BiographyAlbert was born at 34 weeks due to complications with mum's Type 1 Diabetes. Albert was late meeting all his regular milestones - rolling by himself, sitting unaided, crawling/walking etc but this initially was put down to him being born pre term. When it came to having his 2 and half year health check, he was unable to complete certain tasks, such as jumping but again, there weren't too many concerns and it was decided in a couple of months he'd be checked again.
While he was at nursery from age 3, they noticed he was struggling to get up from a sitting position from the floor and climbing stairs was becoming an issue and at home we had noticed that he had a "strange" walk. His speech was also delayed and we would also comment on his large calves! From the symptoms he was showing, he was referred to the local paediatrician, who performed a number of tests and a blood test was done. That afternoon we received a phone call to say his CK levels were elevated and they were going to be sent off for further testing and we should go to our local hospital where they were expecting us. The consultant there explained he was showing symptoms of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. We had a 5 week wait to have his diagnosis confirmed - our lives changed forever.
Albert came off his feet just before his 8th birthday. Three months later he received his first powered wheelchair and it his been a game changer for him! He amazes us every day, he's the happiest little boy and just takes everything in his stride. We have recently moved house to accommodate his needs and it really has made a huge difference to him and his independence. He starts a new school in September which he is really looking forward to and will be more suitable for his needs. He is amazing and we're so proud of him for how he has dealt with our new normal.
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