Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Who is David Camp?


David Camp is a 19 year old child of God and a cool dude. He was born developmentally delayed on April 8th, 1990. His parents didn't realize his delay until he was almost 3 years old because he was just a really laid back kind of guy and his sibblings did everything for him and doted on him.
Somewhere around age 10 his teacher and parents started noticing that he was getting kind of wobbly when he walked, swaying back and forth down the hall. This progressed. In middle school they noticed him holding his arm up tight to his chest and turning his right foot in. Some wondered if maybe he had Cerebral Palsey all this time and it was somehow undiagnosed. The more his parents learned about CP , the more they felt like it couldn't be, since he was getting worse, there was no apparent brain damage on MRIs, and it wasn't detected when he was younger. By the time David entered high school he had to be physically guided by the elbow, arm or belt so he wouldn't fall. By the next year the teacher's were using the school wheelchair to take him longer distances in the large school. Still, all this time, no one knew what was going on. He began to get more twisted and tense in his movement and to do anything with his hands was a huge effort. Somewhere around this time, when helping him walk was becoming a huge task, a highly recommended movement specialist entered the scene. It was this doctor and his partners who diagnosed David with "Dystonia". Dys - what? Never heard of it! According to Wikipedia,

Dystonia is a neurological movement disorder in which sustained muscle contractions cause twisting and repetitive movements or abnormal postures.[1] The disorder may be inherited or caused by other factors such as birth-related or other physical trauma, infection, poisoning (e.g. lead poisoning) or reaction to drugs, particularly neuroleptics.[1]

By the time David turned 17 he was in a wheelchair all day. An assortment of medicines have helped him with his spasms, twisting, and pain. An AlphaSmart writer, gifted to him by dear church friends, has helped him communicate (he's a great speller!) as his speech has become more affected. Throughout all these changes he has remained his happy, smiling self! About a year ago his movement specialist suggested to his parents that they consider Deep Brain Stimulation in the future. Brain Surgery! After much thought, googling, prayers, discussion on the DBS for Dystonia board, and meeting some of these amazing people who did it, they are now at the threshold of DBS for David Camp. This blog has been set up to keep friends and family informed about David's Dystonia and DBS journey. Please bookmark or RSS David's blog and feel free to leave messages and comments to David and his family. They will love it! And most of all, please be in prayer that God will be glorified and that He would do His amazing miracles in David's life.

7 comments:

  1. Dayna,
    So glad you have created this to keep us updated! When is the surgery and what can I do to help?
    Pam

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  2. Hi,
    i know that you have no clue who i am but my name is gloria and i go to church, and i am in a small group with Rachel,and Michael. they have kept us informed about Daviad and your family and God has put a mark on my heart for all of you! i am consitantly praying for all of you. god bless you all.

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  3. Hi David! Hello Camp Family!

    Thank you so much for opening up this window of your lives for all of us to share and keep updated.

    I will visit often and continue to pray for doctors in their treatment of David, healing and comfort for David, assurance of Gods goodness for your whole family, and most importantly that this journey would bring glory to the Most High.

    Love and blessings to you all,

    Tamara Hensley

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  4. David,
    Keep the faith and getting better. Can't wait to see you again.
    God Bless always to the Camp family.
    Love,
    Anna

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  5. Hi David! I am really rooting for you and you are so inspiring to me. I hope that the surgery comes goes well and you feel better. As a person living with Meniers Disease, I realize how hard it is for me to perform my daily activities. But your strength and courage must be 100X greater than mine. Keep it up!

    David Gold

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  6. Hi, David,

    I feel your determined spirit as I read your blog. Stay determined!

    I have CP, and am a card sender like your Mom. She told me to come meet you on this blog.I love it!

    Let's stay in touch!

    Sandy Morgan

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  7. Hi David and family. I found this blog through You Tube while working on a power point presentation for school. Thank you for posting your story and sharing with others. I had never heard of Dystonia before, and plan to continue to learn more and keep up with your blog. I hope all is well and that your surgery is going well! Courtney

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