Update on Josh

Last night was an incredibly difficult night for Josh. He is experiencing burning pain in his legs. The doctor said that it something that does happen. They are giving him medication to treat his pain so that he can rest and feels good enough for physical therapy.

Earlier in the week Josh appeared to be doing much better. I made sure to let him that so many are thinking about him (with Veteran's Day being on Wednesday). I will be visiting Josh on Sunday and will have more information then.

Josh Passed the Swallow Test

Good news! Josh passed the swallow test today. The doctors are now deciding what he can eat. Josh is frequently dehydrated, so passing swallow test will alleviate that problem. Josh has also been talking about eating McDonalds ever since he was in Afghanistan. We are not sure when he will be able to eat McDonalds, but the time is certainly approaching.

There are a lot of positive things seen throughout the week, but there a couple issues that we can be praying about for Josh. They are his low blood pressure and trouble sleeping at night. The low blood pressure is a recent development.

Many new events have transpired this week. Josh had his first week of therapy. Josh took his first shower since May. He put on clothes for the first time. I even saw a picture of him playing Nintendo Wii in his bed (talk about living the dream). We hope that passing the swallow test is the first of many milestones on his road to recovery.

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.