Posted by saw on February 16, 2005, at 2:05:40
In reply to Bad Genes, posted by Toph on February 15, 2005, at 16:49:25
Hi Toph
I worry about this very much. My son is only 7 and already has ADHD. I have MDD and GAD. Now if my son were to inherit these bad genes from me, I may not worry too much. But if he inherits any of his sperm donor's (I simply cannot call him father) gene's, then I have trouble on my hands. My ex husband is a drug addict and had (probably still has) terrible criminal tendencies. In short, though I loved him (then), he was not a nice man.
I wouldn't want that for my son for all the world. Now my son is in a solid, stable family home with myself and my new husband and we are bringing up in the best way possible and he goes to a good school. So he has a solid foundation. I cannot help but worry that even though he has this, he will still turn to drugs or display criminal tendencies later in life. The only bad gene that I have picked up thus far is my son's tendency to be devious. (At the age of 7 I ask you!).
Because my son has seen so many changes in me over the last year and because it has become impossible for me to hide my illness from him, I intend to take him to a professional who can simply and easily describe my illness to him. I feel I owe him the truth. Poor thing always tries to comfort me when I am crying and going "ape" for no good reason.
I have heard my father was diagnosed many years ago as "manic depressive" but he never, ever displayed this to us and he never took medication. He died late last year of lupus disease of which I have since been tested for.
Wow - Toph - you got my fingers flying on this topic. Thank you so much for bringing it up.
Oh, and pooh - I haven't answered any of your questions now have I!
Sabrina
poster:saw
thread:458299
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/child/20000813/msgs/458612.html