Guest guest Posted April 10, 2002 Report Share Posted April 10, 2002 Robbin,I think our family trees are sitting in a field side by side somewhere,hope its a southern field.My moms dad always liked to stray who knows we could be related.Looking back at all the differant problems my family members have had It is amazing that I dont have something. Becki Robbin40@... wrote: > on the genetics part of JRA > maybe this is not linked but i know theres some kind of link > maybe its just coincidence or something > on s link > > s brother > he has asthma and was ADHD and unexplained fevers later called stress fevers > > my side > my brother and sisters 3 has ADHD > 1 sister has knee problems and kidney problems sleep apnea > 1 sister gets sick alot and border line diabetic and severe sleep apnea > me being the oldest of 12 brothers and sisters i think 1 doesnt have any sign > of this sleep apnea > > my moms side i am uncertain due to she was adopted > but with her health she did have the osteo arthritis and diabetes heart and > kidney problems and severe sleep apnea (died) > my dads seizures arthritis high blood pressure bone problems (died) > his sister has arthritis and heart trouble (living) > > his dad had arthritis heart problems and diabetes and asthma (died) > arthritis ran in that family > > his mom had crippling arthritis and nerve problems (died) > 1 brother died at 3 with rhuematic disease > 1 brother died at 3 with colitis > arthritis ran in that family also or bone problems > > dads side > her dad has mild arthritis and had blood clot asthma (living) > his sisters > 1 has arthritis asthma heart problems (living) > 1 has arthritis fibromayra scoliosis she had rhuematic disease as a kid > (living) > 1 has seizures arthritis and asthma (living) > > his parents > dad worked in the cotton mills healthy person lived to 86 years old > arthritis ran in his family along with breatheing problems (died) > also scoliosis is in that family > in that family all brothers and sisters have died lived up to their 70s and > 90s > > mom > she had diabetes arthritis and kidney problems (died) > arthritis ran in that family also with diabetes and asthma > in that family all brothers and sisters have died lived up to their 70s and > 80s > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 10, 2002 Report Share Posted April 10, 2002 Funny, how after reading all of the info everyone has on JRA specifically being in the family it makes all of the information I have recieved and all of the books I have read irrelevant. I do understand that there may be a link with arthritis and lupus in the family, which in my family we have both. But as far as we can go back there is no JRA or rheumatoid arthritis. And I have been reassured by docs that any other children I may have...don't need to worry they 99.9% sure others won't get it. Now I am completely confused. Should I not have anymore kids? I would never put another child...knowingly...in this situation. Anyone know the truth? Casaria __________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 10, 2002 Report Share Posted April 10, 2002 In a message dated 4/10/02 9:26:42 AM Pacific Daylight Time, smithfamilyzoo@... writes: My is the 5th of 6 children and the only one with JRA. Also, our 2 yo Sierra who was just recently thought to have JRA - is the last of our five children and the first four have no signs of JRA. In fact , our oldest is almost 14 and in the 14 years we have had children this is our first bout with any kind of illness likes this. This whole thing has thrown us for a loop. Blessings Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 10, 2002 Report Share Posted April 10, 2002 I think perhaps it is really unknown. I know that our rhuemy said it does not really run in families exactly, but rather anyone could carry the gene and something, like an injury or illness, just " flips the switch " to get it going. She did ask about psoriasis in the family because many of my sons symptoms were similar to that. He ended up being diagnosed with spondyloarthropy in addition to jra. We did not have anyone in either family diagnosed with immune system problems beyond allergies. I know that there are a few people who have more than one child with jra, and on the spondymom list there are a few with more than one with that. Since life is such a crapshoot anyway, you never quite know what you are going get, I don't know that I would not have any more kids. Had I known would have these health problems, would I not have my younger daughter Jen? My life would be missing a bright light without her. I guess what I'm trying to say is,(and of course it is your personal decision) if having more children is something you want, you should do it because you have a love for children and have room for that person in your life. My sons illness is something he has, not who he is. I do understand your point about not seeing another child in pain, but I think the possiblity is very remote. You did not give your child jra. You would not give your next child jra. Obviously, these are just my opinions and you must do what works best for you and your family. I think if