Josh Gray

On 6/12/09 Gary was awaken by Josh’s alarm clock going off. He thought that Josh may have overslept and was late for school.Gary attempted to wake Josh without any success.With each attempt he just assumed Josh was in a deep sleep.He decided to take Josh to the shower to get him to wake up.  When Gary attempted to pick him up he noticed Josh tried to lift himself with his left hand while his right hand was clutched but limp up against his chest.At this point Gary knew something was wrong and placed Josh back down.He asked Josh if he had taken anything but got no response.He called the ambulance and they arrived within three minutes.The paramedics asked Gary if Josh did drugs.He told them that it has never been a problem and is completely out of his character but he was a teenager and he couldn’t be 100% sure.The paramedics told Gary they were going to give Josh a shot and if he took something he would respond.They administered the shot and received no response.Josh was rushed to the nearest hospital (Riverside County Regional Medical Center)in which he arrived at around 8:35am. Numerous tests were performed over an eleven hour timeframe. At approximately 4:00am the following day it had been determined that Josh had a stroke and needed to be transported to a hospital that could better monitor his condition as well as determine why it occurred and prevent another from happening.  After trying to find an available bed they were notified that CHOC’s Pediatric I.C.U had a bed and they would be transported around 6:30am.  Since Josh’s arrival at CHOC he has had hematology tests, MRI’s, Echocardiograms and many more. They have found the blood clot on the left side of the brain. The Gray family has been able to view the films of the brain and can clearly see how the blood is flowing to the right side of the brain and how dark the left side is because of the clot. It cannot be determined how deep the damage is but because of the mass area that has been affected it has been determined that Josh has suffered a massive stroke. They cannot and will not remove the clot because Josh will hemorhage.  He is currently receiving aspirin everyday to minimize the size of the clot and any inflammation in the brain. As Gary so gently explained one day: the brain is a very unforgiving membrane and when it is damaged or dead it is incapable of repairing itself, it does not heal. So for now it is one day at a time. Through the echocardiogram that Josh has had it was found that there is a hole in his heart. In speaking with Gary they don’t have all the details of the hole such as it’s exact location or how large, but they will be meeting with the doctors soon to follow up.  The doctors find that for now this is the only thing that seems reasonable to say had some contributory factor to the stroke. They will be repairing the hole but for now when that will happen is undetermined; it could be in a week or three to four weeks.  When they do go to repair the hole it is a fairly simple procedure.  Josh will be put under and they will make an incision through an artery in the thigh and a tube will go up to the heart and do the repair. This will be a permanent fix with little concern that it will return.
Currently, Josh has a feeding tube in his nose that goes to his stomach.  It is feeding him nutrients and proteins similar to a baby formula.  The formula will change to something more for an adult as the days go by.  Josh is currently receiving speech, occupational and physical therapy.  The speech therapist is determining the best way for Josh to communicate and if he will be able to eat on his own.  The occupational therapist is working with him to retrain the simple things such as brushing teeth, putting clothes on, etc. The physical therapist is working on the right side limbs and transmitting information to them so he can make them respond.  Josh is currently paralyzed on the right side and is unable to speak.  They are not quite sure if he understands what is being said or asked of him.  He will respond with head nods or squeezing the hand or thumbs up.  However, the answers are not consistent and not necessarily correct.  The family is currently awaiting the results of the hematology results which could be two to three weeks. They have also been receiving guidance on selecting a 24 hour rehabilitation home for Josh when the time comes. For the Gray family the days seem to be very long and sometimes challenging.  But they have stayed strong for Josh and each other.  They have had an overwhelming response of supporters.  The family and Josh enjoy and need the visitors.  Their spirit definitely changes when they are surrounded by friends and family.
The family now has a place at a Ronald McDonald house about a block east from the hospital that they can stay at.  This has a kitchen, two beds and other amenities to help them to be more comfortable.
As changes occur we will keep everyone posted.