5 week old son with T221

[Guest guest]

There is no such thing as a " mild case of T21 " unless you are

talking about mosaic DS in which case only part of the cells have an

extra chromosome and the damage would only be partial.

Dr. L said it depends on how many cells are normal and if they are

brain, skin, etc. He also said there would need to be more than 40%

normal cells for there to be much difference between mosaic and the

normal Trisomy 21. Also from Len Leshin's site way back: 95% of

people with DS have the common type of trisomy 21 called

non-disjunction. 3 to 4% have onian Translocation, where the

number of chromosomes is normal, but the extra chromosome 21 material

is attached with chromosome 14. The remainder have Mosaicism. So --it

would only be 1-2% of those with DS who are mosaic.

The majority of those with DS (95%) have an estra chromosome in every

cell of their body. Even with that though there are wide variations

of effect due to the genes they inherit from both parents. There is

no way to tell about mental stuff till they are old enough to test or

see for yourself --most say 4 or 5 or more. Course moms can tell a

lot of this kind of thing earlier. Physical characteristics have

absolutely nothing to do with how much they are affected mentally.

I believe doctors are just trying to break it to you gently when they

refer to " a mild case of DS " . They told me that when Evan was born

also but I've since learned that is not accurate nor can they tell at

all.

Priscilla K

>>>>>>>>>>

Re: 5 week old son with T21

Posted by: " dlhensley "

I have another question:

Doctors have told us they believe Noah has mild case of T21. He

exhibits few physical characteristics (eyes and neck) and absolutely

no organ issues.

Were you able to tell if your son or daughter is mild, moderate or

severe ?

Blessings

Leann in Ohio

Mom to Noah 6 weeks old Wednesday the 30th >>>>>>>>>>>

Priscilla Kendrick, married 28 years to Darrel and parents of 9 kids including

Evan, 10, born with Down Syndrome and Spina Bifida

" My strength is made perfect in weakness. "

" My grace is sufficient. " II Corinthians 12:9 KJV

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[Guest guest]

<<Physical characteristics haveabsolutely nothing to do with how much they are affected mentally. >>

This is so true, Priscilla (and others). I am often reminded of a baby boy with DS I met when was just under 1 herself. She was so alert and holding her head up so well. bright eyed, tongue in. The other mom I met at a homeschooling meeting had her son with her...several months old (she was in a deep depression aboput his dx). I was horrified when I saw him (didn't know much back then) as he was so floppy and crosseyed and had his tongue hanging out, slumped over in his stroller- I felt so sorry for her and I was concvinced he was probably the "severe" case of DS we had escaped. Well 17 yrs later, is practically nonverbal, dxed with Autism, very obviously a child with Down Syndrome and he is the brightest, most coordinated, mischievous, overly verbal and totally understandable handsome young man I have ever met. If anyone had had to predict from their baby photos who would be doing well and who would not they would have been sadly mistaken.

Sherry