Boy walks tall for Christmas after surgery

A SEVEN-YEAR-OLD boy who suffers from a rare disorder of bone growth was “walking tall” this Christmas Day having gained about an inch in height from a recent operation at Our Lady’s Hospital for Sick Children in Crumlin.

Two years ago, Conor Coughlan, from Ballinhassig, Co Cork, was diagnosed with spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia – a rare disorder of bone growth.

The condition results in curvature of the spine and causes breathing difficulties. The youngster needs “growing rods” in his back to straighten his spine. He has to undergo surgery every six months to have the rods lengthened as he grows bigger.

Conor’s case hit the headlines earlier this year when a vital operation he was due to have in May was delayed. A hip operation was finally secured for August after some intense campaigning on the behalf of his parents, Con and Mary.

Out of sheer desperation, Mary contacted her local TD, Simon Coveney, asking him to raise Conor’s plight in the Dáil. During an Oireachtas debate in June the Cork South Central TD said that keeping children with severe spinal conditions on waiting lists for longer than six months was tantamount to “state imposed child abuse”.

Yesterday, Con Coughlan said his he was overjoyed at the progress of his son over recent weeks.

“Conor got up on Christmas morning and walked the whole day... He used to move and sway and now he is walking straighter. He walked in to Mass. We are so happy it is unreal... We are glad he is in the system and being taken care of. We are hoping he will be walking to school after Christmas.”

Conor has also gained about an inch since his hip operation in August.

Arising out of his condition, Conor will have to contend with a number of physical problems as he grows older but his parents say they will continue to “fight their corner” in relation to Conor’s care.

Con and Mary have been very vocal in their protest against cutbacks at Crumlin Hospital.

Mr Coughlan said it was heartbreaking that parents should have to struggle to see that their child receive their most basic rights.

“All the families are just trying to come together. We started a little campaign and it gained momentum. You have to fight your corner for your child. Conor having this [surgery] has taken a lot of the pressure off.”