Popular Post tankdude Posted March 21, 2017 Popular Post Report Share Posted March 21, 2017 My youngest daughter turned 19 yesterday – and she became one of my heroes. A little background. My daughter has had some health issues, which have been rapidly getting worse the last couple of years. She has Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS). EDS is caused by a defect in the structure, production, or processing of collagen or proteins that interact with collagen. The collagen in connective tissue helps tissues resist deformation. Collagen is an important contributor to the physical strength of tissue; abnormal collagen renders these structures more elastic. In some cases, it can be life-threatening. A couple of months ago it reared its ugly head in the form of gastroparesis - a digestive disorder in which the motility of the stomach is either abnormal or absent. In healthy people, when the stomach is functioning normally, contractions of the stomach help to crush ingested food and then propel the pulverized food into the small intestine where further digestion and absorption of nutrients occurs. When the condition of gastroparesis is present the stomach is unable to contract normally, and therefore cannot crush food nor propel food into the small intestine properly. It got to the point that if she ate any solid food, she would vomit. She lost about 10 lbs in a month. A little over a month ago, she had a nasojejunal (NJ) tube put in place. It passes through the nares (nostril), down the esophagus, threaded through the stomach and into the jejunum, the middle section of the small intestine. She was place on 24/7 feeding with an electronic pump attached to a bag of formula – much like the “pain pumps” you see in the hospitals. She has taken on the care of this – asking for very little help. She prepares her formula, attaches the pump, clears blockages, and even was able to configure a backpack with the formula bag and pump so she could do some things (like attending a couple of local college classes) while staying attached. Gives you some idea of this young lady’s mental toughness. I’m so proud of her. Now – a little background about me. Some of you know me a bit, and I’m a pretty no nonsense type. I grew up on a working ranch in Montana and all that entails. I’m a passable mechanic, hunter, veterinarian assistant, welder, gardener and fisherman. I’ve grown up being very self-sufficient. I’ve also become very conversant in other areas – technology (I worked on a computer service desk for years and currently administer web sites and SharePoint servers for the Federal government). I’ve been in the Army (Currently National Guard) for 33 years – 25 of that was Combat Arms. I’ve been Artillery, Armor, Cavalry and Infantry. I deployed to Iraq in 2004-2005 as an Infantry Platoon Sergeant. I have seen combat – I have lost men from my company. I was awarded the Bronze Star for my service in Iraq. I consider myself pretty confident and strong. It takes a bit to impress me. Back to my daughter. She is currently at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. Her mother, my ex-wife, is with her. She has been there almost 2 weeks running through a battery of tests with hopes of them finding some things to help her. Yesterday she had an upper GI series done, and today she is having an endoscopy (Camera in the esophagus and stomach) under general anesthetic. In order to have these done, the NJ tube had to be removed. Yesterday morning, before going to her appointment for the GI series, while sitting in the bathroom of her hotel room, she removed the NJ tube herself. She took her hands and pulled about 42 inches of 7mm tube out of her body. Personally, I don’t think I could have done it – and I don’t know of many people who could. She told me about it in a phone call last night – and I went from pride to awe. My youngest daughter turned 19 yesterday – and she became one of my heroes. 18 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
genx4me Posted March 21, 2017 Report Share Posted March 21, 2017 I remember when you requested prayer and touched on her illness a while back. Thanks for the update. Prayers will continue. She certainly sounds like a chip off the block with her courage and determination. You should be very proud! 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moose 57 Posted March 21, 2017 Report Share Posted March 21, 2017 What a brave and a strong young woman. I hope all turns out well and i will say a prayer for her if you would like. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tankdude Posted March 21, 2017 Author Report Share Posted March 21, 2017 29 minutes ago, moose 57 said: What a brave and a strong young woman. I hope all turns out well and i will say a prayer for her if you would like. You know how much I believe in the power of prayer your mooseness! Of course I would like you to! Any and all prayers accepted - heck - encouraged! 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
umbertino Posted March 21, 2017 Report Share Posted March 21, 2017 Congrats on your Brave Daughter...You're brave too, my Friend ( and your ex-wife as well, of course) Wishing all of you the Best 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RodandStaff Posted March 21, 2017 Report Share Posted March 21, 2017 2 hours ago, tankdude said: You know how much I believe in the power of prayer your mooseness! Of course I would like you to! Any and all prayers accepted - heck - encouraged! ...always brother...always! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
