Family Fast

I am asking this on behalf of our family for those that want to join with us this Sunday. Some or maybe all may know that our Joshua has been very sick lately. Monday it all came to a head when we rushed him to the ER room. He was serverly dehydrated and very stiff as they say, but no fever. They did countless blood work, EKG's, X-rays and still no answers. So he was admitted into Primary Childrens Medical and has been there ever since. The doctors and all the specialist and believe me there are a lot looking at our Gentle man, said it all had to do with coming off one medicine that he's been on for years and going on another medicine in the same family that causes this reaction. They don't see it very often, but Josh is a special case. Usually if there is a reaction, they see it suddenly and with a high fever, neither of which Josh had. It's been going on gradually down hill for 3 or more weeks, we just didn't see it happening. I believe it's called dystonia. This is where the muscles are stiff as a board, blood pressure is high. His jaw doesn't move so communication is gone. He's lost his walking skills, speaking, eating, swallowing, you know things we take for granted. But......he's getting better, by baby steps. His eyes are a little more opened each day, he walked 5 itty bitty steps, he can reach for his "little guys". He will be in the hospital at least until next Wednesday (they told me today he could be coming home on Wednesday) or longer depending on how his body reacts to the medicine that is helping his muscles become loose again. He was given a blessing his dad and wonderful ward members. Our family is being taken care of by our fabulous R.S....Dad and I take turns being with Josh through all of this. I get to sleep (or at least try) in my own bed this weekend while Doug sleeps with Josh until Sunday night. There is going to be a lot of physical therapy as well as occupational therapy to help Josh recover. Chances are he'll make a full recovery to where he was before, or he might have some lingering effects. We do know he'll have leg braces for a while to help straighten them back out. But that's all right, he'll be chasing and swingin' before long! :)

Thank you for calling with concerns and making me laugh. Mom came to help even though my sister is close to having her baby...I'm glad she didn't have Lizzy yet.