Where things stand (baby news update from the geneticist)

[Catholic_Lady]

Hey,

I just can't imagine that something like this happens again because of some genetic defect that you guys carry with you, when has one ever heard of such a case being genetic. Sure, some populations have trouble e.g.with Tay Sachs that is really genetic and potential partners need to get tested, but this to me looks like something else - IANAG, but that just looks like something coincidental went very wrong.

Right.

Genetic syndromes aren't always hereditary. They can be the result of gene mutations that happen during conception or shortly afterwards. We are all very doubtful that either my husband or I are carrying anything, or that we are both carrying the same recessive mutated gene. This was more than likely a gene mutation that happened to the baby that was independent of mine or my husband's genetics. I'm just very scared that it'll happen again, because we don't know what triggered it.

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CL:

don't know if this helps or is even remotely analogous;

but back in the 80s when HIV was decimating my peer group, the medical science aspects of everything was a welcome distraction.  And there was no shortage of items to read.  There was a huge phone book sized book available called Surviving and Thriving With Aids and I'd study that thing endlessly looking for tips and suggestions to help out with the buddy work I was doing. Just sitting around and thinking about what all was happening was too awful, seems like every week there was a new infection to worry about, or another unwanted court case in the news about people or the government being vile to someone with AIDS.  Having an active role in fixing whatever aspect I could really helped.

I also had a 'catalog' of sorts that put in one place all the experimental drug trials in one handy reference.  My favorite at the time was a Betaseron study.  The science looked really good and the minimal side effects was wonderful.  And then I met someone in the study and it was working on him!  Turned out he had 'weird' body chemistry and he was about the only one it worked on.

So the gist of this is, the medical/geneticist material you posted is fascinating, and if you're looking to maybe enhance your understanding, there is plenty of DNA and genetic testing stuff to study on the internet. Stay busy and distracted, then you won't be 'trying too hard' etc, and since being busy will crowd out time for  concerns and worries, the PMA will increase the odds of a positive outcome.

Thank you Vor. I agree completely. Trust me, I have educated myself extensively on this over the past week, using google and medical websites. I've definitely learned a lot.