I'm trying to increase frequency here - it helps in the long run!
Josiah had a day full of clinics a few Mondays back, and we were pretty excited with the progress he is making. He was able to his pressure support lowered another notch so that he's down to 13 (from 16 when he left the hospital last May). If he continues in this way, he may begin trialing off the ventilator in a month and a half! Josiah's diuretic totals were also lowered, a great sign that his body is beginning to manage fluids better - woohoo! Further, a seizure med was increased with hopes of weaning him off of another.
But probably the biggest and best news is that Josiah's trachea isn't collapsing any more!! Yay!! He had a bronchscope at his clinic and even though he was coughing fiercely through the procedure, it was clear that his trachea is strong and improved! Praise God!
We received Josiah's leg/foot braces and he wears them 1-2 times a day. It's very noticeable when we miss a day so we stay on it. While we haven't noticed a big change in his feet, it's pretty obvious that his legs are getting stronger and straighter, and he's standing up (assisted) better than ever. His core strength is also improving, and is demonstrating a lot better balance, able to maintain a sitting position with minimal support.
He definitely growing up - he never wants to stay still! Just a wiggle worm, and often ends up sideways in bed. Marie is convinced his favourite movie is Hairspray (it's on in our house almost everyday!), and we've introduced Josiah to finger painting (a pretty messy activity which - to be honest - I avoid!!)
Also, he's trying harder to talk than ever before! He's getting out the odd "AH!" which is very exciting. In fact, he was so loud in church a couple weeks back that we had to send him down to the nursery because he was being heard on the stage while we were sitting in the back!
Right now Josiah might have a bit of a cold bug - sticky, thick, colourful goobers! So you can pray that he stays healthy. He's also had a couple seizures this week, which may indicate that he's a little sick. He also seems to have chronic ear infections (just finished a round of antibiotics again last week), so you can pray for healing there.
Prayer Requests:
~ Health (fighting a cold?)
~ Chronic ear infections
~ Seizure med increase/future weaning of one seizure med
~ Improved balance and strength
~ That he'll continue to grow in his ability to communicate (hands, voice, & eyes)
That's all. Blessings.
- Andrew, Marie & Josiah
5 comments:
Thanks for the update Andrew! I always look forward to reading what you have to say. I'm glad to hear things are going so well right now; I hope it stays that way and I'll be praying for you guys (By the way, thanks for the specific prayer requests, it really helps to know what to pray for.)! -Ashlea
thanks for the update! sounds like Josiah is progressing well!
Renee
Hi Ashlea!
Thanks for your thoughts and prayers - hope life is good! If you want to stay in touch more you can find (stalk!) me in Facebook ;)
- A
I just love hearing how Josiah is progressing. How exciting it must be to watch!! I can hardly wait till we can all meet. Hopefully it will be soon..(I have some ideas :)
Wow this is all so good to hear. Well all except the 'Josiah being sick'. I'm just starting to feel better after being down that not so fun sick lane so I pray for a quick recovery there.
Post a Comment