This past Thursday we had another appointment with the GI doctor at Duke. On the Wednesday beforehand, Micah had a fever of about 102. The doctor thinks he probably has a liver infection. However, the only way to truly know is to do a liver biopsy (which at this point is quite invasive and not a good option). So they simply treat him as though he has one (giving him a different antibiotic).
The fact that he might have a liver infection is a good sign, even though it is a bad thing. It is a good sign because, now that his small intestine is hooked straight to the liver, it indicates that bacteria is able to flow back up into the liver. In short, it means there is a passage that is at least somewhat open. The liver infection is bad because it can scar and damage the liver. So it is a good sign, even though it is bad for the liver.
He also had labs taken to check the levels in his blood. The previous week the bilirubin had been 11. This past week it jumped back to 12.9. Some of the enzymes and other items checked were elevated as well, which is to be expected with a liver infection. I did ask the doctor once again the average timeframe to expect to see a positive result. His answer was 6 to 8 weeks. This coming Thursday will be 4 weeks from surgery. Therefore, as stated before, we "wait patiently for the Lord." As the Psalmist wrote in that familiar Psalm 23, we "walk through the valley of the shadow of death." Running through trials and tests is not usually an option. Instead, we walk through them, being patient and knowing that God is always at work, always near and always hears our cries and prayers. We also "count it all joy" as we encounter this trial, knowing that it will produce perseverance and spiritual maturity in our lives.
Thank you for your continual prayers. May God use you today for His glory!
