worried about my children - Multiple Sclerosis Message Board

StotzMSer512 · 04-28-2008, 07:05 AM

this is the issue...my great aunt had MS, my aunt has MS and i have MS. I have two daughters...the ones grandmother on her fathers side has MS as well...i was doing research and although they dont think MS is hereditary..i found this out...if a father has MS the child has a 1 in 100 percent chance of having it..if the mother has MS the child has a 1 in 50 percent chance. It didnt say anything about a grandmother but, i am worried my children are going to have MS. What are you inputs on MS and being hereditary, and how do i cope with this. I know the effects of MS and i wish it upon nobody, i pray my children do not develope MS, it is a horrible disease.

MSJayhawk · 04-28-2008, 09:12 AM

Needless worry will cause undue stress. Because there is no cure, no vaccine, no way of knowing how to avoid MS- there should be no worry over a non-fatal disease. There was no history in my family of MS until my case. This can mean something or nothing. As a parent, worrying about the well-being of our children is part of being a parent. MS is not fatal, it just slows you down. For me, I lay my burdens before God and never look back. Worry does not emanate from God and profits no person.

Nenu · 04-28-2008, 11:28 AM

Same thing, I was the first in my family. A history maker I guess? I don't believe it to be as hereditary as some do.

Bearygood · 04-28-2008, 11:54 AM

Nenu, please note that there is a large distinction between hereditary and genetic. There is evidence out there to support a genetic component may certainly be in play in some instances. This could mean a predisposition passed down or even possibly a mutated gene. I definitely subscribe to this although I do not think it's the case in all. You probably know from my posts that I believe we did not all get here the same way.

StotzMSer512, the last research I remember reading on this actually said that the risk is higher from the paternal side. As one example, in 2006 it was reported from a very reputable source that men transmit multiple sclerosis (MS) to their children 2.2 times more often. That said, you will find that a lot of things you read about MS contradict each other. One thing is for sure though -- it is certainly NOT a given that if you have MS, your children will get it, man OR woman! While I do understand your concern, I hope you can find a peaceful place to not be consumed by it.

Nenu · 04-28-2008, 12:41 PM

My bad, poor choice of word. In any case, I don't believe this was the result of my family, or what I was born into as far as my family goes... but no one really knows so hey!