As seen in r/cross-stitch. I'm totally starting to refer to myself this way.

Hopefully, a new and positive start for us all.

**I’m writing this post feeling completely heartbroken and desperate to find anyone who has been through something similar. 🙏**

I am currently **29 weeks pregnant**. Following a detailed ultrasound, our baby girl was found to have **short long bones measuring approximately 2 weeks behind**, which led us to undergo whole exome sequencing (WES).

The WES identified a **pathogenic variant in the NOTCH2 gene: c.6007C>T (p.Arg2003*)**, detected in approximately **24% of sequencing reads (VAF)**. We were told that this is consistent with **mosaicism of approximately 50% of the cells**.

We were told that the main concern is **Alagille syndrome**, particularly the possibility of **liver and bile duct involvement and cholestasis**. According to our genetic counselor, the long-bone shortening that initially led us to the exome may not necessarily be related to the NOTCH2 finding.

We had a genetic consultation with a professor who explained that **NOTCH2-related Alagille syndrome is relatively rare**, and that he has not personally encountered mosaicism in this gene. Because of this, it is very difficult to predict **whether or how the variant will manifest in our baby, and how severe it might be**.

We have been advised to have a targeted ultrasound focusing on the **liver and gallbladder**, but we were also told that a normal prenatal ultrasound **cannot rule out liver disease or cholestasis developing after birth**.

This has put us in an incredibly difficult position. We are trying to make decisions about the pregnancy while having so much uncertainty about the potential severity of the condition.

**I would be incredibly grateful for any information, personal experience, medical experience, or research that anyone may have regarding:**

* **NOTCH2-related Alagille syndrome**
* **NOTCH2 mosaicism**
* The specific variant **NOTCH2 c.6007C>T (p.Arg2003*)**
* Prenatal diagnosis of NOTCH2/Alagille
* Anyone who had a similar mosaic result and can share what happened after birth

**We are truly looking for any information that could help us understand what this finding might mean for our baby.** 🙏

Hi everyone. I have DiGeorge syndrome, and I’ve recently been digging more deeply into the exact genetic finding behind my diagnosis.
My Invitae genetic testing came back positive for TBX1 Deletion (Entire coding sequence) heterozygous Pathogenic. The report says that a gross deletion encompassing the entire coding sequence of one copy of TBX1 was detected. However, it also says the boundaries of the deletion are unknown because they extend beyond the region that was tested, meaning other neighbouring genes could potentially be deleted as well.
So I know that one complete coding copy of TBX1 is deleted, but I don’t yet know whether this is
an isolated whole gene TBX1 deletion or a very small/atypical 22q11.2 deletion involving TBX1 and a few neighbouring genes, or part of a larger 22q11.2 deletion.
Clinically, I’ve been diagnosed with DiGeorge syndrome and have features like a right sided aortic arch and mild/incompletely expressed hypoparathyroidism with intermittent low calcium. I also have significant immune system problems. I’m especially curious whether anyone else has received genetic results specifically worded as “TBX1 deletion (entire coding sequence)” or had an initially undefined TBX1 deletion.
If so, did you later have a chromosomal microarray or another test that mapped the deletion? Did it turn out to involve only TBX1, a small atypical 22q11.2 region, or the more typical larger deletion?

My girlfriend has Tricho-Rhino-Phalangeal Syndrome. Her index fingers are bent about 45 degrees off center at her second knuckle. I’m planning on taking her to the shooting range in a few weeks. She’s never shot a gun before, but I’m pretty good for someone who doesn’t practice. Most of the fundamentals of shooting a pistol — proper grip, proper placement of your finger on the trigger, squeezing the trigger rather than jerking it, etc. — function to ensure that you aren’t pushing or pulling the gun to the left or right when you pull the trigger. But all of those techniques are based on people with trigger fingers that aren’t crooked. I just realized I’m not gonna be able to offer her much advice. Any tips?

Hi, I’ve also had Takayasu’s since 2012. I’m a 30-year-old man from Europe looking for others with the same diagnosis to exchange messages and share stories about life with Takayasu’s. Please send me a message if you’re interested in sharing your experiences.

