I hope they find Michael's problem soon, Terrie. It must be terrible to be always in pain and not knowing what causes it. One of my colleagues has two kids, one has a lactose intolerance and the other one had a lot of problems that came out to be a fructose intolerance. She has a hard time to cook things they can both eat, but at least as long as the live by it they don't have pains anymore. My other colleague has a gluten intolerance, I think gluten is the thing the "glues" keeps wheat together. She has to stay away from all wheat products and then she is alright. So I am sure if they find out what causes Michael's pains he will be alright.

Michael's having another surgical procedure tomorrow. Tests showed no unknown allergies, but did show that he has absolutely ZERO enzymes to break down milk sugar, therefore, he's lactose intolerant. Doc said he only knows of 2 or 3 others as bad as Michael. Figures. Anyway, tomorrow they'll be doing more biopsies on his esophagus, stomach, and intestines. Since they put him on prilosec, he's been eating!

Terrie,
So sorry to hear of this condition. Did the docs rule out Chrone's Disease?

Best of luck to you and Michael tomorrow.

Terrie,

Healing vibes and prayers for both of you are on the way.

Sending my best to you and Michael, Terrieprayers, love and the always helpful Blundervibes!

My best thoughts for him.

My best and most positive vibes and prayers for you and Michael, Terrie!!!

Prayers and vibes just said & sent...

Thanks, everyone. I just spoke with him (he's scheduled for 8 AM, EDT) and it all seems like "standard procedure" to him. He's so used to being poked, prodded, shot with needles and IVs, he just sounds tired.

On a good note, his "fall ball" coach has selected him to go to a tournament next month! While Michael has never actually hit the ball, he's a great fielder. Made some incredible plays this summer!

Lance is going to call me as soon as he's out of surgery. I'll post to let you all know he's ok.

Thanks again!

Sending lots of vibes for today's procedures! That's one tough kid you have there, Terrie!

Lance just called. Michael's out of surgery and in recovery. They said "everything looked good," but it's going to be a week or two before we have the results of the biopsies.

Yes, Judy, he's one tough kid... he's been through SO much in his short life. Did I mention that he's coming out here in 2 weeks for a trip to Moab, UT? We'll be going to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks.

Thanks, everyone. Now to shift back to continuing prayers and vibes for our dear friend, RB.

I'm glad to hear they at least found something that would help him be able to eat. Seems like at least you're slowly getting some answers.
God bless.

I'm glad he's done with the procedures, and doing well. Healing vibes sent!

I've been lactose intolerant since I was 16...it's not hard to deal with. You ALWAYS carry lactase enzyme tablets (they replace the enzyme you can't produce yourself)to cover any dairy in a meal. Hard cheese and yogurt are usually okay unless there's also a milk allergy problem; the bacteria naturally present in these foods consume the lactose. Lactose-free milk is available in any grocery store. Pizza is also okay; that type of cheese is low or free of lactose.
Meals that have dairy mean that you start the meal with an enzyme tablet and finish the meal with a tablet, and then there's no digestive upsets.
The ability to digest lactose as an adult is genetic, and something like 60 percent of Americans can digest it...the rest of us lose that ability in our teens. Different ethnic groups can be mostly lactose intolerant (Asians, American Indians)within their populations. I have an American Indian great-grandfather.
Dairy products offer good nutrition and are a great source of calcium, so I don't avoid them..I just take the steps to make it work for me. Michael will be able to deal with this, too; it's not really that big a deal if you just pay attention to what you're eating. The enzyme tablets come either in a bottle or individually wrapped, so it's easy to keep them handy in a pocket.

Sue, you're so right! I finally figured out that I couldn't have milk when I was in my late teens. I'd never heard of lactose, but I knew that it was the milk in my cereal that was making me feel misrable about 20 minutes after eating. I didn't have dairy until I was 29, pregnant with Eric, and found out about lactose and Lactaid milk. I've used it ever since. My kids refused to drink it, saying it tastes weird.

Michael has the tablets. Now the trick is getting him to remember to use them. And, since they're over-the-counter, they're not covered by insurance or medical assistance, and Lance is complaining about the cost. I'd rather he stay away from dairy for at least a few weeks and give his body a chance to rest. It's also not good for people with asthma as it can cause mucus in the throat.

Any kid that can park cars like him is gunna be just fine! Tell him I said so!