The Muscular Dystophy Association website defines Limb Girdle MD as
Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD) isn’t really one disease. It’s a group of disorders affecting voluntary muscles, mainly those around the hips and shoulders. The shoulder girdle is the bony structure that surrounds the shoulder area, and the pelvic girdle is the bony structure surrounding the hips. Collectively, these are called the limb girdles, and it is the muscles connected to the limb girdles that are the most affected in LGMD.
The term proximal is also used to describe the muscles that are most affected in LGMD. The proximal muscles are those closest to the center of the body; distal muscles are farther away from the center (for example, in the hands and feet). The distal muscles are affected late in LGMD, if at all.
The Muscular Dystrophy Association website explains the signs and symptoms of Limb Girdle MD as
LGMD, like other muscular dystrophies, is primarily a disorder of voluntary muscles. These are the muscles you use to move the limbs, neck, trunk and other parts of the body that are under voluntary control. Over time, muscle weakness and atrophy can lead to limited mobility and an inability to raise the arms above the shoulders.
The involuntary muscles, except for the heart (which is a special type of involuntary muscle), aren’t affected in LGMD. Digestion, bowel, bladder and sexual function remain normal. The brain, intellect and senses also are unaffected in LGMD. Cardiopulmonary complications sometimes occur in later stages of the disease.
Liam’s doctors have explained that with close monitoring of his heart, lung function and diet he can potentially live a long life. He should expect to use a wheelchair, potentially need a pace maker, and a Cpap machine at night by his early teen years. No one really knows what the future holds.