you trust your drs then that, and your own feelings, are what counts. Michele Re: Genetics JRA Funny, how after reading all of the info everyone has on JRA specifically being in the family it makes all of the information I have recieved and all of the books I have read irrelevant. I do understand that there may be a link with arthritis and lupus in the family, which in my family we have both. But as far as we can go back there is no JRA or rheumatoid arthritis. And I have been reassured by docs that any other children I may have...don't need to worry they 99.9% sure others won't get it. Now I am completely confused. Should I not have anymore kids? I would never put another child...knowingly...in this situation. Anyone know the truth? Casaria __________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 10, 2002 Report Share Posted April 10, 2002 Casaria, I believe the official stand is that JRA is not a genetic disease, but there some people are genetically presidposed to getting it. With a genetic predisposition there is less likelyhood of another child having JRA than there would be if it were a " true " genetic disease. Your rheumy should be able to explain that a little bit better if it doesn't make sense. As for not having any other kids-- If you want more, go for it! The odds are that your others will not have JRA, though there are no guarantees. If it helps-- My is the 5th of 6 children and the only one with JRA. Liz Re: Genetics JRA > Funny, how after reading all of the info everyone has > on JRA specifically being in the family it makes all > of the information I have recieved and all of the > books I have read irrelevant. I do understand that > there may be a link with arthritis and lupus in the > family, which in my family we have both. But as far > as we can go back there is no JRA or rheumatoid > arthritis. And I have been reassured by docs that any > other children I may have...don't need to worry they > 99.9% sure others won't get it. Now I am completely > confused. Should I not have anymore kids? I would > never put another child...knowingly...in this > situation. Anyone know the truth? > > Casaria > > __________________________________________________ > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 10, 2002 Report Share Posted April 10, 2002 Thank you all for the info. Hopefully when we do find a rheumy that knows what they are talking about it will all be better. And as for having more kids, thanks for letting me know that you have more than one child and not all have this. Sometimes I feel so guilty about Tasie having still's. Wonder if it is something I did, to make her be like this. She is to young to have done anything to deserve it. Sometimes I wonder why she was given to me. Why would someone be blessed with a child, but have gone through a horrible marriage, that obviously didn't last, and then to have this still's on top of it. Sorry that is just me going through a pity party right now. Sometimes it is all to much. Sometimes I feel like I am being punished. I made a mistake, married a bad person, but got out of it, chose to keep my daughter, and now this. But if I look back I wouldn't change a thing. She is such a bright light in my life. I love her so much, and she has completely changed my life. Maybe some day I will remarry and we will want more kids. I know I do. Just wait and see what fate has left in store for me. Thank you all for all the support. I hope you all find yourselfs well today. Love to all, Casaria __________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 10, 2002 Report Share Posted April 10, 2002 --- Casaria Tuttle <snickers4you_2000@...> wrote: > Thank you all for the info. Hopefully when we do > find > a rheumy that knows what they are talking about it > will all be better. And as for having more kids, > thanks for letting me know that you have more than > one > child and not all have this. Sometimes I feel so > guilty about Tasie having still's. Wonder if it is > something I did, to make her be like this. She is > to > young to have done anything to deserve it. > Sometimes > I wonder why she was given to me. Why would someone > be blessed with a child, but have gone through a > horrible marriage, that obviously didn't last, and > then to have this still's on top of it. Sorry that > is > just me going through a pity party right now. > Sometimes it is all to much. Sometimes I feel like > I > am being punished. I made a mistake, married a bad > person, but got out of it, chose to keep my > daughter, > and now this. But if I look back I wouldn't change > a > thing. She is such a bright light in my life. I > love > her so much, and she has completely changed my life. > > Maybe some day I will remarry and we will want more > kids. I know I do. Just wait and see what fate has > left in store for me. > > Thank you all for all the support. I hope you all > find yourselfs well today. > > Love to all, > Casaria > dear Casaria, I'm sorry you are going through this. i hope you have family support also. how old is your daughter? My son is 3 and was dignoised with sysemtic. I sometimes feel like i have done something wrong to