Josh’s Italian Lifeline

Hi there, thank you for taking the time to read Josh’s story

In June 2023, our eldest son Josh developed a limp which we didn’t think was serious, however, after it persisted and worsened, he was sent for an X-Ray at the John Radcliffe Hospital where it was discovered that he had “Avascular Necrosis”. Another term is “Perthes disease”. In simpler terms, a lack of blood was getting to his hip resulting in the head of his femur collapsing. Devastating for any child but Josh was particularly affected as he was a keen footballer, rugby player and had recently developed a passion for boxing. He was told with immediate effect to use crutches and that he couldn’t participate in any sports for the foreseeable future.

After months of physio/hydrotherapy, continuous X-Rays shown that his femur was collapsing more and more and at risk of slipping out of the hip socket, forcing them to book Josh in for an emergency “shelf procedure” operation in March 2024

We thought this would help Josh start a road to recovery, and even though we were informed about the risks of surgery, we never expected what was to come.

The shelf procedure was carried out successfully, however during his operation his sciatic and femoral nerves were damaged, leaving Josh in unbearable pain. He was discharged 5 days later and spent the next month back and forward to hospital in excruciating agony.

Since March Josh has been on an intense therapy programme to try and keep his leg strong whilst the nerves try to heal, however we noticed his progress stagnated.

In July, Josh was diagnosed with CRPS. A rare chronic pain condition where his brain causes his left leg and foot to flare up in severe pain. This has caused a myriad of issues which has halted his progression.

Due to this, his brain rejects the exercises which he needs to do, meaning he isn’t improving and is stuck on crutches as he can’t rest his left foot on the floor, therefore he can’t do the normal things a teenager should be doing.

After some extensive research we came across “Scrambler Therapy”. A form of therapy that sends electrodes to a pain area to trick the brain into stopping the pain signals. After researching the availability in America, Ireland, Germany and Italy we managed to speak to Dr Roscario in Italy who explained the process. We have sent Joshs records off and after a long and anxious wait, we are delighted to say he’s been approved for treatment .

Josh has had a torturous 18 months.

He has lost friends, been unable to do normal activities (although he’s gotten really good at Fortnite), missed out on football trips to Gibraltar, missed almost a whole year of school, had holidays cancelled, has had to receive emotional therapy not to mention the constant pain he finds himself in. If we can try something which would help get his life back then we are willing to do anything.

The therapy in Italy seems the most popular, most likely due to the cost being cheaper than the other places and the success rate seems positive, we have only read one story where it hasn’t been successful.

To keep costs down we are hoping for Josh to travel with just his Mum as he has 2 brothers who’ll need watched at home by Dad! The 2 week stay including 10 days of therapy is approximately £5,000.

We are awaiting dates but are told the next bookings will be for March/April 2025.

If anyone would like to donate to help us fund Josh’s therapy then we, and him would be truly grateful, we would never ask and if we had more time would try to save ourselves, it has estimated to have already cost us around £8,000 since his diagnoses due to missed work and everything else we’ve had to pay for like wheelchairs, special clothing/equipment, travelling etc.

Thanks again for reading it’s really appreciated.

Sam, Anne and Boys.