Josh Gray

Ok, it’s another day and it has been a week and two days since Josh’s life has changed because of a massive stroke.  If you looked at Josh today you would know that something was a little off but you would never guess to what extreme.  The Gray family were told a week ago to never expect to see the son they once knew.  The chance of recovery was not realistic.  It would appear now that Josh has begun to prove them wrong.  He is moving forward to show that the medical profession needs to be challenged and proven wrong.  He wants to give the doctors an example of someone they can use as motivation and hope for another family that unfortunately may have to face the same challenges.  Here is a quick medical update on Josh’s condition.  Josh started out on aspirin everyday but when it was discovered that there was still some bleeding it was reduced substantially.  A hole was discovered in is heart that doctors feel may have contributed to the stroke but are not 100% sure.  This hole will most likely be repaired a week from today.  Blood work results are still not back.  He has had two MRI’s.  The technician doing the procedures has talked to Gary about what he sees as he doing the procedure.  He has been honest to say that this is a massive stroke and has affected a large part of the brain about one fifth.  To give you a comparison the technician said he usually sees strokes affecting about one eighth. Josh no longer has a catheter.  He has been fitted with a boot brace for his left foot so that it keeps the foot straight.  I believe he has also been measured for a hand brace for the left hand to prevent it from twisting, I can’t confirm that 100% right now. He has impressed, amazed and inspired everyone. 

Now for how far he has come in just a week.  Josh is now awake most of the day, mostly because he has to with all the therapy sessions he is constantly in and because he now has the energy to be awake.  He is able to drink and eat on his own but requires to be monitored for now.  He can stand on his own and walk with a walker with assistance. He can communicate with speech but at times is not always clear with what he is trying to express because of memory issues and confusion with the proper words.  He has a sense of humor and uses it every opportunity he can.  He enjoys watching his favorite movie, Nightmare Before Christmas. 

It is now Friday 6/19 and yes it was again assumed that it was going to be a less busy day then the day before.  Well, it couldn’t be more opposite.  First thing in the morning the family started to hear rumors from the nursing staff that Josh may be getting out of the hospital today.  The family knew that the day would come that Josh would be moved to a 24 hr. rehabilitation home but this wasn’t expected for a week or two maybe even longer.  They were able to get through some of the therapy for the day when it became official, they were told that Josh was being released and transported to his new home.  It was immediate, no notice, no time to prepare.  They had a facility in mind that they were told was fabulous and have seen incredible results.  Gary and Melody intended on visiting the facility in the near future but now their first visit was going to be with Josh.  All of the sudden they were told that they would be leaving in fifteen minutes this was around 2:00pm.  No time to go to the Ronald McDonald house and pack.  So Gary traveled with Josh while Melody went to the house and packed up things and met them at the new place.  It is called Casa Colina Rehabilitation Center in Pomona, you can look it up and visit the website.  They were told that it was a good time to check in because it was slower on the weekend and they would have two days to get adapted and familiar without the rush that goes on during the week.  Their arrival was definitely a shock from the hospital but they are optimistic and looking forward to the next journey.

Upon arrival it was a little culture shock.  There was no one really to give them a complete thorough orientation because it was the weekend.  They were surprised to find that the facility locks all doors at 8pm.  No one leaves or enters after that time.  It was harder for Gary because he had not eaten most of the day because of the hustle and bustle. He didn’t have a car to pop out to grab something because by the time they got settled it was close to 7:30pm and he had no means of transportation.  The facility doesn’t have accommodations for parents.  Only Gary was able to stay because Josh’s area is males only.  Josh was exhausted from the trip and slept from 7pm until he was awoken this morning for therapy.  He had all his therapy evaluations and did well as he has everyday.  He had another accomplishment in his new home he got out of bed and stood up on his own.  The therapists asked if he had ever done this before, Gary replied, “no”. It is obvious that Josh is showing off and is anxious to recover quickly so he can go home. Speech therapy is a little more challenging because of memory issues and confusion with word association but he is working hard. The family is sure Josh is looking forward to this new journey and the steps of becoming that much closer to a recovery that gets him home.  As I hear more I will definitely keep you posted about visiting hours, etc.  I hope that everyone will continue to visit Josh as it will definitely help with his recovery. I am just amazed because this time a week ago they didn’t expect Josh to be out of I.C.U yet.  Way to go Josh I think you are on your way to the Championships.  Love ya.