my son. i hate the pain he is going through right now. but there is nothing i can do here but be here for him. > __________________________________________________ > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 10, 2002 Report Share Posted April 10, 2002 , Tasie is 2 going to be 3 in May. I completely understand how you feel. It's hard. Casaria __________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 10, 2002 Report Share Posted April 10, 2002 Casaria , Truth well that can be an ellusive one but I'll tell you what I know about the genetics of JRA. I and my family are parcticipation in The Human Genome Project . This is government sponsored research and I'm not sure if any of it has be released or published yet, But because I am a participant I have been privy to a slight amount of information...and i do mean slight ! I'll try to make this a clear as mud and if you don't follow what I'm saying please email me back and I'll try to clear the debris lol . Researchers have used the blood of myself and my whole family along with many other JRAer's and their families. So far their findings are that their is a genetic link but that it is only one piece of the puzzle that says , yes you will have JRA. they know there are two other contributing factors , environmental factors , such as allergies or illness that would suppress the immune system and the third factor is believed to be viral. so: 1> Your born with a genetic prediposition for JRA 2> Environmental factors, supress the immune system 3> Viral factor comes into play at the same time that the other two things are present. The important thing to remember is that they believe there are a whole host of environmental and viral puzzle pieces that can fill the slots to activate the genetic predisposition. So the difficult part now is that a cure may be very hard to find because every case will probably be different in its origin and therefore will need an individual cure. I know it's very hard to watch and worryand anguish over your childs needs. But I'm 40 years old now and I've lived with JRA for almost all those years. I am a mom, and yes I anguished over should I have a child for most of those years and I have to admit that the worry of it , is every little ache and pain my son has , is that the beginning of this rollercoaster ride for him . With the knowledge I have now I assume that he is definitely predisposed for this disease genetically and he has severe allergies, two strikes , and what kid doesn't get virus's. We've had a few scares and I've already had him to the ped. rhummy and all was clear , so I sit now on the side of the fence of all is well and we live our lives to the fullest with my limitations, I can't imagine my life now without him. I heard a person on T.V. the other day say that if she knew her child was going to be born blind or deaf then she would abort that child to spare him/her from the suffering that they would experience the whole of their life. I was appauled at this statement , Yes I've had allot of suffering in my life but frankly it seems to bother other people way more than it bothers me!!! I look and find the positive in everything and laugh at everything else. and so far every single child and Young adult JRAer that I know basicly has the same way of dealing with their life. What a Blessing children are , even if they aren't given the easiest path sometimes. well that's my novel :):)Tree:):) Theresa Sappenfield FACES Co-Leader Facing Arthritis with Compassion, Encouragement and Support Kentuckiana's young adult and kids connection Re: Genetics JRA Funny, how after reading all of the info everyone hason JRA specifically being in the family it makes allof the information I have recieved and all of thebooks I have read irrelevant. I do understand thatthere may be a link with arthritis and lupus in thefamily, which in my family we have both. But as faras we can go back there is no JRA or rheumatoidarthritis. And I have been reassured by docs that anyother children I may have...don't need to worry they99.9% sure others won't get it. Now I am completelyconfused. Should I not have anymore kids? I wouldnever put another child...knowingly...in thissituation. Anyone know the truth?Casaria__________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 11, 2002 Report Share Posted April 11, 2002 Cassaria..look I did say that I had a doctor tell me that Tabitha got the jra from the family...it could have been from her fathers side..like I said I was told it skips generations. I honestly don't think anyone knows where or how a person gets a disease...I mean if they actually knew how and what caused a disease..you think a cure would be there also. I think for 2 children in the family is very rare..My son who was born after Tabitha does not have jra..even though his knee is bothering him, I will get it checked..hopefully it is something minor..if it is something serious I will deal with it... What is wierd is when I had my 3rd child in Dec. of 98' Tabitha was there thru the whole thing(actually..she was there for my 4th in 2000)Tabitha mentioned she was afraid that the baby would have what she did..and I told her..we would love this child and deal with whatever fate had in plan for us.. Have more children Casaria..don't let arthur make your decision for you! karen(tab17..poly) From: Casaria Tuttle <snickers4you_2000@...