Huntington's Disease

[livingwith]

When my husband and I first met, 1978, his grandfather was suffering from HD. Neither of us knew much about it. We married and had 2 children. About 10 years ago, my mother in law started showing signs that she had HD, then her brother. Three years ago my son, then 20, was diagnosed with Juvenile HD His CAG repeat # is 65. Therefore we knew that my husband also had HD His test revealed his CAG repeat at 44.
We try to do all that we can to support HD cure research. This disease is hard...Read the full article

[millerk]

Hi Mrs. Deborah Chapman,
I wanted to thank you for sharing your story. I just turned 17 and have been struggling with my mother’s odd behavior for years. I recently found out (accidentally from a family friend) that my mother’s father actually died from Huntington’s before my sister and I were born. My mother’s mood swings, ticks, depression, irritability…etc. fit exactly with Huntington’s. My mom has yet to be tested but has allowed us to make an appointment at the neurologist. Although she is not yet tested, my family and I are 100% positive that she is suffering from this disease. I am a very selfless person and I am the one to help her make decisions, aid her to go to bed/wake up on time, make the meals and so much more. However when I confronted my mom about what her father actually died of, I began to think more about my own life. You had mentioned that your son was diagnosed with juvenile Huntington’s when he was 20. If you don’t mind me asking; I was wondering if you could tell me when he first started to experience the symptoms and what they were. Also, should I tell my doctor about this risk? My mother has told practically no one about this disease that has plagued her family, leaving me with many unanswered questions. I honestly have no idea what to do; but I have been researching the disease and trying to make myself as educated as possible in order to face any upcoming challenges.
Thank-you, (any advice would be helpful)
Kirsten Miller