Monday, December 7, 2015

Update from Pres. Barker for Elder Q's health clearance to go back to Poland

Information from President Barker
Parents of Justin:
I don't have an email for Justin.  I called and left a message just a couple of minutes ago.  I am also copying Bishop Morgan.  I will give you a call on the phone, but here is a portion of the response from the missionary department.  It is from Elder Ryser, who I am certain is a physician and is the area medical advisor for Europe.

There is good news and not so good news.  The good news is that he thinks we can still get this done on the schedule we would all like. (see my note at the end of this email)  The not so good news, is that we need to gather the information below. The excerpt from the email is in between the stars
*****
The problem is that we have no information about his evaluation and treatment once he returned home. A note saying that he had bilateral hip surgery and is now well is not satisfactory in light of all of the symptoms that he had when he came home. Hip problems would not explain why he had chest and abdominal pain. No information about the varicoceles was provided. 

It is difficult for a missionary to come home early and many do not return. It would be devastating for him to have to come back home a second time prior to the scheduled time for his missionary service to be completed. 

I have been asked to advise the IFR, Elder Hacking, who is new to this calling and does not know Elder Quackenbush as to whether he is medically ready to return to the mission.

Please provide me with a letter or a phone call from the physician explaining what led to the diagnosis of bilateral hip disease, what type of hip disease he had, and how it was treated.

Did any urologist see him or comment on the bilateral varicoceles? Some statement or evaluation regarding that condition would be appropriate. 

The area mental health advisor would like a letter explaining what measures have been taken since he has been home to help him more adequately cope with stress and some statement as to the current status of his emotional and mental state. 

I know that Elder Quackenbush has a date in mind when he wants to return. He is probably busy with finishing his classes and finals, but I believe that with some effort, these things could be accomplished within the next week and then arrangements for his return can be made. 

If he is in Provo, he could see one of the counselors in the MTC to provide the requested assessment for the mental health counselor. If he is in Mesa, then someone from LDS family services or some other counselor could provide the needed assessment. 

It appears that he is currently feeling well. If the medical information described above can be obtained and forwarded to me for review or a phone call from a doctor can be arranged for, we can move forward on the medical approval.
Dr Reiser
*****
Two primary issues:
1) We need to provide Elder Ryser with further information from the physicians as to each of the conditions that are spelled out in the email. The physician can either write something up, or call.  I think a call would be best.  Elder Ryser's number is and he can be reached between 10 am and 3 pm. This is for a doctor, or, it looks like perhaps more than one doctor, to call. If they would rather write something that answers all the questions, that is fine, but I am just afraid that they may not be exhaustive enough.  If you could take the steps for arrange for this information to be transmitted, that would be best.  Let the Bishop and I know if that works.
2) Justin needs to be evaluated by a church psychologist. Justin needs to call to set up a time for some testing.  I just got off the phone with thePpyschologist, and they are backed up.  Justin should go in today.  I am going to call Elder Ryser and see how he would like us to proceed if a full evaluation cannot be done within a week, but Justin should get in there tomorrow for testing. 

I now have Justin's email so I am including him.  Why don't we have a conference call once you read the email. thanks!
President Barker

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