Back to St. Martin!

Great news! On Wednesday Jonathan had an appointment with his doctor to check his progress. We are happy to report that he is doing very well. He was given medical clearance to return to his mission without restrictions or limitations. Since then, we have been trying to wait patiently while the missionary department in Salt Lake decided how to proceed.

Jonathan received a call this afternoon from our Stake President informing him that he will be returning to the West Indies Mission! He is leaving early Wednesday morning to fly back to St. Martin!

We have been so blessed that Jonathan's infection has resolved so quickly and without causing any permanent damage to his foot. We are also very grateful that he is being allowed to return to his mission, and not being reassigned to another mission here in the states.

We again want to thank all of our family and friends who have joined their prayers with ours in Jonathan's behalf.

Here are a few pictures from Jonathan's time at home.

Visit with President & Sister Robison:


Logan Temple:


Family Christmas Fondue (a few days early):

Another Positive Culture for MRSA :-(

Jonathan was understandably pretty uncomfortable after having his toenail removed last Monday. He spent several days with his foot elevated and having frequent dressing changes. While his toe doesn’t really look much worse than when he arrived home, it certainly doesn’t look better either. His fever has not returned but his appetite still isn’t back to normal.

Yesterday, we received the results of the initial bacterial and fungal cultures. We were disappointed to learn that the bacterial infection was, in fact, MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus). We had hoped that the positive culture obtained in Trinidad was from contamination of the specimen since his toe was no longer draining purulent fluid. Unfortunately, we know now that it was accurate. Since this is a community acquired MRSA, it appears to be susceptible to "sulfa" antibiotics. The fungal culture showed a rare Candida species. As you can imagine, this news wasn’t what we had hoped for.

After yesterday’s culture results, Jonathan was put on an oral "sulfa" type medication and will continue with a topical antifungal as well. It is hoped that we will see some improvement within the next 5-7 days. If no improvement has occurred, there will need to be a change in his medications. Dr. Hanson, the dermatologist, hasn’t scheduled him back in the office until Monday, December 14th and has no plans to release him to return to the mission until after that examination. We hope and pray the new medications will be effective and his up coming appointment will lead to his medical clearance. Only time will tell.

During the Thanksgiving weekend Jonathan was able to visit President and Sister Robison in their home (former mission president). This really buoyed his spirits and made him anxious to return to the mission field. They reminded Jonathan that Elder Williams, one of his former companions, had to go home for a surgical procedure on his shoulder. This was complicated by a MRSA infection, but he eventually returned to the West Indies Mission. Jonathan, of course, is certain that this feat can be repeated for him!

Jonathan is working hard to stay in missionary mode. He continues to work on FamilySearch Indexing and was introduced to the New FamilySearch Program. He has been working on his own geneology at the Family History Library at the Logan Tabernacle and attends the temple freqently. One way or another, he continues to save souls!

No Evidence of Osteomyelitis!

Seeking the Lord's help from the beginning, we arranged for our home teachers to visit early Sunday morning to assist in giving Jonathan a priesthood blessing. These brethren also organized a ward fast in his behalf. These prayers, combined with those of many family members and friends, have really made a difference. It has been wonderful to feel so much love and support and we have witnessed the healing power of our Heavenly Father.

In less than 48 hrs after his return, Jonathan had a full battery of lab tests and cultures, x-rays and an MRI of his foot. We were able to obtain expert opinions from a radiologist (his former bishop), an emergency physician (our neighbor and his former Priest Quorum adviser), an orthopedic surgeon (his best friend’s dad), and a dermatologist. He has even been seen by his dentist. We are not exaggerating when we say that dozens of additional doctors, including 3 podiatrists (one is his uncle), nurses, technicians and hospital administrators, have given significant input and assistance to expedite his care. We have been amazed by the willingness of all those we have asked for assistance to interrupt their busy schedules during this holiday week and lend their expertise to help Jonathan.

We are very happy to report that the intial lab tests all looked quite good, which rules out a multitude of systemic problems associated with the reported MRSA organism. However, we were all concerned by his x-rays because the bone at the tip of the infected toe was clearly abnormal. This led to a contrast enhance MRI early Monday morning which thankfully showed no evidence of osteomyelitis, an infection of the bone. The overlying chronic infection in the nail and soft tissues of the toe have been inflaming the surface of the bone causing remodeling, or changes to it's shape.

A procedure was performed on Monday afternoon to remove Jonathan's toe nail and more bacterial and fungal cultures were obtained. As we understand it, now that his nail has been removed, they feel that we will be able to erradicate the chronic infection. It is hoped that by the time his first cultures are reported early next week, there will be real improvement in his toe.

Overall, Jonathan looks good. Of course he does have some pain in his toe from the removal of the nail, but it appears to be healing. He no longer has a fever or sore throat and the ulcers in his mouth are nearly gone.  His appetite is returning and we are trying to feed him all of his favorite foods. His energy level is improved and he tells us that he wants to be back in the mission field in time for the next transfer on December 9th. So far, all medical indications are that this is a very reasonable expectation.

Despite being busy with medical examinations, tests, and procedures, Jonathan is still very much a missionary. On Sunday, he spoke about his love of missionary work in both the Priest’s and Deacon’s Quorums in our ward. He had interviews with our bishop and stake president (his acting mission president) and the decision was made to not obtain a medical release at this point. Under the direction of our stake president, he is maintaining his usual daily schedule as closely as possible, arising at 6:30 AM, joining in our family study of Preach My Gospel as well as his daily personal study and journal writing. He continues to wear his white shirt, tie, and nametag. We went to the Logan Temple with him yesterday and he was able to participate in seaings for the first time as well as perform an endowment. He is also doing FamilySearch Indexing. During spare moments he often gravitates toward our music room and we find him playing hymns on the piano. He has really had a wonderful effect upon the spirit in our home!

Again we thank you for your prayers and support.

Shane & Carole Larson

Safe arrival home.

Jonathan arrived safely at the Salt Lake airport this evening at about 8:45 PM, 18 months to the day that we took him to the MTC. He was very tired and fatigued but in good spirits. We fed him and got him home and into bed. We have scheduled medical tests to begin early in the morning and will try to give updates as information becomes available.

We truly appreciate your prayers and your love and support.

Shane & Carole Larson