> Reply- Subject: Re: Genetics JRA Date: Wed, 10 Apr 2002 07:05:11 -0700 (PDT) Funny, how after reading all of the info everyone has on JRA specifically being in the family it makes all of the information I have recieved and all of the books I have read irrelevant. I do understand that there may be a link with arthritis and lupus in the family, which in my family we have both. But as far as we can go back there is no JRA or rheumatoid arthritis. And I have been reassured by docs that any other children I may have...don't need to worry they 99.9% sure others won't get it. Now I am completely confused. Should I not have anymore kids? I would never put another child...knowingly...in this situation. Anyone know the truth? Casaria __________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 12, 2002 Report Share Posted April 12, 2002 just curious how many kids do you have and the ages Robbin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 12, 2002 Report Share Posted April 12, 2002 5 kids..that why i am nutsomom5..lol Tabitha 17 15 1/2 Skyelynn 3 Breanna 3 Destiney 21 months... looking under chair..nope no more..lol! From: Robbin40@... Reply- Subject: Re: Genetics JRA Date: Fri, 12 Apr 2002 07:48:46 EDT just curious how many kids do you have and the ages Robbin _________________________________________________________________ Send and receive Hotmail on your mobile device: http://mobile.msn.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 12, 2002 Report Share Posted April 12, 2002 , My kids are 21, 20, 17, 15, 10 and 7. Large families are a lot of work, but also a lot of fun!! Enjoy-- they'll start heading out the door all too soon. My oldest graduates from college next month, another is finishing up her second year, and my 3rd leaves for school in August. My house will be too quiet! Liz Re: Genetics JRA > Date: Fri, 12 Apr 2002 07:48:46 EDT > > > just curious how many kids do you have and the ages > Robbin > > > > > _________________________________________________________________ > Send and receive Hotmail on your mobile device: http://mobile.msn.com > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 12, 2002 Report Share Posted April 12, 2002 all i can say is wow..lol!!!!!! karen From: " " <smithfamilyzoo@...> Reply- < > Subject: Re: Genetics JRA Date: Fri, 12 Apr 2002 16:44:21 -0400 , My kids are 21, 20, 17, 15, 10 and 7. Large families are a lot of work, but also a lot of fun!! Enjoy-- they'll start heading out the door all too soon. My oldest graduates from college next month, another is finishing up her second year, and my 3rd leaves for school in August. My house will be too quiet! Liz Re: Genetics JRA > Date: Fri, 12 Apr 2002 07:48:46 EDT > > > just curious how many kids do you have and the ages > Robbin > > > > > _________________________________________________________________ > Send and receive Hotmail on your mobile device: http://mobile.msn.com > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 13, 2002 Report Share Posted April 13, 2002 ((((((((((Tree))))))))))) beautiful..you are an amazing woman and You and the veterans jraers give me hope that Tabitha will be okay no matter what..God Bless You..you are a gift to this world..they always say there is a purpose for everyone on earth and I believe that one of yours is...to give us moms who live with children, who deals with arthur everyday..that there is hope and life in the future even with jra!!! Thank you! (Tab17..polyjra) From: " theresa sappenfield " <treesap0@...> Reply- " " < > Subject: Re: Genetics JRA Date: Wed, 10 Apr 2002 18:50:34 -0400 Casaria , Truth well that can be an ellusive one but I'll tell you what I know about the genetics of JRA. I and my family are parcticipation in The Human Genome Project . This is government sponsored research and I'm not sure if any of it has be released or published yet, But because I am a participant I have been privy to a slight amount of information...and i do mean slight ! I'll try to make this a clear as mud and if you don't follow what I'm saying please email me back and I'll try to clear the debris lol . Researchers have used the blood of myself and my whole family along with many other JRAer's and their families. So far their findings are that their is a genetic link but that it is only one piece of the puzzle that says , yes you will have JRA. they know there are two other contributing factors , environmental factors , such as allergies or illness that would suppress the immune system and the third factor is believed to be viral. so: 1> Your born with a genetic prediposition for JRA 2> Environmental factors, supress the immune system 3> Viral factor comes into play at the same time that the other two things are present. The important thing to remember is that they believe there are a whole host of environmental and viral puzzle pieces that can fill the slots to activate the genetic predisposition. So the difficult part now