Bridlington boy's surgery hopes dashed
A BOY who has a rare disorder which causes his limbs to dislocate up to 70 times a day has been told he cannot have life-changing surgery until he stops growing.
Alex Nolan, 13, of Bridlington, who has hypermobility syndrome, travelled to London with his parents expecting to undergo pioneering keyhole surgery.
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SHATTERED DREAMS: Alex Nolan, of Bridlington, who suffers from hypermobility syndrome, with mum Julie and dad Andrew
They hoped it would stabilise movement in his shoulders and knees, to stop them from dislocating.
Instead, after a series of consultations, doctors told Alex his only option is to undergo gruelling daily physiotherapy sessions until the age of 18.
It comes after four years of coping with the condition which has got so bad in the past month it has prevented Alex from going to school.
Despite resting, his shoulders dislocate without warning between 60 and 70 times per day, and his knees also give way, causing him to collapse.
The condition is caused by the muscle not being strong enough to hold the joint, something which may change as his body develops.
Today, his dad Andrew, 40, of Edwardian Drive, Bridlington, said Alex has been left “gutted” after being told he will have to wait for surgery.
He said: “We were under the impression after all this time the surgery would be going ahead.
“But after looking at him, the doctors just said surgery won't help him.
“It's a major blow for us all because we were all hoping the surgery would change his life, but those dreams have now been shattered.”








4 Comments
by linda, thirsk
Thursday, July 17 2008, 7:31PM
“knew this boy over four years ago just as he was starting to experience problems with his joints... he is a lovely,warm hearted and kind young man, who doesnt deserve this in his life. i hope that he can see this stage in his life through with as little hassle as possible, and i wish him well. And i can see him fullfilling his dream of becoming a chef in years to come.... come on Alex show them what your made of ....
auntie linda”
by sharon, hull
Wednesday, July 16 2008, 3:09PM
“Has anyone give thought to how much pain this boy is in and the fact that he's missing out on so much of his life. I myself and my 14 year old son have dislocating knees but nothing in comparison to this young lad. A friend of mine had surgery after only two knee dislocations and that seems to have sorted out her problem. I hope doctors change their mind about the surgery and at least give this lad a chance and a bit of hope. I wish him well for the future. Good luck”
by Marge, Hull
Wednesday, July 16 2008, 7:57AM
“I highly doubt any doctor would give such an impression. It only makes sense to have him wait to stop growing, this is the case with many surgeries. As unfortunate as their situation is, I wouldn't say it's newsworthy.”
by Peter, Uig
Wednesday, July 16 2008, 6:58AM
“I'm sure the doctors are right if they say the lad can't have this treatment yet, but who raised his hopes before anything was certain?”