Huntington's Disease

[mindymoox]

My mom has huntington's disease, from what I know her father, my grandfather, had it too. He did before I was born and my mom didn't find out that she had it until after I was born. I was my mom's first born child, I have a sister that's a year and a half younger than me. Since my mom was also a first born child to my grandparents and she inherited the disease does that mean I have the most chance to get it as well? I know there's a 50% chance, I am almost 17, I know I can get tested, but I'm afraid of what the results might be..Does anyone know about that? If the person who is diagnosed has a child, and if it was only one that she or he will have inherited?

[littlemiracles]

It does not matter what your birth order is. Every child has the same risk. My husband is the youngest of 3 kids and so far is the only one with HD. The others have not been tested and do not show any signs. My oldest son is only a year younger than you and I have not yet talked to him about being tested. I want him to enjoy his teenage years without this looming over his head.

[Heather Dugdale]

Don't be afraid of HD. I have it myself. I am in home care. Still lovining life.It is temprary. There is so much hope now then there was ten years ago. I was 19 when I got tested. HD helps you live a real hopeful life if you now how to get there. My site can help you. Don't be afraid. Cures and treatments are here now.live the life. Get it now.

[moderator note: website address has been removed]

Heather Dugdale

[gjtds95]

You can only get HD if you have the gene. Each child of an affected parent has the same 50-50 chance of inheriting the gene at conception. Age of onset varies. It appears that you have an earlier onset if you get the gene from your father. At your age I would encourage you to consult with a genetic counselor to help you decide when and if you want to be tested. You could also get on the HDSA website to locate a chapter near you so that you could talk to an HD social worker. Good luck.