is that a cure may be very hard to find because every case will probably be different in its origin and therefore will need an individual cure. I know it's very hard to watch and worryand anguish over your childs needs. But I'm 40 years old now and I've lived with JRA for almost all those years. I am a mom, and yes I anguished over should I have a child for most of those years and I have to admit that the worry of it , is every little ache and pain my son has , is that the beginning of this rollercoaster ride for him .. With the knowledge I have now I assume that he is definitely predisposed for this disease genetically and he has severe allergies, two strikes , and what kid doesn't get virus's. We've had a few scares and I've already had him to the ped. rhummy and all was clear , so I sit now on the side of the fence of all is well and we live our lives to the fullest with my limitations, I can't imagine my life now without him. I heard a person on T.V. the other day say that if she knew her child was going to be born blind or deaf then she would abort that child to spare him/her from the suffering that they would experience the whole of their life. I was appauled at this statement , Yes I've had allot of suffering in my life but frankly it seems to bother other people way more than it bothers me!!! I look and find the positive in everything and laugh at everything else. and so far every single child and Young adult JRAer that I know basicly has the same way of dealing with their life. What a Blessing children are , even if they aren't given the easiest path sometimes. well that's my novel :):)Tree:):) Theresa Sappenfield FACES Co-Leader Facing Arthritis with Compassion, Encouragement and Support Kentuckiana's young adult and kids connection Re: Genetics JRA Funny, how after reading all of the info everyone has on JRA specifically being in the family it makes all of the information I have recieved and all of the books I have read irrelevant. I do understand that there may be a link with arthritis and lupus in the family, which in my family we have both. But as far as we can go back there is no JRA or rheumatoid arthritis. And I have been reassured by docs that any other children I may have...don't need to worry they 99.9% sure others won't get it. Now I am completely confused. Should I not have anymore kids? I would never put another child...knowingly...in this situation. Anyone know the truth? Casaria __________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 13, 2002 Report Share Posted April 13, 2002 Beautifully said Tree! I was told not to have kids it would be too hard on me having JRA my whole life. Truth be told, Life WITHOUT them,...well lets just say that would have been the hard part! Sometimes I feel guilty they must pickup the piesces of running the household which I consider to be my Job. With 13 surgeries behind me my 14 yo son can do laundry better than me! My 13 yo daughter can dust and vacume better than me! My husband and strength, can food shop (with my daughter's help) terrifically! LOL ! I wish all the time they did not have to put up with all of this and I know they worry about me so much. It is alot for a kid to deal with a sick parent. Team work is everything ! Carolyn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 13, 2002 Report Share Posted April 13, 2002 lolol you have many lol do the older ones help you with the younger ones? i know i had to help my mom with kids lolol i myself would have had more but 2 is great for me and the age difference is good to like raising another family lolol also fun hubby still wants more i toldhim the oven is shut down PERMANENTLY lololol no rising yeast left as many brothers and sisters as i have though theres always going to be a kid around or grandkids that keeps me busy just making sure where each is and how they are doing ooppss there goes one of your kids up the ladder lolol and one climbing on the counter lolol i better find mine lolol your doing good though its hard for me to just keep up with these and Robbin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 14, 2002 Report Share Posted April 14, 2002 Oh how well I know those guilty feelings from hubby and son doing the jobs that typically should be mine. I never fanticized about being a June Cleaver sort of Mom , I always knew that Motherhood for me would be all about breaking the rules of role playing ...mostly because that's the way its been all my life. What have you done lately that is just like someone in your same age and sex. I would have said peer group but i think my FACES members are my peer group now and I think alot of my ability to break through old stereotypical roles and not feel guilty about someone else picking up those jobs, is alot due to their influences, their sortof like having an extra set of strong legs to stand on when yours are wobbly.We do things much the same as you all it sounds like Carolyn, I do all the cooking (buzzing around the kitchen on my roller desk chair lol) Hubby does all the cleaning up. Matt sets table, takes care of ice and unloads the dishwasher. We all have a job to do to make a family event happen. We