Update on Joshua

Today, my family met with a team of doctors in Richmond. They setup a rough rehabilitation plan. He will undergo occupational, recreational, and speech therapy. Josh needs to recieve speech therapy to pass the swallow test. They also plan on educating Josh on his injury and administer psychological treatment. He is expected to remain in Richmond for 16 weeks. One the bright side, Josh has been able to go outside in a wheelchair and enjoy fresh air.

Josh is Moving to Richmond Monday

Josh is scheduled to go to Richmond, Va on Monday, October the 26th. The hospital in Richmond specializes in spinal chord injuries. The doctors in Bethesda, Md and Richmond, Va have communicated via teleconferences.

The doctors have also explained to my parents that Joshua's spinal chord injury is incomplete. This means, there are nerves in his body that are sending signals to his brain. Pat said "His nerves need to wake up". Beginning Monday, the level of physcial therapy increases in Richmond.

Also on Monday, Josh has another swallow test. Trust me, Josh really wants to pass this one, it is difficult for him not to eat or drink anything. It is still difficult for him to have visitors. I am sorry for those that want to visit him at this time but it is overwhelming for him at this point. People are in and out of his room every 10 minutes. He has rejected alot of people's request to see him. It will be a long recovery process and he will want to see people in the future.

Quick Update

Josh failed the swallow test yesterday for the third time (this test determines whether he can eat or drink anything). He went into the operation room today to place the feeding tube back in him. The surgery went fine.

Pat communicated to me that his voice and cough are weaker compared to previous days. The Respirator Doctor is assessing the situation.

Josh will be moving to Richmond sometime this week. Richmond has a rehabilitation center. I am not sure on what facility.

Weekend Update

The orthopedic doctor performed surgery on Josh's wrist on Friday. This is the second surgery on Josh's wrist. He spent the night in the PACU (Post anesthesia care unit).

Yesterday, Josh was moved back to the surgical ward. He had a slight fever yesterday that was treated by Tylenol and ice packs. The doctors also took cultures to see if there was any infection from the wrist surgery. The medical staff took x-rays of Josh's chest (I believe it was to check and see the Thoracic spine).

Today, Josh's breathing is strengthening. He is performing breathing "exercises" hourly. His pain level has decreased from previous days.

He has been back and forth on accepting visitors. It is hard for him due to his state of vunerability and difficulty for him to have conversations.

Josh is Moving from the ICU

The doctors have decided that Josh is well enough to be moved from the ICU. They are moving Josh to a room on the 5th floor. Josh has not passed the swallow test for the second time. His lunks are still junky but he is breathing better.

The Latest on Joshua

The doctors have removed the tubes from his mouth. He is breathing on his own. However, he is having a hard time clearing his lungs and it is difficult for him to cough. He is able to talk now.

Josh’s blood pressure is fluctuating. His blood loss situation is getting better. He has some anxiety right now. The doctors are giving him medication to treat the symptoms. He is starting to sleep more. I am not sure whether it is the lack of sleep, medication, or Afghanistan that is causing the anxiety, but it could be a combination of all three. From what I understand, this is normal for someone in his condition. Overall, things do seem like they are improving.

Update on Joshua

The doctors have started weaning Josh off pain medication. They have discontinued giving Josh sedation medication. The doctors plan on taking him off the ventilator tomorrow. His fever is back to normal. The doctors have given him additional blood due to blood loss. The reason for the blood loss is still unknown at this time.