Thinking of adding another baby in the mix

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Epileptic Boy's Mom

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Hi, I am a mom of a 4 1/2 year old girl, and a 2 year old boy who is epileptic (hence my screen name!). I am really going through baby fever right now. My husband would like another child but is so afraid to try for another baby as having one with epilepsy has been extremely hard as you all well know. Oliver has 2 gene mutations both Sodium Channel related (SCN8A and SCN9A). One was passed down from my husband (who does not have epilepsy) and one was his own mutation.

Just wondering, if anyone had more children after having a child with epilepsy and if your subsequent children also have epilepsy? We do have a referral in to have our daughter tested but don't have a date yet for our appointment.

Thanks for any responses!
 
You're best off seeking genetic counseling, as a geneticist or genetic counselor can help determine the probability of subsequent children having a particular disorder. (And for those who can afford it, genetic profiles can be done to determine if there are other disorders that may be passed to your children).
 
Yes we have already been. Oliver (my son), my husband, and I were tested. And we have a referral to get our daughter tested as well. I didn't find the consultation very informative. She didn't really tell me much I didn't already know. I was just curious if there other people in the same boat as us or had been and made a decision regarding having more children :)
 
I just noticed that you are a fellow Canadian. I had genetic testing as well, and since it was for medical diagnosis and/or research there have been no medical costs to me. We are very fortunate in this respect compared to many in other countries who do not have insurance that would pay for this!
 
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Maybe three kids plus the husband be a bit too much work for you?
 
Well I am one of 5, only two of us have epilepsy. The others have never had any problems however one is a half sister through my mother and I think the epilepsy came down through my dad's line. Of the children of myself and my siblings they all seem clear however I do have a few concerns about my 8 year old who may be starting to have absence seizures, however both my husband and myself have epilepsy in our families.
 
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