Complicated neurological surgery that will give the best results right now

Wojtus has been showing signs of increased muscle tension since birth, however paediatricians, neurologists and physiotherapists kept ensuring us that this happens to some children and that thanks to rehabilitation it can go away. It cannot. Shortly after Wojtus’s 1st birthday and many months of seeing multiple specialists, he has been diagnosed with Spastic Quadriplegia Cerebral Palsy. The diagnosis has shattered all our dreams about our son’s happy and carefree childhood. The disability will stay with him all his life and will always limit him in many ways. Our world has fallen apart.

Wojtus is 2,5 years old and still unable to walk or crawl. The spasticity that is affecting mostly his legs, started deforming his body. X-ray has shown first symptoms of hip dislocations caused by intense muscle tension. Luckily, a possibility of treating spasticity has become recently available – a ray of hope that Wojtus will one day stand walk.

A few months ago we have found out that the treatment that could help cure spasticity that is slowing down Wojtus’s growth and development, exists and is called SDR – Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy. It is a complicated neurosurgical procedure that selectively destroys problematic nerve roots in the spinal cord. It significantly and permanently relieves negative symptoms of Spastic Quadriplegia. We have then found out that the most known for performing SDR are specialists at the Center for Cerebral Palsy Spasticity at St. Louis Children’s Hospital, under the direction of Dr T.S. Park.

We have reached out to the hospital in St. Louis and sent the necessary documentation. After a few weeks of waiting we have received Dr Park’s reply – Wojtus qualifies for the procedure! This procedure is a huge opportunity for him, a chance to eliminate the spasticity and prevent any further deformations which in a long run would cause him a lot of pain and multiple other orthopaedic operations. A chance to stand.

After many consultations with the specialists we have learned that patients who undergo SDR surgery often need an additional surgical procedure for muscle/tendon lengthening to relieve contractures (limited motion) in their joints which can also be done in St. Louis Hospital.

We are really grateful for all your help. Through your donations we will be able to give Wojtus a chance for a normal, wonderful and independent life.