Esophageal Eosinophilic Disease....The Hidden Rose

So, the Dr. gives a diagnosis and you're grateful that (s)he is not giving news of any number of horrific diagnoses that are possible; and you are fully aware that there is some parent(s), somewhere, that is hearing devastating news about their "Sweet Angel". You take a deep breath, and all you can be is grateful that the news is not worse; but before you have completely exhaled, your own fear, pain, confusion, and questions begin to flood over you.... What is it?, How do we make it better?, How long until he is better?, How does this effect his life? How serious is it, really?... and on and on. As you trudge through the flood of emotion that is taking over, you suddenly feel as though you have stepped in quicksand and begin to wonder how you are going to get out.....

Deep Breath..... Relax..... Breathe...... Focus...... with your feet back on a more solid ground, you take a minute to get your bearings...... Deep Breath!

Being careful to avoid the vortex of emotion that was still swirling around me. I began gathering information (the key to knowledge, right?).

So, even though Zachary's EED is quite advanced and severe, it turns out that it is potentially the least severe form Eosinophilic Digestive Disorders. Apparently the eosinophils can attach themselves anywhere along the digestive tract (Actually, they can inappropriately attach to any tissue in the body) and when they attach at the level of the stomach, or below - , the intestines - kids have trouble keeping food down, they have trouble gaining weight/keeping it on, and they have poor nutritional absorption. While there is always a possibility for the disease to advance and eosinophils to also attach further down the digestive tract. That is not the case now. Now, today, thankfully, it is limited to the esophagus. I take time, every day, to count my blessings, that things are not worse.

I took this "gift" as my first "Ray of Sunshine"; took another deep breath, put one foot in front of the other, and took another step .... Forward, there is more information to be gathered..... Step, Step, Step (more steps conquered).........