Ok, here is the health update with a little back story so it puts it into perspective. Around December I was having some stomach pains and sorts. I thought it was the wonderful diet I was on at the time. With the stubborn/hardheadedness I inherited from the Smith side of the family, I didn't seek treatment until mid-February. They thought it was just a little indigestion and this sort, so I didn't put much thought into it. Well, months later the symptoms persisted. I was home on leave and I was convinced that I need to get some tests run. This was a very good idea. This resulted in a long list of fun GI problems that I'm sure most know quite well. The doctor from the states recommended I seek more testing in one area becuase of some irregularities. He was right on from the start (as it ended up). When I returned from leave, the docs there were spurred into action with the recent results. With my request, they did everything they could in theater before they had to evacuate me. The tests that were recommended could not be done in country (I had to go to Germany or the states). Through process of elimination, the treatments agreed with the initial diagnosis that it was Celiac Disease or Celiac Sprue. I was quickly evacuated to Germany due to rapid weight loss associated with the symptoms. I'm currently down about 20 lbs, but recovering well. After long hours of testing and a billion blood draws, they pretty much confirmed that I have Celiac Disease. The docs here are very thorough and are doing every conceivable test related to this to confirm that it is this. Celiac Sprue is an autoimmune disorder where the person effected has a permanent toxic reaction to gluten based foods (wheat, rye, barley, and oats). This includes alot of the processed foods as well, such as canned soups, chips, etc. The only treatment is a permanent gluten-free diet. A life-time change, yes, but far from the end of the world. Yes, italian cuisine will have to be put aside, but I will find something to take its place. Another big hit was the barley side, which takes me away from all those nice regional ales in the northwest. Oh well. The docs here don't really see this. I've been told its common, but they are asking me questions that I wanted to ask them. So, its going to be a learning experience. As far as my career in the service, I am more uncertain. The docs have said it means I'm immediately and permanently non-deployable, which in a war-time army is not good. I am sure there is a job somewhere that will take me though. I have made it clear that I will accept any job back in my unit if I can go back and support my men, even if I can't lead them out of the wire again. I don't think its likely, but I will continue to hold my breath while I wait for their response. A more likely destination for me will be Ft. Lewis, WA, where I will reside until the unit redeploys in November. From there is even more uncertain. I am sure answers will be coming soon, but for now, I'm playing the waiting game in Germany. It was and still is very difficult to leave my men in this way. I made a committment to them to stay throughout the deployment. I have had some time to accept my course though and I will continue to support them in any way I can from whatever destination I end up at. I would ask everyone at home to continue to think about the Soldiers in Iraq. 2nd Platoon still has five months in Iraq before they redeploy and many more Soldiers are arriving everyday. My time in the Sandbox may be ending prematurely, but I will surely retain the memories from this last year for the rest of my life. I love you all and I will probably be seeing many of you soon.
1LT Stephen Smith
