Daddy is getting tested...

Mommy and Caden went to the genetics doctor, Dr. Buehler, on Monday and he was telling her a little better about what to expect during Caden's life.

When Caden turns one, he will start getting growth hormone shots. From what the doctor said, Caden will get the shots on a daily basis, and will be administered by either me or Holly. Fun, fun, fun. He will also start to see a dietician so that he can be checked out to see what type of foods he should be eating and how much of each food.

They also said that his speech will probably be delayed (typical of a child with Prader-Willi), but he will understand what we are saying. He will have a speech therapist as well to help him so he will be on track once he starts school.

The doctor also gave Holly some more packets of information about PWS which she got through part of it and had to stop because it was making her even more worried and sad. I read the whole thing, obviously feeling horrible, but I read it so I knew. Then at the end, when they list the references, I was noticing the dates of the articles and documents referenced, the date span was from the late 1960's up until the early 1990's, and a one from 1996 and two from 1998.

So, I impressed upon Holly that the documents referenced were from earlier on into the "discovery period" of PWS and that the use of growth hormones weren't approved until 2000. So, this is a brand new generation of children with PWS, and there are medical advances and studies happening every day. Maybe this generation will have the eating more under control, and will be able to be more independent. We can only wait and see.


Now to address the title of this post. They are testing me to see if I have "issues" with what is called the "imprinting process." Even though the doctors think that it will come back as normal, they are testing me to be sure. I want to know anyway, because Holly and I plan to have at least one more child, and if I have something wrong, I don't want to put another child through what Caden is going through. I also don't want to have to put my wife and family through all of the worry that we did and are doing with Caden.

NOTE: The imprinting process is where the body "imprints" it's set of chromosomes that are to be given to offspring.

Another reason why I am getting tested is my wife had mentioned to the doctor that a child on my mom's side of the family is very heavy, 150+ lbs. at age 7, and they are worried that I may have received the imprinting "defect" through my mother's genetics. If that is so, then there is a chance that both of my brothers have the defect.

We'll find out shortly if I have it. I gave my blood Tuesday night, and it takes 2 weeks to get the results back.

When I find out you will find out as well.

Until Next time, I continue to ask for and thank you for your prayers.