20 month old not walking scared of MD

[mummak0]

Hello,

My son is 20 months old, he never really liked tummy time could only roll from his front to his back sometimes, tbh I never really encouraged it all as I have a 12 year old we never had to do all this stuff with and I thought he will learn natural. He has never crawled but has been able to sit by himself from around 6 months (I think) l. He started to bum shuffle around 12/13 months and has been doing that ever since. He can now stand by himself but quite unsteadily, he stand up at the furniture but the way he gets up is very strange more like pulls body up then moves feet close to the furniture. when he wants to sit on say a small chair he would go to it and put his leg on it he wouldn't think to stand then sit. He has only attempted the stairs a handful of times safe to say he wouldn't even be able to climb them. I am petrified if muscular dystrophy. He is progressing but just very slowly and oh yea he is very wobbly on his feet. He will walk if I have his hand or hands but he is very unsteady. Does anyone share any similar experiences. When standing he is quite steady but you can see his like hip area is quite wobbly. I was supposed to take him for a CK blood test but to be honest I'm so scared of the outcome. I know that's slightly selfish and I will re arrange the appointment. Just want some reassurance maybe or advice?

Thank you in advance

My ds2 was a late walker, he was about 20 months when he started walking. His balance isn't great still and he's 2.5
I'm (probably unfairly) comparing him to older ds though who was always ahead of milestones . He walked at 11 months. Hopefully your HV can give some further guidance.

Just to add, both my boys were treated for hip dysplasia and it's amazing how it affected one (milestone wise) and not the other
Did your ds ever get checked for it? We have family history which is why ours were checked. Hopefully you'll get answers soon.

There are a few things that could cause late working as the PPs prove, I wouldn't automatically jump to Muscular Dystrophy

There are so many causes for late walking and physical development and MD is not the most likely by far... it tends to present later..in early childhood rather than as a baby.
My DS2 didn't walk until he was well over two years old. Didn't crawl til he was 18m. He was tested for neuromuscular diseases (had a muscle biopsy) and some abnormalities were found but not diagnostic. He was very floppy from birth and diagnosed with congenital hypotonia (poor muscle tone)
He had physio and AFOS (leg braces) and gradually improved.
He still has a weird walk and is uncoordinated but gets around fine day to day.

Get him checked out... MD is unlikely, there are lots of milder issues that cause delays in physical development and being seen means help sooner!

Thank you for your replies.

I suppose I just got myself at it, and you’re right I will contact my doctors in the morning incase any other investigations need to be done.

He actually took 3 steps but refuses to do anymore now, he just doesn’t want to lol.

:)

How long ago did he take the 3 steps? Sometimes it can be a couple of weeks until they walk again.

I also have similar worries about my DD (not specifically MD but just that there’s something wrong). She is 22 months and still not pulling to stand, doesn’t usually stand independently, never tried to climb stairs and just seems to have no interest in walking.

We have been seeing a physio since 19 months but haven’t had other medical investigations yet. I’m worried about putting her through tests like a muscle biopsy if nothing turns out to be wrong. The physio says she has low muscle tone but doesn’t know if it’s due to the bum shuffling or a more serious issue.

@wishIwasonholiday10 has she had any other referrals apart from physio?

@CadyEastman No, we took her to the GP at 17 months and he only referred us to physio but we are talking about going back and trying to get a referral to paediatrics. I was thinking to do this when she turns 2 if no improvement.

Hey OP,

if you don’t mind me asking, how have you guys been since then?

My little one started walking at 21 months ! We are doing well, a bit slow at climbing but he is well on his way!!! Happened out of no where tbf I never thought he would. This is without any intervention of physio etc x

Amazing news! Glad to hear you’re both doing so well.