BiographyWhen Joshua was born he was taken into NICU due to cyanosis and breathing difficulties. After spending his first month in hospital, he was discharged with no diagnosis, but with a long list of consultants who wanted follow-up appointments with him!
His first few years of life were spent in and out of hospital waiting rooms, I think our maximum was five appointments in one week, with three of those on one day. He also had several medical procedures in his first few years, spending up to month at a time in hospital recovering, or waiting for test results.
His symptoms mean that he has been supported by many consultants, including genetics, cardiology, endocrinology, urology, haematology, ENT, audiology, ophthalmology, orthotics, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech and language, educational psychology and a dietician, as well as the general paediatrician!
Joshua has global development delay, so he didn't walk until he was two. Even now, he has a poor gait, and finds walking longer distances, or running, very difficult. He is a tiny little man, weighing far less than his 2 year old brother - even for a child with Noonan Syndrome is is small, we don't expect him to reach 5ft even in adult-hood.
Joshua started school last year, and although he needs extra support in the classroom and is behind his peers, he is learning to read and write - most importantly, he loves going to school and being with his friends.
Despite all of his problems, Joshua is a happy, kind and thoughtful, loving little boy (well most of the time anyway!), and an absolute delight to be with. Everyone who meets his seems to be touched by his great personality, and we are proud to be his parents.
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