boosterbglee Posted March 21, 2017 Report Share Posted March 21, 2017 Tankdude..prayers up to your daughter, what a courageous young woman! 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MyLadiesDaddy Posted March 21, 2017 Report Share Posted March 21, 2017 TD my dear brother, from the first day that you mentioned how you wanted prayer for you lovely daughter and wife I have not ceased to remember you in my prayers to our Lord. Now as I see your gorgeous daughter my heart is so full of love as if she were my own, and I will take that to the Lord with a passion that seldom know. I have recently started a thread about reaching out to those who are less fortunate and showing love where others refuse. And I am serious about that in ways that would surprise most here. I am now reaching out to you as a brother and a friend and asking you that if there is ANYTHING that I can do for you in the future whatsoever please feel free to contact me directly. I have given my email out so many times here that most people probably already know it so I doubt that one more time would hurt. Please know how that my beloved wife and Lady Grace and I will be forever keeping you in our daily prayers. You may contact me via email at Summitdemonslayer@gmail.com With all our love Scotty, Ashley , and Lady Grace. 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nannab Posted March 21, 2017 Report Share Posted March 21, 2017 She is absolutely beautiful Tankdude. Give her our love and. Prayers go up every day for you and your family. Along with our DV family. Thank you for keeping us in the loop. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
boomhand86 Posted March 22, 2017 Report Share Posted March 22, 2017 Tankdude. Prayers for your daughter and a thank you for your service Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SnowGlobe7 Posted March 22, 2017 Report Share Posted March 22, 2017 Her smile is incredible, inspiracional, and contagious. Please let me know if you EVER need anything! Love you SG 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Muleslayer Posted March 22, 2017 Report Share Posted March 22, 2017 Truly a Steel Magnolia in training! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
divemaster5734 Posted March 22, 2017 Report Share Posted March 22, 2017 8 hours ago, tankdude said: Now – a little background about me You forgot something else, I blame humility. In spite of all this turmoil, and a pain I can't imagine watching one of my children go through this, you also stand in as Honor Guard for fallen soldiers. Dude, you are an impressive individual, and it appears she got some of that too. Prayers out, my brother. Be Blessed. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pattyangel Posted March 22, 2017 Report Share Posted March 22, 2017 Tankdude, I know to well of our hero's, each hero deserves more prayer than any. They're eyes see the pain we experience while watching them in their distress. How they carry themselves with such courage and strength, it has to be none other then the graceful gift from Our Father in heaven. Jesus Christ knows to well our pains, sufferings and despair, but our faith is what carries us through these challenges. Your daughter has shown her courage and strength because you as a father have been her role model in Christ. No matter what age our children are, they'll always be our children, we,are to never stop praying and teaching in Christ's name. Good job Dad!!!! You know that Mr. Angel and I will always have you, and your family in prayer. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
easterlily Posted March 22, 2017 Report Share Posted March 22, 2017 Tankdude, Your daughter is an example of making lemonade from the lemons life can hand you. I will continue to pray for a quick recovery for her and blessings for your family. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Man_Kind Posted March 22, 2017 Report Share Posted March 22, 2017 Tankdude, Prayers thoughts continue ! Hugs to you both. Man_Kind Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
caleb08 Posted March 22, 2017 Report Share Posted March 22, 2017 Your daughter is very strong and beautiful. Good. luck to her and your whole family. Remember god is always by her side helping her with everything Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shabibilicious Posted March 22, 2017 Report Share Posted March 22, 2017 Happy Birthday, Mandy....you look beautiful. It's nice to be able to put a face to a name, and what a bright and shiny face it is. We've all grown very fond of your Pops these last few years.....he's definitely a good one. You're an inspiration to many. God Bless you and your steadfast resolve. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
okane Posted March 22, 2017 Report Share Posted March 22, 2017 Bless your heart young lady. And Happy Birthday! May God continue to bless you and your family with the strength, courage and love that you need. Oh, yeah, your dad has been looking everywhere for his leggings ! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
okane Posted March 22, 2017 Report Share Posted March 22, 2017 Hope your day is as bright as your smile !!! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tankdude Posted March 22, 2017 Author Report Share Posted March 22, 2017 Thank you all - reading this made my eyes start to sweat.... 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
umbertino Posted March 22, 2017 Report Share Posted March 22, 2017 Congrats also on her beautiful smile...She's so strong....A true fighter! May she be blessed 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moose 57 Posted March 22, 2017 Report Share Posted March 22, 2017 35 minutes ago, tankdude said: Thank you all - reading this made my eyes start to sweat.... Let them roll bro! we're with you all the way 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fringe on lamps Posted May 31, 2017 Report Share Posted May 31, 2017 Prayers and warm thoughts always - such bravery!!! Bless you and your family🙂 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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