A couple of weeks ago Cindy and I took Josh to the doctor to get an evaluation done.
Over the years Josh has had multiple surgeries, spent some time in the hospital, had an untold number of doctor visits, and was even flown by helicopter once to a hospital in downtown Atlanta!
He never complained, never said a word—But I do think he rather enjoyed the helicopter ride.
He has a high tolerance for pain and only if you knew him very well would you be able to detect Something is not right.
Medical issues in people with Down Syndrome are simply a practical reality of life. Josh has had some weight gain, then weight loss and then weight gain again that we are trying to figure out.
The best way to do that is through blood tests.
The only way to get that done is with a needle—And since Josh has had some bad experiences in the past with those taking blood, it isn’t an easy thing to do.
Would you believe it took four of us—The phlebotomist, an additional tech, Cindy and I, forty minutes to get the needle in to draw blood?
It’s always an exciting time!
Don’t get me wrong, the phlebotomist and the tech were great—Josh just knows all the tricks now and doesn’t give up easily.
Drawing blood is one of the necessary “evils” of life. It’s rarely, if ever fun. But it is the best and sometimes only way to discover what’s really going on, on the inside.
I guess I have said all that to say this. Having a child with a disability is trying on many different levels. Providing the best care for them is always the priority. Doing that sometimes means it’s going to hurt. Hurt, but necessary.
Love on that special person in your life while you can! You will be glad you did and they will love you more, and longer, for it!
