Update On Clara

Hi Everyone!
We just wanted to give you all a quick update on Clara and ask you to continue to pray. We have prayed for wisdom throughout this entire process, and I believe He has given it, just as He promises in James 1.

A few weeks ago, when we went back to the neurologist, he wanted us to take Clara to a pediatric orthopedist to rule out anything "bone related" that may contribute to her problem. I was a bit unsure, as we went to a pediatric orthopedist about a year ago, and it was a total waste of time and money. I was SO pleasantly surprised! He came very highly recommended, not just by our neurologist, but also from a friend at church. When we first got there, his PA spent a lot of time with her, and had us all laughing hysterically while he examined her. She then went to have x-rays. Three suckers and two stickers later, we saw the doctor. He was so thorough with his exam and with the information he gave me, not to mention plenty of time for me to ask questions....we could not have been more pleased. That in itself, was an answer to prayer! The short of it is that she has a tibial torsion (sp?), which means that her tibia bones are turned inward, making it look as if she is bow-legged, but she is not. That will heal itself by the time she is 7 or 8 years old. As far as her muscle weakness and pain, there is nothing bone related contributing to that. Because we have now ruled out nerve problems and bone problems, it has been recommended that we proceed with the muscle biopsy. They believe her problem falls under the category of "mitochondrial" diseases because of where her weaknesses are.

This week, I have spent a large part of my time on the phone with the neurogeneticists office and the surgeons office, in addition to filling out an 11 page medical history (that also required being on the phone with MANY relatives). We are now scheduled for our consultation on August 11, and her surgery is August 12th.

Please pray for:
1) Peace for Clara and a smooth surgery.
2) Answers to our questions (it will take 3 months to get our results).
3) That she will continue to gain strength in her body.
4) Smooth travel to and from Atlanta.

God is so good and continues to be so faithful to us!!!

Thank you, friends!
Jeff and Jeannie