Justin's Hospitalization

Justin was admitted to the hospital last Thursday for an in patient treatment of PTSD. We are very blessed that there is a Fisher House there and we are able to stay there over the weekends so that we have as much time together as possible.

There was not much done on Friday and nothing over the weekend. He was able to leave both on Saturday and Sunday. We were able to attend church in the ward that the hospital is in. That was interesting for me as I felt like I was in the Wilshire/Adams Wards in Los Angeles. There was so much diversity it was nice to see. Those that I know still in those LA wards need to know that you have competition......hehehe. On Sunday, Justin's ankle was really hurting and that concerned me. Once back at the hospital he started using a wheelchair and used it through part of yesterday.

Monday, they did an EEG. The results were abnormal. He has had unexplained Parkinson's like spasms or twitches in his right arm and leg as well as facial twitches. I have said many times since December that sometimes he appeared to have seizures but of course because I do not have a medical degree I am as stupid as a door nail. The results were sent to a Neurologist for more in depth reading and diagnosis. I am hoping that they will be trying to narrow down the type of Dystonia (you can see more about that at http://www.dystonia-foundation.org/). I would think that due to the symptoms that they would try to see if it is the type that responds to Dopamine. But once again because I do not have a medical degree I am treated as if I were an idiot.

They are supposed to be doing sleep apnea testing as they feel that he suffers from that but it is due to the PTSD. I really think that he has some seizures and that is caused by the PTSD which causes the sleep apnea. When they will do that we are not sure.

We have been told that he will be discharged on May 9th. I am starting to doubt that because of what they are doing. If that is the case I know Justin is going to be very unhappy.

He is not very happy as he was told that he had a flashback that lasted 45 minutes. He was not happy to hear that and asked me if they ever lasted that long. We have never had one last that long but I do not think the Dr tried to bring him out of it, I think that she kept it going as long as possible. I am not pleased about that as the Dr. is middle eastern and her attitude is not the best. Yesterday, I was talking with a friend that is a nurse and she was telling me about a report and statement that the Director of Homeland Security recently said that our returning sailors and soldiers are the biggest terrorist risk because of the fact that if in the hands of the wrong Dr they can be tortured and made worse. That really made me edgy and very worried about this Doctor being on Justin's case.

I am going to be keeping this blog updated with the updates. This would be the quickest and easiest way to get this information out to everyone. I hope that everyone understands.

I am spending the weekends with him and so I am not home usually from Thursday or Friday until Sunday evening. Email is probably the best way to get me a message as well as checking here for updates.

I will be updating this every few days. I do have a computer in the room at the Fisher House with internet access which is a huge help.

Yeah!!!! We heard from Abuelito (Grandpa) Raul!!

Oh my goodness! What a great surprise this evening. We had gone to bed a little early as it had been a day. The best thing is that Justin's Grandpa Raul (from this dad's side) called us! I was so happy and surprised. Justin was able to talk to him and get caught up a little. I spoke to him as well which is just so special.

I know that Heavenly Father hears and answers prayers. I have been working on this for so long. I was first told that Justin's Grandpa Lee (Mother's side) that he would not speak to me or even care. I am so glad that I did not listen and tracked him down. We have had the chance to get to know him better. Like I told him on his answering machine, that this was not to talk about the past or family squabbles but just to be able to have a relationship and know that he is cared about. He called me back and was happy to talk to me. That was so special.

Justin always spoke highly of his Grandpa Raul and said how special he was to him. He said that he missed him and that made me want to find him that much more. I knew in my heart that he needed to find his Grandpa. Justin has been told so much that he was not worth anything or that he was wrong for not giving in to everyone else. Then Chuck calling people and telling them not to give me any information made it hard. I was really disappointed but knew that if I just was patient and put it in the Lord's hands that it would happen. I wanted him to be able to talk with Raul and have the relationship that he missed. I am glad to say that it was sooner than later.

Thanks to Susan and a little digging we found an address and so I convinced Justin to write a short letter to see if we had the right address. The phone rang tonight, it said Raul Leyva and I wanted to scream with happiness.

It is such a special relationship to have with a grandparent. Justin needs that especially with all of the medical issues right now. I am happy to say that we now have Abuelito's email address and phone number as well as I know which address is correct. I am so excited for Justin that I can't sleep. This is such a special event tonight for us. Justin was so excited and had such a smile on his face when he was able to fall asleep. He has had such a bad time the last couple of nights so I hope that this call tonight helps him sleep a little more sound.

Susan....we have some work to do.....Thanks for all of your help. What a great Easter present for us!

Grandpa (Abuelito) we are so glad to have you in our lives. We look forward to talking with you catching up and staying in contact with you. We love you!!!

Now, maybe I can sleep well tonight too..........Sweet Dreams!