Diagnosed

I have finally been diagnosed. It has taken what seems like forever and a ZILLION pokes with the needle, but they know how to fix me! I have spherocytosis. Since my Coombs Test has come back negative 4 times that means it is the hereditary version. It is found mainly in northern European's so mom & dad's genes matched up just right.

Some people can live with it, but because my case is so severe I will have to have my spleen removed after I turn 2. This is not recommended in kids under 3 and usually 5, but I don't have a choice. Dr. Kalfa, in Cincinnati, says to do a partial. Then there will be a small piece left to help fight any infections I might get, but it won't be enough to kill off my RBC's.

Mom and dad say they know too much about blood. They are waiting to talk to Dr. V in Iowa City to setup a real plan to treat me so right now they don't know when the surgery will happen.

Uncle Joe is in Iraq. He is doing pretty good. For those of you who don't have their YouTube here is the link http://www.youtube.com/user/Punisher323IA. The guy who does this does a good job. Uncle Joe doesn't need much, just black socks for his troops, and any new or used children's clothes you would want to send over. He says especially girls clothes. Grandma found some clothes but says they're so cute she may have to send them to Jordan - GRANDMA!!

Mom leaves for Boston on Saturday, before I get up. I'll see her again Wednesday morning when I wake up. I hope she has fun, dad and I will.