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12 Shevat 5760 - January 19, 2000 | Mordecai Plaut, director Published Weekly
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Home and Family
Your Medical Questions Answered!
by Joseph B. Leibman, MD

Diplomate, Board Certification of Emergency Medicine

Chairman, Department of Emergency Medicine Ma'ayenei Hayeshua Hospital

Dear Mrs. S.,

Thank you sincerely for your letter; I am elated that you found my column useful. You first commented on my article on genetics, and asked whether MS is a genetically-transmitted disease. This particular article did generate a lot of positive discussion and I hope that it was successful in enlightening a little the confusing issue of genetics and how it relates to shidduchim.

MS is multiple sclerosis, which is a devastating disease. Explained in the most simplest terms, the nerves, which work on electricity, become like wires that have had their plastic insulation stripped off. This affects their performance, and leads to all sorts of unusual neurological problems, such as lack of feeling in certain areas, or eye pains and double vision. It comes and goes, and usually people live about 30 years on average from the time of diagnosis to the time of total incapacitation.

It is a disease more common in females and in Europe / North America. Direct relatives, such as brothers and sisters seem to get it more often, but it isn't clear if this is due to genetic factors, or due to the fact that they are exposed to the same things in their environment. There are experimental treatments that seemed to be successful, but the causes of this disease are still unknown.

Your second question involved the risks of pregnancy over the age of forty. Unfortunately, medically speaking the risks are higher. For mother, there is a higher risk of miscarriage, diabetes in pregnancy, and high blood pressure in pregnancy. During delivery, there is a higher rate of bleeding and caesarean section.

For baby, there is a greater likelihood of Down's syndrome and other diseases related to the chromosomes. During delivery, there is a higher likelihood of baby being in a bad position (such as breech or feet first) and of cord problems. On the other side, with good prenatal care, many problems can be identified and treated early, even as far as doing transplants and operations while baby is still inside!

I know that this information is not encouraging, but doctors are not rabbis (thank goodness for that!) and a Jewish life is precious. I'd like a more hora'a to guide you on this one.

I thank you once again for writing, and hope that this information has been useful. Please feel free to contact me on any further questions that you have.

 

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