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This is Elias and he was born with Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita (AMC for short). It basically means he was born with little to no muscle and his joints (his main ones are shoulders, knees, elbows and wrists) are fixated either at a flexed or extended position. He’s gone through serial casting from the time of birth to about 4 years old to help straighten out his flexed knee and start stretching his feet. He started PT and OT to get continuous help with physical and fine motor skills. In February of 2017 Eli had received his first surgery to cut the Achilles Tendon to help with getting more rotation in his foot and to help lay flat. At about 3 years old, the doctor felt like it was time to talk about surgery for his legs and hips but the more conversations and questions I made of it, the more it seemed like the doctor we were seeing in Sacramento kept getting more unsure about it. Our last visit we made out there, Eli’s lower extremities doctor gave the option of amputating Elias’ right leg (the fixated one) because other than that, it would never be where a normal leg would be (even with surgery). I left that appointment feeling so uncomfortable and defeated, feeling like Eli was never going to get the treatment that he needed, he wasn’t nearly on the same level of other kids with AMC and their treatment journeys. I seen some posts on a Facebook group about a Doctor in Florida that specializes in AMC and so I gave them a call to ask questions and I was emailing them on and off for about 2 months. It took me almost a year to get enough money for the flights, the hotel stay, taking the time off, and saving money for the actual consultation. Eli’s insurance would not pay for any of the consultations (we had 3 when we went out) because I was seeing an outside doctor. FINALLY though, on October 3rd 2019 we got the amazing news that this new doctor in Florida can get Elias to start walking!!! Right now, I’m currently in the process of changing Eli’s insurance that way there is some financial help with coverage but the sooner we can go back at there, the better. Eli is in the prime age for getting this lengthy surgery done so we are trying to get back out there no later than mid January. Unfortunately this time around, I have to be out there for about 5 weeks for healing time and to get Eli started with PT and OT out there at this facility. I have tried breaking it down as accurate as I can for this entire stay; including hotel, airfare, food etc. Honestly, any kind of help will be EXTREMELY appreciated and helpful. I have been waiting for this chance to see my son stand up, let alone take a first step and as nervous as I am for this, we need to take this opportunity. Thank you so much, if you’ve read this far!!