On Thursday I took Josh to see his cardiologist because he's been experiencing some new symptoms the past few weeks and we wanted to be sure there was nothing new going on inside that little body of his. We were lucky to have been squeezed right in & Josh was able to get all of his ordinary tests done, except his pacemaker check which is coming in a couple weeks.
The results were pretty similar to his previous results, but his echo looked just slightly declined. Given the new symptoms, Dr. Pererra decided to refer Josh to the Lucille Packard (Stanford) Heart Failure Clinic. Josh is in heart failure (he actually has been for some time), and Dr. Pererra feels it's time he's seen by the heart failure specialists. This is the team that will ultimately decide if and when he's ready for transplant. They will determine his treatment plan & will do their best to get his heart is the best shape possible. In addition, Josh will begin seeing Dr. Pererra every month. It's easy to forget how severe his condition really is, until times like these.
I know I should be a nervous wreck right now, but I've known for a long time that things aren't going too well for Josh & I feel like this is what he needs.
Overall, Josh has been in good spirits and is really loving school and life in general. In the past when his health has declined his mood was terrible (because he felt terrible) and he seemed sad all the time, not the Josh we know. We feel encouraged that he's happy and the same ol' kid despite his health issues.
I'll do my best to keep this blog updated with the latest. I haven't done so well lately, but I'll do better!
4 comments:
I am so sorry! I can't believe it. I guess I am in denial with their heart condition as well. Josh and Tyler have been so blessed to have such normal childhoods with playing sports, going to school, etc. Love you guys and praying that doctors will be guided and many more wonderful years will be ahead.
Wow, you are doing very well with this. I wish that there was some way I could lend a hand. I guess, just know that I am thinking about you and your family.
Wow, you are doing very well with this. I wish that there was some way I could lend a hand. I guess, just know that I am thinking about you and your family.
Thank you for sharing about Joshua, Allison. It must be so scary to think of all the unknowns, but you are right, if Joshua needs more support, than this is a good thing. And he will be in such good hands at LPCH. Joshua is such a strong kid and I have always felt like he and Luke have similar personalities. We will keep Joshua in our prayers as you guys find out what's next for him.
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