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.
