The Day Alfred Diagnosis With Achondroplasia

Alfred had his routine monthly checkup just like other babies in Malaysia does. I send Alfred for monthly checkup at government hospital on the early days when he was a month old. As told by my in-law, the government services have been improved and we could save up by avoiding going private which the bill will be costly. At that time, we thought it would be ok since KS brother son whom also does his monthly routine checkup there getting no hassle. Alfred was not diagnosed yet with achon, so we agreed. At Alfred first time checkup, it was done by nurses who checked him thoroughly from his head till his toe. I thought it would be good. At the last stage, Alfred was checked by a doctor who declared Alfred is in good health. In our country, baby monthly checkup was done by nurses in government hospital. They only referred to doctor when they noticed the baby grow development is not in sequent. His development is rather slow compare to other babies and he is far away behind the scale of normal baby growth. When Alfred was 4 months old, he was referred to pediatric doctor. Doctor Vimal, who treated Alfred at that time, told us that she wanted to do an x-ray for Alfred because he was showing the signs of dwarfism. We were stunned. After an x-ray was done, Doctor Vimal announce Alfred was confirmed having Achondroplasia. We were speechless, what is Achondroplasia? She started to elaborate on the result of the x-ray and his physical appearance. Alfred hands are short with stubby fingers and a separation between the middle and ring fingers. His feet are generally short, broad and flat. His head is larger than normal babies. She showed us a picture of an achondroplasia child and Alfred had the similar features. My tears began to drop. I was so heartbroken. He means the whole world to me. Dr. Vimal drag my back to the room, she comfort us by telling us there is cases like Alfred in Malaysia. Alfred might have complication and might not have them. She didn’t mention much about Alfred condition and I know I will have to find more information later. Alfred will be monitored once every 3 months. Other than x-ray, no other tests have been taken on him.