Doctor Visit Days are always a bit stressful.
Docs always want blood drawn - which is Josh's most dreaded part.

Today, we saw Dr. Danney. He is the hypothalamus/glandular specialist who keeps a close eye on Josh's growth, hormones and development. He has to examine Josh's private areas; uses extremely accurate digital equipment to get Josh's exact weight and height. And, he requires Josh to give urine samples at every visit.

The good news from today's visit - Josh seems to be back on schedule for the last few months where his height and weight are concerned. There wasn't much news yet for any other types of growth - he hasn't yet gained another shoe size - and no major changes in private areas to report. (I guess no news is good news there - at least for now).

The bad news - Josh's bloodwork (which took FOREVER & several sticks to get barely enough blood for some of the tests ordered) showed that Josh's sodium level was very high - 167. That means Josh is very dehydrated despite all he is drinking now. (he had a glass of orange juice and a box of apple juice this morning before his 9:15AM appointment). So, Josh has to drink more than 3 Liters per day now and go back to have (yeah!) more blood drawn on Friday morning.

Josh is very upset about having to be stuck again, but I keep telling him that if all they do is stick him for blood on Friday, we'll be doing good. Because if the tests show his sodium levels are still too high, the doctors are gonna want to put him back in the hospital and hook him up to IVs and do many more tests to figure out why he is getting so dehydrated - really no fun!

So keep us in your prayers and if you see Josh - help me push him to DRINK, DRINK, DRINK!!!!!