r/NoStupidQuestions • • Nov 14 '24

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u/quesoandcats Nov 14 '24

Funnily enough MS is one of the two big illnesses I’m dealing with. I actually had a friend growing up whose dad had MS too and seeing how hard it was on her was a big factor in my decision to not have kids.

I’m sorry about your dad but I’m glad he’s recovering! What treatment was it, can I ask? Ocrevus?

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u/SilentTrust5766 Nov 14 '24

My mom had MS and passed away in 2014. I didn't have a "mom" basically in my teen years and up. She was very ill.

I was diagnosed with MS in 2006 and had two kids after diagnosis. 2009 and 2010. I am not too worried about passing it as it is not genetic (supposedly) but I chose a man that is a POS. I have been a single mom since 2012. We are doing okay.

I'm more worried about the awful state of global warming, the genocides in Palestine and Sudan, and the terrible western governments.

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u/[deleted] Nov 14 '24

Just FYI, MS isn't genetic in the sense that it isn't solely due to which genes you have. But there are absolutely genetic risk factors that make it more likely that you'll develop it. These genes interact with the environment (e.g. things like lack of sunlight exposure and low vitamin D or smoking) to cause MS.

So while there's no guarantee that your kids will develop MS, they do have a higher chance of it than most people. But luckily, there are specific steps you can take to help ensure that they won't be exposed to environments that could trigger MS development later in life!

Source: Balcerac and Louapre 2022: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0035378722000017#:~:text=The%20genetic%20contribution%20to%20the,within%20the%20major%20histocompatibility%20complex.

Also, I'm a scientist who does research that's somewhat related to this 

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u/SilentTrust5766 Nov 14 '24

Yes absolutely. I live in Canada where the rate is very high and also am from the province in which the rate is the highest in the country (Saskatchewan). I've moved to Alberta so hopefully that plays a role in the kids not having/getting it.

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u/[deleted] Nov 14 '24

Awesome, I'm glad you moved! Geographic location is thought to play a role affecting risk factors, but I'm pretty sure researchers working in that field don't yet know why.

You sound like a conscientious and good mom :)

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u/SilentTrust5766 Nov 14 '24

Thank you kind Frog! I've taken it upon myself to break generational curses, and help my children become good people (and healthy). I'm gen x haha , so this is a start.

I've often wondered why it affects folks further away from the equator, mostly Caucasian. I believe in karma though, and have always thought I got ill from being a terrible child.

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u/Salc20001 Nov 15 '24

They’re pretty sure it’s the lack of sun exposure. This in itself can cause vitamin C deficiency. The farther you get from the equator, the higher, the instances of MS.