Back in November 2010 we shared here an article about a little 8-year-old girl, Gabby Gingras, who couldn’t feel any pain due to mysterious syndrome called HSAN Type V.
Mystery Syndrome: The 13-year-old Joshua Parson Feels No pain, Cry Tears or Sweat |
Now another case came in spotlight in Australia where a 13-year-old Leopold boy was born with an undiagnosed syndrome that means he can't feel pain, cry tears or sweat.
The syndrome also affects his growth and muscle tone.
Joshua’s mother Leanne described Joshua as a "mystery man" and hoped this week's visit to Monash Children's Hospital could provide the subtle diagnosis.
To send him off in style, Portarlington Police visited Grovedale College with the police helicopter and 4WD.
Mrs Parson said Joshua's Barwon Valley School, which is annexed through Grovedale's campus, had been a big support throughout his stints in hospital.
In March he spent five weeks at Monash including three days in intensive care and was given a 20 per cent chance of survival.
Mrs Parson said Joshua had 1.1m of bowel removed and fought off pneumonia before being released and heading straight to his first Geelong Cats game at Skilled Stadium.
"It's been a long year but he's great, he never complains, he does so well," she said.
"The police visit is a nice treat he likes police (television) shows, and even the hospital ones."
After happily telling the Geelong Advertiser he'd been "really sick" for a long time, Joshua delighted in getting amongst his classmates and hamming it up with the cops.
Brother Nick, 10, said while he had to go easy on Joshua, he was a great brother and he just wanted him to get well.
Mrs Parson said she knew something was wrong when Joshua was born "floppy" and developed a blood condition within a week.