I just discovered my child has Achondroplasia, i need to know about limb-lengthing?

Question

i hope this site can help me
I just discovered my unborn child may have Achondroplasia dwarfism. I already know I want to have limb-lengthing surgery. are there any serious dangers. have any parents done this

Answer 1

First, you need to calm down. You cannot make a decision regarding limb lengthening surgery before your child is even born. You need to focus on accepting and loving your child first and foremost.
Leg lengthening surgery is not for everyone. It involves years of pain and many surgeries. If your child is a "little person" they must learn to love themselves as they are because even if they have the surgery, they will still have all the characteristics of a little person.
Calm down and focus on what is important - you and your baby.
Go to this website for support but please accept your child for who he/she is.
Congratulations on the upcoming birth of your beautiful baby!

Answer 2

You should really do a lot of research before deciding to put your child through it. It will add a few inches to their height and can lengthen the arms, too, but it won't change the fact that they have achondroplasia - there is evidence that some children who have had the procedure have had additional problems because their bodies are not built to manage well with longer legs, and it can cause gait problems and spine problems.

Although it's "easy" for me to say because I don't have a child with dwarfism, I'd suggest just adapting to the condition and let your kid grow up without feeling there is something wrong with him or her. Most people with dwarfism are happy and healthy if they grow up in a home where they are accepted just as they are.

Answer 3

Congrats on the upcoming birth of your baby!!

I would like to first direct you to my blog. My son has achondroplasia, he is almost a year old.
http://blogsmonroe.com/disability

As far as LL, I would urge you to first be more concerned about the immediate danger to you unborn child. Their short stature is of the least concern right now. There are things that you and the doctor's need to be watching unitl and after the baby is born.

Please feel free to contact me!!

Answer 4

As a person WITH Achon.- I would urge you to think VERY CAREFULLY about what you're considering putting your child through... At BEST- ALL you would be doing is adding a few Inches to his/her frame- at the cost of a LOT of $$$ & discomfort... -And is it WORTH all that, to be 4'9"- instead of 4'5" ??? Love your child for she/he IS- NOT for who you THINK they should be... Good luck...-sounds like you're going to need it.... ... .