all do laundry it seems which works well although I've had to make peace with always having pink or blue undergraments lol What the heck , why sweat the small stuff , at least we're clean lol! I think having a child was one of the hardest decisions for me but I had to consider that I truely felt my life would have a huge hole with out a child and I even considered adopting but soon found out my income alone wouldn't allow it. I also knew my husband did want to have children even though he bravely said it didn't matter and that we would fill our lives in other ways if I decided not to go through with a pregnancy. I don't always let my husband go to the grocery he has a severe sweat tooth and well lets just say I have to make a second trip sometimes for vegies!!!! lol But He cleans toilets and tubs and floors with the best of them lol well It's getting late and My dryer beckons me lol :):)Tree:):) Re: Genetics JRA Beautifully said Tree! I was told not to have kids it would be too hard on mehaving JRA my whole life. Truth be told, Life WITHOUT them,...well lets justsay that would have been the hard part! Sometimes I feel guilty they mustpickup the piesces of running the household which I consider to be my Job.With 13 surgeries behind me my 14 yo son can do laundry better than me! My 13yo daughter can dust and vacume better than me! My husband and strength, canfood shop (with my daughter's help) terrifically! LOL ! I wish all the timethey did not have to put up with all of this and I know they worry about meso much. It is alot for a kid to deal with a sick parent. Team work iseverything ! Carolyn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 16, 2002 Report Share Posted April 16, 2002 Robbin..i keep on insisting i am losing my mind and i need prozac..lol!My 2 oldest does help me..as does my other half when he isn't working.See after the second one..told me i couldn't have anymore...THEY LIED! 12 years later..there was a baby..lol! I only have 4..the 5th is my other half from a previous..her and my daughter will be 4 this year and are only 3wks apart..and just to think i wanted twins at one time..no way..lol!Then there is the last one..she will be 2 in july..and gives us and the teens a run for our money...wears me out..I still can't figure out how people with 12 or more kids did it..god bless them! karen(tab17..poly) From: Robbin40@... Reply- Subject: Re: Genetics JRA Date: Sat, 13 Apr 2002 12:41:33 EDT lolol you have many lol do the older ones help you with the younger ones? i know i had to help my mom with kids lolol i myself would have had more but 2 is great for me and the age difference is good to like raising another family lolol also fun hubby still wants more i toldhim the oven is shut down PERMANENTLY lololol no rising yeast left as many brothers and sisters as i have though theres always going to be a kid around or grandkids that keeps me busy just making sure where each is and how they are doing ooppss there goes one of your kids up the ladder lolol and one climbing on the counter lolol i better find mine lolol your doing good though its hard for me to just keep up with these and Robbin _________________________________________________________________ Join the world’s largest e-mail service with MSN Hotmail. http://www.hotmail.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 17, 2002 Report Share Posted April 17, 2002 Georgina lolol sometimes i speak to soon lolol just my 2 but i have the siblings in and out and right now is flaring and she gets so snappy lololol my son her brother go at it just picking but this really gets on s nerves he doesnt really know how to approach her and he dosnt like to see her sad or in pain so he thinks he is cheering her up so right now its her snapping at everyone lololol the house SOMETIMES is quite lololol Robbin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 17, 2002 Report Share Posted April 17, 2002 Hi Tree, I just wanted to say thank you ... for sharing with us what you've learned from your participation in the genome Project ... as it relates to one's predisposition to getting JRA. Very interesting stuff and you've explained it really well. Thanks, Georgina ----- Original Message ----- From: theresa sappenfield Casaria , Truth well that can be an ellusive one but I'll tell you what I know about the genetics of JRA. I and my family are parcticipation in The Human Genome Project . This is government sponsored research and I'm not sure if any of it has be released or published yet, But because I am a participant I have been privy to a slight amount of information...and i do mean slight ! I'll try to make this a clear as mud and if you don't follow what I'm saying please email me back and I'll try to clear the debris lol . Researchers have used the blood of myself and my whole family along with many other JRAer's and their families. So far their findings are that their is a genetic link but that it is only one piece of the puzzle that says , yes you will have JRA. they know there are two other contributing factors , environmental factors , such as allergies or illness that would suppress the immune system and the