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9 month old boy - big delay in development

32 replies

Moonshine160 · 29/12/2019 21:05

Hi. I’m not sure if I’m writing on the correct section but I feel lost and don’t know where to turn to. Our gorgeous little boy is 9.5 months old. As a bit of background... Up until he was 3 months old he would only ever look to the right when lay on his back, this is now resolved and his neck movements are now fine but it was picked up that he has a curved spine. X rays were done and we were told that there is no abnormality, just a slight curve that won’t impact his development and he won’t need to be seen again. We were happy that there was nothing wrong. But now at 9 months old he still cannot sit unsupported not even for a few seconds, he cannot roll, no signs of crawling and his legs buckle if we try to get him to bear his own weight while holding him. If he’s in his high chair he just slumps to one side and can’t hold himself up. I have phoned the health visitors who have told me I need to wait for the 10 month review, but their next availability isn’t going to be until near 11 months. I have phoned the GP in the hope for another appointment to get re-referred to hospital but they have said I need to wait to speak to the health visitor. My instincts tell me there is something wrong with my little boy but nobody seems to want to help. It seems that he has no core strength whatsoever, we try lots of tummy time etc but nothing ever progresses. Anyone in a similar situation or know what this might mean? I’ve been reading so much online and there’s mention of cerebral palsy amongst other things and I’m so worried.

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Moonshine160 · 15/01/2020 22:03

Hi everyone. Just thought I’d update you all.
We saw the osteopath last week and feel slightly reassured. She said his muscle fine is very good, just how she would expect it to be at his age and his strength is not an issue. She also observed that his fine motor skills are good. She thinks the reason he can’t sit is because of his curved spine which is also affecting his ribs, his body just naturally leans one way and he’s struggling to hold himself straight. This combined with him having a large head (98th percentile but the rest of him is quite slim) is causing balance issues. She did say that I need to keep persisting with the hospital because she is still concerned about the curvature of his spine and that it is worse since she last saw him. I’m not getting anywhere at all with the hospital and they haven’t seen him since September so I’ve had no choice but to make a complaint in writing. I don’t like to be that person but I’m getting nowhere!

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greatandpowerfulozma · 17/01/2020 19:21

Hey Moonshine be that person! No one wants to do it but sadly you need to to get yr baby the help the need. Go for it. Thanks for updating x

Moonshine160 · 17/01/2020 20:07

The head of paediatrics phoned me today after I made a complaint and he is going to be seen next week by a senior consultant. Hopefully he will then get the help he needs!

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itsgettingweird · 18/01/2020 08:39

Well done for pushing.

I know what you mean about hating to be that person. But it can work!

I fear with our current nhs and education services it really is gonna be "he who shouts loudest gets heard" Sad

Moonshine160 · 03/02/2020 10:41

Hi all. Thought I would update again. Not sure if I should be writing a new post or not because my mind is in overdrive. I am so worried.
We saw a senior consultant a week ago and DS has been referred for physio, unfortunately the waiting list is 4 months long. He is 1 next month and still can’t sit or roll. He doesn’t even make attempts to try and move or pull himself up holding onto things. The consultant didn’t think it is CP as his fine motor skills are good. She has said that if physio is unsuccessful or if further concerns are raised then he is going to be referred for an MRI scan on his brain. I don’t even want to think about what this might mean. She did mention that he has ‘increased extensor axial tone’ possibly due to his posture from having reflux in the past and this could be a reason why he doesn’t sit up. But to me that still doesn’t explain why he doesn’t roll or move around :(
I’m just so worried. I can’t see him ever being able to sit up.

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greatandpowerfulozma · 03/02/2020 13:15

It's great he's been referred for physio. I know this is fairly useless advice but do try not to tie yourself up in knots. MRI scans are a pretty standard investigation tools when they look at developmental delays. I don't think they necessarily mean anything sinister.
At least you're "in the system" now. Keep loving him and playing with him and chasing the medical people. You can't do anymore xx

BabyAO · 12/09/2023 16:49

Hello my son is very similar in his development.
what happened in the end? Did your son improve after physio input xx

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