NF2?

[terisandler]

Just made an appointment for genetic counseling next Thursday morning...Going to discuss all my various symptoms which taken separately mean nothing but one of my PCPs once told me she suspected I have a genetic problem found in people whose heritage is Ashkenazi (European) Jewish...

[terisandler]

So I filled out pretty comprehensive medical and family history forms for my appointment.  Some of the questions were baffling:  like asking the sex of each parent and whether or not each had children.  Shouldn't the answers to those be no brainers?

[nftwoed]

Hi;
    I think yes, they are "no brainers", but legally necessary in the USA today because we have homosexuals marrying and adopting, or surrogating children.
   From what I've heard, some of the kids school forms list Parent # 1, or Parent # 2.

[terisandler]

I had my appointment with the genetic counselor today:  I don't show the classic signs of NF2 or any other genetic condition.  It is possible I have mosaic NF2 but that is hard to test for other than a biopsy of the tumor (mine is still in my head).  If I do have the mosaic form my children & grandchildren are not at risk.  If I want to pursue this further, I can go to a NF practice in Indianapolis (100 miles away).  Somehow, I do not think it is worth pursuing any further. 

[nftwoed]

Hi;

   Actually, many people are at heightened risk because they may have inherited a once mutated NF-2 gene from a parent. One mutation is not enough to cause the disease, NF-2; So, if it's in the family, the tendency starts generations back.
   To have the full blown disease requires at least 2 mutations, or an NF-2 gene deletion. 1/40,000 occurence rate.
   Single AN occurence rate is about 1/5,000, but lifetime chance of gaining a single AN is 1/100,000. Aren't math and statistics great?  : )
   These type statistics mess my head up.
   Opthalmics is hard to remember and the refraction correction use inverse math and physics.

[Susan A]

Having a mosaic form doesn't mean you can't pass it on to your children - just that the chances are reduced. However, if you do pass it on, your kids don't have the mosaic form, they have the full-blown form which is more severe. I have a mosaic genetic defect, and do not appear to have passed it on to either of my kids.

[terisandler]

Well, the genetic counselor was pretty adamant about sticking to her guidelines and apparently I don't meet any of  them.  She also indicated that the only way to tell might be by a biopsy of the AN, which is still in my head and I don't plan on brain surgery.  I have multiple lipomas and would be happy to sacrifice one of them if a biopsy of it would show whether or not I have a mosaic form.  I have too much going on to schlep 200 miles or more round trip to see the NF specialist.  I've closed the book on the question of NF2.

[Pam Fraley]

Teri,

I think you made a good choice regarding the NF2.

Pam

[nftwoed]

Hi
   "only way to tell might". Thats a very large "might". I think your decision was right.

[terisandler]

Thanks.  It's always nice to get validation and positive feedback!