Update on Jason's condition

Liz:
Dear family & friends,

Jason went to UH again on 20 September. Sorry, for the delay in updating all of you. I realize that the updates have been lengthy and filled with medical jargon. I'm afraid this one will be the same because there are friends who just came to know about it and asked for information.


In the MRI above, there's this white longish oval shape at the C5. And beneath it, at the right side of the spinal cord, a thin, longish white shape. Those are the syrinx. The condition is known as syringomyelia. Here's how wikipedia defines syringomyelia:

"a generic term referring to a disorder in which a cyst or cavity forms within the spinal cord. This cyst, called a syrinx, can expand and elongate over time, destroying the spinal cord. The damage may result in pain, paralysis, weakness, and stiffness in the back, shoulders, and extremities. Syringomyelia may also cause a loss of the ability to feel extremes of hot or cold, especially in the hands. The disorder generally leads to a cape-like loss of pain and temperature sensation along the back and arms. Each patient experiences a different combination of symptoms. These symptoms typically vary depending on the extent and, often more critically, to the location of the syrinx within the spinal cord."

In Jason's case, his left arm is numbish and he's not able to feel hot and cold in that arm .


The MRI above shows a small, sort of roundish white circle (near the top of the MRI) at the T5. This is a blood clot caused by AVM. The wikipedia defines AVM :

"Arteriovenous malformation or AVM is an abnormal connection between veins and arteries, usually congenital."

Congenital means from birth. As I understand it, it's like the veins and arteries have their set 'pathways" but somehow when there's AVM, the veins or arteries may criss cross and that causes blood clots, and the docs believe, the syrinx above.

So, the UH docs are saying that the main cause is AVM.

The solution: The doc said that we can choose to leave the blood clot there and nothing might happen. However, IF it bursts, causing bleeding, the result can be catastrophic (since the clot is at T5, it may mean paralysis in the lower limbs).

Then there's also the syrinx. Leaving it might result in progression of the symptoms.

They are scheduling him for a spinal angiogram soon. They'll be able to see then, the exact location of the clot and syrinxs so that they can ascertain the level of risk in surgery.

Jason:
We believe that Jesus heals. His ministry on earth was not only to bring us to salvation, but to heal us (Luke 4:18). His crucifixion - He shed His blood for the forgiveness of our sins and to lift us from every curse; His body was bruised/broken/whipped that we might in turn receive healing (1 Peter 2:24). The Bible says it. We believe it. His Word shall come to pass. Last year, a prophet said that the devil wants to put me in a wheelchair but God will HEAL ME. We did not even know the cause of the numbness at that time. God sees all and knows all. We believe His Word.

In light of this, we have decided to look to Him 100% in faith and no longer to the doctors. Therefore, no more scans and tests. His Word is everlasting and all His promises are Yes and Amen! Pray and believe with us that the manifestation of His FINISHED WORK ON THE CROSS will come to pass SOON! Your prayers and your faith will mean much to us. In the Word, the faith of friends of the sick were commended upon by Jesus. In fact, Jesus was even amazed at one time by the faith of the centurion, whose SERVANT was sick, not him. Jesus healed the servant (Matthew 8). Your faith counts too!

Thank you for praying and believing with us. We cannot thank you enough for such support. It's good to know that we are not alone. We pray also that in all your efforts and faith, God will reward your fervency with blessings in abundance. He loves to bless!

We'll keep you updated as best we can.