Need prayers once more for a wonderful young man

[MrsReber]

Hello again- you ladies all came through for me when my grandmother was facing a really rough time. It was an amazing feat that she pulled through and is back living in her apartment on her own. The doctors can't explain it!

This time, it's my younger sister's boyfriend who needs prayers. He has been battling illness for a couple of years now (Crone's disease?? I don't know anything about it). Before this, he was in great shape, participating in many althetic competitions. It's only been a couple of years since he began having problems. He was in the hospital on Thanksgiving and the doctors released him the following Sunday.

My dad called yesterday to say Jake was rushed to the hospital late Friday. Something had burst (my dad said his colon, but I'm not sure of the specifics). If it wasn't for my younger sister, this wonderful young man would not be alive right now. She took him to the hospital and, after 6 hours of surgery, they removed his colon. Not sure what that means long term, but he is in very bad shape right now. His immune systems is shot due to the various medications so any infection would be extremely serious.

They expected him to be unconscious for 2 days following the surgery. He was awake in a matter of hours. Unfortunately, my dad took everyone out to breakfast so poor Jake woke up alone.

I'm asking for good thoughts and prayers to be sent out to Jake. He's in Tuscon, I believe, in ICU, so once more I cannot visit in person. We're sending out cards and pictures from the kids today. He's only 22 and he's such a good and caring person who shouldn't have to go through all this. He and my sister met in a Christian youth group at U of A and plan to marry one day.

Sorry for being so long winded- and thanks to all of you. You came through for me before so I understand your strength.

Susan

[DmOrtega]

:) Prayers for strength of body and spirit are going his way.

[Beth]

Susan, that sounds very scary. All my best prayers and wishes for him, your sister and families. Let us know how he is doing.

[SaraInWisc]

My thoughts are with you and your family. I too have Crohn's disease. It's nasty when it flairs. I call it the dark shadow in my life. I had it visit last year around this time. I was in the hospital for almost 2 weeks in NJ. I lived in Ohio but was visiting relatives for the holidays. I spent both holiday. Sorry, to get off track. Give him time to heal and rest. It takes time but it happens. If you have questions about the disease there's a Crohns and Colitis Foundation with info about support groups.

[MrsReber]

Thanks, ladies.

Sara, thanks for the information. I know nothing about the disease- as you can see, I didn't even know how to spell it! I hope that you are doing well. My sister tells me how Jake gets very down about everything and he tells her that he understands if she wants to find someone else. The thought never crossed her mind, though.

[jjsooner73]

Thoughts and prayers to Jake!
My parents have a friend with Crohn's. He's lived with it for years, though had a really close call about 12 years ago.
Jake sounds very lucky to have your sister in his life. Keep us posted.

[Gecko]

I'm adding my thoughts and prayers too.

[Chef Michele]

Susan I am from Tucson... went to U of A and I am praying. Believing that God will totally heal him.

[sailu]

my prayers are with him...

[MrsReber]

Thanks again, ladies. I just hope he doesn't give up on himself. That seems to be the biggest hurdle.

[trish_ks]

Sounds like Jake has found a fantastic companion in your sister, and with her by his side he'll have no problem healing. My thoughts & prayers are with him.

[Wendy w]

So young. More thoughts and prayers.

[Natasha]

I'm thinking many good thoughts for Jake.

Natasha

[MrsReber]

My sister called yesterday. She said he's doing a little better, but he's in a lot of pain. Still, she says "he's alive" and she's grateful for that. The doctors say it'll be a good 2 years before he's completely healed. They'll have to do another surgery within that time, too.

My little sister is an extraordinary person. She says she looks up to me. I don't think she realizes that I look up to her, too.

Thanks for the prayers and for being there.

[BarbaraL]

Prayers going out for Jake, and for your sister - they both sound like very special people.

[RunnerKim]

Susan, thinking of your sister and her boyfriend.

Kim

[GingerPow]

Prayers to your sister and her boyfriend for strength and healing.

[MrsReber]

Thanks, ladies. I haven't heard anything for a couple of days. I know my sister is quite busy with school, work, graduation looming next week and trips to the hospital. She was asked to sing the national anthem at graduation! I'm so sorry that Jake will miss it.

I did read up on the disease and I feel better educated now. Thanks, Sara, for the information.

[imloulou]

Good thoughts from me too!!!! It sounds like he has awesome support! Can anyone video tape your sister singing the anthem?
Keep us posted