Official Diagnosis

We appear to be a little behind on blogging....

I don't think that we have posted a "Matt's Health Update" for awhile, and there have been recent positive developments! In October (I think), Matt had two very important tests done. One was a blood test that mapped out the foods he is mildly, moderately, and severely sensitive to. He had to research that one himself and pay for it out of pocket because we couldn't convince a doctor to sign off on it, but the information has been super helpful in improving his digestion. He totally avoids his moderate and severe sensitivites, the most difficult of which includes all cow's milk products, and eats the mild ones only every now and then. He is currently eating a four day rotation diet, where the safe foods are only eaten on one of four days. In January, he will start reintroducing some of the sensitive foods in hopes that eliminating them so far has "cured" the sensitivity...we'll see!

The other test he had done was a comprehensive test for blood sugar levels. He had a similar test done back in June, while we were still in Nebraska, because he thought his blood sugar might be low. That test said he was fine, but we have since learned that it wasn't administered correctly. Anyway, we know now that he does indeed suffer from hypoglycemia. His doctor and dietician here don't think it is related to his GI bleed in April. I find that somewhat difficult to believe based on the coincidence in timing, but I guess stranger things have happened. His grandmother was diabetic, so he does have a genetic predisposition toward blood sugar problems. And he will admit that he hasn't eaten the healthiest diet in years past.

By trial and error, he has figured out when to eat what to regulate his blood sugar. When he first purchased a home blood test kit over a month ago, he was testing himself probably ten times a day, but now he has figured out the patterns enough to only test about twice a day. I think he says the keys, for him at least, are to eat protein with carbs and to avoid fruit before lunchtime. Whole grains are much preferred to simple carbs, which means that he has to cheat a little bit with his rotation diet.

We are very grateful that he finally has some answers, after months of suffering in the dark! The hope and prayer is that the hypoglycemia will correct itself eventually with improved diet.

Reagan Sings and Dances to VBS Music

Reagan's New Haircut

Before

After

After (silly)

Noelle on the Can

Noelle's Nine Month Pictures

Matt Receives the Munderloh Foundation Scholarship for Excellence

Munderloh Foundation Secretary and Trustee Ray Radtke presents the award to Matt

A light-hearted moment

The whole family joins Rev. Sheafer, Mr. Radtke, and Rev. Lange

Photos from the Seminary Fashion Show

This is an opportunity to show off to the LWML ladies gathered for "donation day" some of the high quality clothing that is donated to the seminary's clothing co-op. I was asked to be emcee, and Cassie and the girls were models...