Update

Many of you have inquired after Ryan and we are so very thankful for your on-going support.  This path has not felt lonely because of our wonderful family and friends!  Despite seemingly perhaps wrapped up in ourselves these last months please know you all are in our thoughts too.

Ryan returned to the University of Alabama Medical last week.  We were eager for this follow-up with the Neuro-Opthamologist.  We knew this visit would be much more informative since he is no longer a new patient.

During the month between visits the Dr. did phone us to inform us of an important finding in Ryan's blood work.  Ryan has a Factor V Leiden mutation in his DNA. (unrelated to sarcoid and his eye) This is a blood disorder caused by the mutation which makes him prone to abnormal clotting.  The Dr. felt it pertinent for Ryan to know right away and start taking a daily baby aspirin.  My heart skipped a beat thinking about all those hours he has spent cramped in the back of a cargo plane traveling across the world or standing at attention with knees locked.

While evidence of Sarcoidosis has been detected in his lungs, (enlarged) liver and (spots) on the back of his throat, the swelling of his optic nerve was a bit of a mystery.  While the eye is one of the most common organs (next to the lungs) that Sarcoid affects, it usually presents itself in a different way. 

Indeed, the problem with Ryan's eye is not Sarcoid but Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy.  Essentially, he had a stroke of the optic nerve.  The cause is believed to be a sudden drop in blood pressure.  Most likely his vision will not restore.  He describes it as looking through smoke.  It is not likely to happen again and the vision should not deteriorate.

We had a follow-up with our Pulmonologist last week who ordered another chest CT and new blood work to see how his body has been reacting to the prednisone.  Despite the lungs not requiring treatment because he was asymptomatic, the prednisone for his eye would also help the pulmonary sarcoid.  Indeed, it has improved and for this we are thankful that his body is responding.

However, we also learned that his cardiac MRI shows an abnormality suggesting sarcoid.  This was defeating news as we thought we had just rounded the corner.  However, the good news is his ECHO (ultrasound of the heart) was normal, his ventricles were normal and the EKG hasn't shown arrhythmia.  However, the damage viewed is scarring/fibrosis caused from inflammation. Naturally, treatment for even mild cardiac sarcoid is more aggressive by nature.  We have a couple of specialist to see during this month. 

Just this week Ryan scored a 98.1 on his annual physical fitness test.  He ran 1.5 miles in 10:05, maxed out his sit-up requirements and waist measurement.  His only deduction was being 1 push-up shy of the max.  While he has always scored this high in the past it meant so much more this year. 
Despite all his health concerns his body is conditioned and strong!  Thankful!

Ryan is also enjoying his new job as flight commander for the 1 Logistics Readiness Special Operations Squadron.  He commands the largest flight consisting of 80 people.

Despite his professional successes the military will submit a package about him to the Medical Evaluation Board.  We knew this would be a reality at some point given his diagnosis of Sarcoidosis but we didn't expect it so soon.  There are 4 possible outcomes:

1. Deemed fit for active duty with medical limitations (ie. stationed near a base hospital with appropriate specialist and no longer deployable)
2. Medically Retired: You DO NOT receive any retirement but disability based on your rating. If within 5 years you are considered healthy (our goal) your disability rating may drop and so will payments and benefits to potentially nothing.
3. Temporary Retirement: Retired for 5 years after which your health is reevaluated and you are either permanently retired or can return to active duty to complete your time in service.  If you decide not to return to active duty ALL benefits are lost.
4. Separation with severance pay.

As you can see, the only ideal choice is to remain active duty.  During his 16 year career Ryan has deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan, Haiti, South Africa, Mozambique, Ghana, Nigeria, Tunisia and many more locations.  After serving to protect our country I feel betrayed to think he can be dismissed from service without even a portion of the retirement he's worked towards.

Our first priority is obviously his health.  We have EXCELLENT doctors here who care deeply about Ryan's well being.  They are so thorough and attentive. We are so thankful for this.  We also do not take for granted his access to health care.

We are busy with soccer games on the weekends and enjoying some cooler temperatures.  The boys are excelling in school.  Counting our blessings!