third factor is believed to be viral. so: 1> Your born with a genetic prediposition for JRA 2> Environmental factors, supress the immune system 3> Viral factor comes into play at the same time that the other two things are present. The important thing to remember is that they believe there are a whole host of environmental and viral puzzle pieces that can fill the slots to activate the genetic predisposition. So the difficult part now is that a cure may be very hard to find because every case will probably be different in its origin and therefore will need an individual cure. I know it's very hard to watch and worryand anguish over your childs needs. But I'm 40 years old now and I've lived with JRA for almost all those years. I am a mom, and yes I anguished over should I have a child for most of those years and I have to admit that the worry of it , is every little ache and pain my son has , is that the beginning of this rollercoaster ride for him . With the knowledge I have now I assume that he is definitely predisposed for this disease genetically and he has severe allergies, two strikes , and what kid doesn't get virus's. We've had a few scares and I've already had him to the ped. rhummy and all was clear , so I sit now on the side of the fence of all is well and we live our lives to the fullest with my limitations, I can't imagine my life now without him. I heard a person on T.V. the other day say that if she knew her child was going to be born blind or deaf then she would abort that child to spare him/her from the suffering that they would experience the whole of their life. I was appauled at this statement , Yes I've had allot of suffering in my life but frankly it seems to bother other people way more than it bothers me!!! I look and find the positive in everything and laugh at everything else. and so far every single child and Young adult JRAer that I know basicly has the same way of dealing with their life. What a Blessing children are , even if they aren't given the easiest path sometimes. well that's my novel :):)Tree:):) Theresa Sappenfield FACES Co-Leader Facing Arthritis with Compassion, Encouragement and Support Kentuckiana's young adult and kids connection Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 17, 2002 Report Share Posted April 17, 2002 Hi Liz, I had to smile, when I read your post. The part about the house being too quiet. I couldn't help thinking .... only until the grandchildren start to arrive : ) Aloha, Georgina From: " " <smithfamilyzoo@...>My kids are 21, 20, 17, 15, 10 and 7. Large families are a lot of work, butalso a lot of fun!! Enjoy-- they'll start heading out the door all too soon.My oldest graduates from college next month, another is finishing up hersecond year, and my 3rd leaves for school in August. My house will be tooquiet!Liz Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 17, 2002 Report Share Posted April 17, 2002 Hi Carolyn, You're so right, about teamwork. When everybody pitches in, each according to their interests and abilities, everything runs so much more smoothly. And people do feel good about pitching in and doing their fair share. At least MOST of the time : ) Aloha, Georgina ----- Original Message ----- From: cybersis40@... Beautifully said Tree! I was told not to have kids it would be too hard on me having JRA my whole life. Truth be told, Life WITHOUT them,...well lets just say that would have been the hard part! Sometimes I feel guilty they must pickup the piesces of running the household which I consider to be my Job. With 13 surgeries behind me my 14 yo son can do laundry better than me! My 13 yo daughter can dust and vacume better than me! My husband and strength, can food shop (with my daughter's help) terrifically! LOL ! I wish all the time they did not have to put up with all of this and I know they worry about me so much. It is alot for a kid to deal with a sick parent. Team work is everything ! Carolyn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 17, 2002 Report Share Posted April 17, 2002 Hi Robbin, I can relate. Just the two kids for me (Josh and Kayla) .... but we always have a houseful of children : ) If I was a wealthy person though, I'd love to have been able to adopt ~ to provide a loving home and family for special needs kids. Aloha, Georgina ----- Original Message ----- From: Robbin40@... lolol you have many loldo the older ones help you with the younger ones?i know i had to help my mom with kids lololi myself would have had more but 2 is great for meand the age difference is good to like raising another family lolol also fun hubby still wants more i toldhim the oven is shut down PERMANENTLYlololol no rising yeast left as many brothers and sisters as i have though theres always going to be a kid around or grandkids that keeps me busy just making sure where each is and how they are doingooppss there goes one of your kids up the ladder lolol and one climbing on the counter lolol i better find mine lolol your doing good though its hard for me to just keep up with these and Robbin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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