A few months ago, I mentioned that a company called Gene DX was running a Comprehensive Epilepsy Panel on Ben. I was not hopeful that anything definite would come back, but the price was right and a little blood letting was not going to hurt Ben. The results were interesting, yet, not significant, nor remarkable, definitely not a diagnosis. Basically our letter told us that Ben tested "positive for a mutation on the MECP2 gene which is on the X chromosome. Mutations in this gene result in Rett's Syndrome in females and neurodevelopmental problems and epilepsy in males. However, his mutation is in a location that has not been previously associated with disease. Therefore, significance is unclear." When we meet with the neurologist, I will get a better idea if there are next steps to take - as in more tests. If they are more invasive or expensive, we will probably just drop it for now. Nothing will change about Ben's therapy and care. I have thought for a long
These stories describe our journey with Ben, our oldest son. Ben is a sweet and energetic redhead, born with Rett Syndrome, a rare genetic mutation. My husband, Ryan, and I try to keep up with Ben and his two younger brothers. I intend to shed insight into raising a child with disabilities and pass on the wisdom we’ve earned over the past two decades.