Rheumatoid Arthritis Question

[wannabemom2]

Hi everyone,

My husband and I were contacted by a prospective birthmother last week. The birthfather has rheumatoid arthritis. Does anyone know if this is something that should concern us? Does anyone have any experience with it?

We'd appreciate any help you can give us.

Thank you,
Ann

[mamalisa]

It's my understanding that they don't know exactly where it comes from.  A combination of genetic, environmental and hormonal factors are all at play.  I have RA and so did my mother's mother and one of my cousins.  So far my brother and sister are fine and my Rheumatologist says that there is no reason to be more concerned about my kids than any other disease.

[Ldavis24]

Originally Posted by wannabemom2 

Hi everyone,

My husband and I were contacted by a prospective birthmother last week. The birthfather has rheumatoid arthritis. Does anyone know if this is something that should concern us? Does anyone have any experience with it?

We'd appreciate any help you can give us.

Thank you,
Ann

Hi!

I am not involved in adoption at all but my mother has Rhematoid arthritis and YES there is a genetic component to it. It can be inherited from a parent so it is something to consider I suppose...I don't know how you could possibly know if the baby would be susceptible though. It is actually something that I am very concerned about for myself as I age because I have seen how debilitating it is for my mom whose RA came on fast and is very aggressive. 

Maybe someone else can offer more info...Goodluck either way

[mamalisa]

And isn't that the beauty of most medical questions, different answers from different studies and doctors. :(

[abiyhayil]

It's something that should be in the baby's medical record for sure

[Tjej]

Ugh, I can't find it - I was just looking up stuff about RA last night.  I'm sure you can google it and find info.  What I read last night says that there is a specific gene mutation of some HLA thing that is linked to RA, but that the cause of RA itself is still unknown.

What I read last night said something along the lines of the chances of having RA with a parent having had it are about 1-2%, and without having had a parent have it are .3% or .03%.  So the chances do go way up, but they are still fairly low.  

FWIW, my dad has RA and it isn't always as debilitating as the stuff you read about.  He's in his 70's and still functional (just has one crooked hand).

Tjej 

ETA:  It generally doesn't set in until between 40-60 years old.  It CAN start younger, but it would be VERY unlikely for it to be a childhood issue.

[zoogirl81]

Hi, I actually have been on mothering for years, but had to re-register, as I have apparently forgotten my password and can't figure out what I had for an email address before. But, back to the topic at hand. I have had ra for several years now, and am the only person in my family who has it, so you never know what could happen in the future. It is not always horrible, as medications and treatments are light years ahead of what was available for people 20 years ago, and I'm optimistic for the future. I hope having it in the family does not deter you from adoption, especially since it most likely would not even be an issue for your child until they are grown, if at all.
I am also an adoptive mom in addition to having given birth to 4 children. There are no perfect babies. I realize that medical histories can be scary, as our children's were, but I have 5 healthy babies even with the risks that were there for my bio and adopted children. The ra risk wouldn't worry me at all. I had way scarier stuff in our medical histories. Hope this helps ease your mind. I know how scary the unknown is.

[mommyof1sofar]

I also adopted and wanted to be very careful about medical history. We adopted because I have SLE (a mild case of the worst type of lupus) and we did not want to risk my renal functions or a debilitation from the stress of a pregnancy. My parents both have RA and my dad also has ankylosing spondylitis. NONE of these diseases are pleasant and yes, all can be debilitating and require constant medical check ups and medications. BUT that being said, it would not stop me from adopting a child who has a family history of RA anymore than it would if there were a history of diabetes or heart disease. These issues would be something that I would make sure to reveal in my child's medical records so that he/she can be monitored for symptoms. Knowing is half the battle! Also, my disease may very well be linked to the ankylosing spondylitis but it should be noted that none of my siblings have any issues. I was the only one who got that gene for RA, osteo, and also the lupus. It is hard and makes little things challenging some days but it is not a disease that is a guaranteed result due to genes. Best wishes in your adoption plan! :)

[excitedtobeamom]

Call 1-866-626-6847

These people are WONDERFUL about how certain things effect babis in utero.  I am guessing they would have info for you.  I called them several times when we had potential matches.  I mostly called about drug exposure but they also were able to answer mental health genetics, etc.  The spoke at our agenicies training.  They are a wealth of up to date info and research.

www.OTISPregnancy.org