Height gain after puberty, source of RSS

[Guest guest]

Robin,

> On another note, and I don't recall whose post this comment came from

> originally, but someone said that after the onset of puberty, the bones fuse

> and growth is minimal. Is this just for RSS kids, or is this a general rule

> for adults as well?

It is true in general. The source you mention is me, so discount its

validity until you confirm it elsewhere. I actually said " Shortly after

puberty begins, the ends of the long bones fuse and little additional height

will be forthcoming. " (There is still a little height gain after puberty.)

Drugs are sometimes used to delay puberty so children have more time to gain

height. As an obvious example, we never meet an old college friend that has

grown taller since we knew them.

Weight changes are not related to this long bone fusing.

> ... I begin to wonder if perhaps the RSS gene didn't come

> from my side of the family ...

Here is a statement directly from the MAGIC RSS brochure that might be of

interest to you or others:

" Why does my Child have RSS?

There is no known etiology (the study of all factors that may be involved in

the development of a disease) of RSS. Most cases of RSS occur sporadically

with no previous family history. However, there are rare occurrences where

RSS is present in more than one member of a family. Research is continuing

in an attempt to locate the source of RSS. There are several findings which

indicate a possible location on a specific chromosome. However, there is no

confirmation yet.

It is extremely important you realize nothing you did before or during your

pregnancy caused your child to have RSS. Most parents have trouble releasing

themselves from guilt. This is common. However, please try to ease your

stress by understanding you are not responsible for the existence of RSS in

your child. "

This is an statement we found comforting to take to heart.

Craig ( & )

Parents of