomach looks fine and healthy (no ulcers), but it just is not working right. What I mean by that is that I am experiencing bile reflux in my lower stomach. Apparently my valve (pyloric valve) that should keep this out of my stomach is not doing its job. This has led to my discomfort and gastritis (inflammation of the stomach). Also during my ultrasound they did discover that I have 5-10 gallstones. Talking with the surgeon, the gallbladder probably should be removed, but I have not had any typical symptoms associated with gallbladder disease. Also removing the gallbladder will not help with the bile reflux and may in fact make it worse. I have been given some medicine to try and help the condition, but so far no noticeable relief.

Needless to say the situation is frustrating and the adage applies: I'm sick and tired of being sick and tired. So I selfishly ask that you keep me in your prayers as we make the decisions of the next course of action (i.e. surgery or not).

Also please keep Carson in your prayers for health also. She is currently experiencing her second round of being sick in the last month or so.

One final IMPORTANT note: While I may not update this blog as much as I would like, we do send out updates, newsletters and prayer requests (such as this recent health concern) via email. So if you would like to be put on our prayer partner, newsletter and update list, please drop us an email with your email address. We would be honored to include you on our list. Send it to mgrathome @ yahoo.com.

Thank you to all that have been prayer warriors for us.

----Alan

Hurricane Felix is coming

Please keep us in your prayers as we keep an eye on Hurricane Felix. It keeps drifting further south (and putting Honduras in its path) on every update.

Also continue to keep our health in your prayers. Alan is still battling the issues he had in the states, Carson just got over being sick for a couple of weeks, and today Reagan is sick.

Thanks for your prayers.

---Alan