[JustAmy]

Hope this makes sense but this is what Grandpa told me.

Richie has Acute Flaccid Myelitis. It is similar to polio but not polio. Basically no treatment for it but supportive care. They said it may be a virus but don’t know for sure. It is very rare.

Because it damages the spinal cord it also damages the heart by sometimes causing the heart rate to drop to a rate that can be fatal. Local doctors and doctors from Stanford are all in agreement to put in a pacemaker but say it does not always work.

Brian is at odds about putting his son through all of this but Grandpa thinks Brian is in shock and is very angry. Brian and Shannon will need to make this decision. I have mixed emotions, I say if there is a chance it will help, do it BUT what if he doesn’t survive the surgery?

I have been crying and praying for two hours.

Father, please hold Richie in Your healing arms and restore him to perfect health. Amen

Thank you all for your prayers. The family and I certainly appreciate them.

[Robert DeLong]

I say prayer only, if that does not cure Ritchie, then God has other plans for little Ritchie.

[Jane Long]

I am so sorry to hear this, Amy.

Prayers will continue for our sweet Richie.

Will they be getting additional opinions? I know this is a very difficult time, for all of them.

Lord, please lift up little Richie and heal the gray matter in his spinal cord...make it new and vital, again.

We ask these things in your Holy name.

[greeneyes]

Prayers up for This poor little boy and his family. So sad.

[Phillyred]

Oh dear...we continue to pray for the little guy! Where is the hospital? Are there any better experts out of state that he could see?

[radu]

Oh my goodness! I’m so sorry to learn this is what has knocked Richie for a loop. It’s been showing up around the country and they don’t know where it came from.

I recently saw a piece on TV about a young girl who was struck with it and she’s getting some movement back now. Praying hard that this will be the case for Richie soon.

[annalex]

Jesus Christ our Lord. We pray for healing for Thy ailing servant Richie.

May Thy will be done.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, amen.

[Kathy in Alaska]

Prayer Warriors...heavy duty prayers needed for Richie and his family.

https://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/3717837/posts?page=1525#1525

[gibsosa]

Praying hard for you, little one.

[Songcraft]

Amy, our prayers and tears mingle with yours, as little Richie deals with these heart-wrenching troubles and struggles, and we pray for his healing.   As with all of life's struggles, and ups and downs, the best we can do about any serious illness, is to pray about it, seek the path of care we think is best, then leave it all in the hands of God.   I pray that God continues to give you strength and Divine help, as you and the family, and everyone, struggle right there along with Richie. God bless Richie, and all of you.

[TheConservativeParty]

So sorry for all your sorrow and that of his mommy and daddy. He is the cutest kid, that picture at the first page shows a very special little boy. I still suspect the vaccines started the trouble. When I was a kid we got very few vaccines.

[TaxPayer2000]

Praying with you...

[Tired of Taxes]

JustAmy, I’m praying for Richie.

I hope the parents are seeking a 2nd opinion, too.
Maybe they can call Kennedy Krieger in Baltimore, if they haven’t already...

In the video below, the little boy around Richie’s age is home now, but still on a breathing tube. The mom has been told to take him to the Kennedy Krieger Center in Baltimore:

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/family-fights-to-save-son-from-polio-like-disease/vi-BBTPXAk

Kennedy Krieger Center - AFM:
https://www.kennedykrieger.org/patient-care/conditions/acute-flaccid-myelitis-afm

There are other news stories out there. One is a news story about a 4mo baby girl. That one mentions IVIG treatments for the AFM (but maybe Richie already receives them?)

Maybe parents of children with AFM connect and share info with each other...

Prayers continue...

[caww]

Hello Amy.....I've been watching the developments and so very sorry this couple is facing such a difficult decision. What I do know is whatever they decide God will be with them and so should all their friends and family. This affliction is often brought on by a virus/infection. As you know the outlook isn't favorable for the long haul. Therefore I sooo sympathize with the father for wanting to 'protect' his son from suffering....

Let's pray together,...... Lord Jesus it is so very hard to understand these extreme and difficult positions when those we care about face decisions which are beyond our ability to relate unless we ourselves have faced these. ....But you know the way in which you want this wee one to go, and his parents, and so we ask that your wisdom would be given them to do exactly according to your will for this dear child. Help them to see your way through the fog of uncertainty as they struggle on this path...and give all those standing with them the love and understanding they will need for the parents as and when it's needed most..... ..And Lord bring your loving and sustaining hands to the aide of this little child whom we know you love more than any can. Carry him through this as you will and desire so that your will and purposes are entirely fulfilled.

We lift to you all surrounding this child completely into your hands as well..and may all be touched to see your face. And this for your glory and honor....In your name we pray...Amen.

P.S. And Amy I leave with you these flowers, a scented candle and a window to gaze out of to comfort your tears...He sees every one.

[Velveeta]

Prayers for little Richie and for you all.

[Silentgypsy]

I have a similar autonomic cardiovascular anomaly. I’m old, still here, and can’t figure out how or why. Keep the faith. Prayers up for Richie.

[Yaelle]

Praying hard. Poor baby boy. So unfair. Full healing I pray.

[Kathy in Alaska]

Prayers of peace and healing continue for Richie, his family, and his doctors.

Fight On!!

[spirited irish]

Prayers for healing, strength, and comfort sent!

[trebb]

Dear Lord, You have Richie in Your hands and Richie will be the stronger from being so very close to you...but Richie’s parents and those who love him and them will be sorely tested as this plays out and I ask you to give them the strength of faith in Your goodness. Father, don’t let the adults ignore the example being set by the child and fall into despair and second-guessing...please place Your loving arms around them and help them cope with what they see as a needless slap against an innocent and beautiful child...give them strength and peace and allow them to appreciate Your goodness as they watch over Richie and his struggles...make them stronger.

[TianaHighrider]

Amen.

Found this :::
An infection precedes the onset of transverse myelitis about 50% of the time. Transverse myelitis often develops following viral infections such as varicella zoster (the virus that causes chicken pox and shingles), herpes simplex, cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr, influenza, echovirus, HIV, hepatitis A, and rubella.

---

Rubella is on of the vaccinations they give children.say to vaccinate children against polio to ‘help ‘ not get it. So I wonder if polio vaccine isn’t a risk too.

2018 is the first case of it!!

https://www.michigan.gov/som/0,4669,7-192-29942_34762-484888—,00.html