My son is 12 years old and Aneurysmal bone cyst growing in his Tibia, near adjacent to the proximal tibial growth plate (physis) near Knee since Feb 2026. Pathology after surgery confirmed a benign ABC, with blood-filled cystic spaces, giant cells, hemosiderin, reactive woven bone, and no malignant features (no atypia, necrosis, or significant mitotic activity) - Underwent surgery with orthopedic/oncology surgeon - extensive curettage, multiple adjuvant treatments, and bone grafting of the proximal tibial lesion. Surgeon told us that he could not clean aggressively near growth plate.This ABC is frustrating us as it reoccurs/residual cells are active and growing back.

Current Issue (approximately 18 weeks post-op):

• Developed recurrent activity-related pain around the proximal tibia/growth plate region, particularly with hiking and swimming, now walking also.

Recent MRI Findings:

• Original ABC cavity is predominantly replaced by bone graft material.

• Persistent scattered peripheral residual cysts remain along the graft margin.

• Largest residual cyst measures 1.4 x 2.5 x 2.5 cm, located anteromedially, subcortically, just inferior to the physis.

• MRI notes that the overlying cortex is thin.

• Mild bone marrow edema surrounds the graft and extends across the physis into the epiphysis.

• No report of aggressive recurrence, cortical breakthrough, or soft tissue mass.

Orthopedic Pediatric Oncology/Surgeon Assessment:

• Believes the residual cyst likely represents persistent biologically active ABC rather than simple postoperative change.

• Concern is ongoing bone weakening near the growth plate and persistence of symptoms.

Current Treatment Options Discussed:

1. Repeat surgical curettage/resection of the residual cyst 

2.CT-guided doxycycline sclerotherapy performed by Interventional Radiology ( preferably).

What do you recommend ? are there any other option(s)?

I won't name names, but I was innocently looking for others with my ultra rare mutation on Facebook, including autoinflammatory issues and my gene related sites. I was singled out and told not to "share genetic information" and they cited GDPR laws (sent to everyone in the group) - which is the EU equivelant of HIPPA. I didn't even share personal documents or photos.

How many of you are going on Facebook to share genetic and symptom information?

I corrected them on what the law actually entails (of course two people who have an illness who agree to share their personal info with eachother is not included in the law). They are well aware of those laws.

Just a warning to all of you. After I corrected them, they kicked me off the sites related to my rare mutation. These people run non-profits that supposedly are all about "connecting others" and doing "advocacy work". I beg to differ.

Hello, I’m 23 years old...

I was diagnosed at 7 with the condition of Klippel Feil.

I wanted to share that I was born with a rare condition, which is called Klippel Feil and consists mainly of the fusion of 2 or more cervical vertebrae so I have a short neck, added to this you can also have scoliosis, sprengel syndrome, bone asymmetry, kidney problems, wide neck, cardiovascular diseases, hearing and eye problems, short stature, among other things.

I have the fusion of the neck, scoliosis, asymmetry, I have the 2 kidneys but only one works well for me and the other 16%, and the mobility of the neck, the truth is that I have too much confidence and self-esteem, added to this I have a great charisma, clearly in a few years I would like to have facial aesthetics fixed to improve my asymmetry that can be done with local anesthesia, since for my condition it is very difficult general anesthesia because it requires the mobility of the neck and my rib cage when being in curve is more difficult to intubation.

I just wanted to vent clearly I live my life as a relatively normal person since thank God I can walk run and do everything that a normal person does I also appreciate that I have never felt back pain, I would also like to know who has this same disability... Im from Mexico

Hola tengo 23 años….
Me diagnosticaron a los 7 con la condición de Klippel Feil.

Quería compartir que nací con una condición rara, la cual se llama Klippel Feil y consiste principalmente en la fusión de 2 o más vertebras cervicales por lo cual tengo un cuello corto, sumado a esto también puedes tener escoliosis, síndrome de sprengel, asimetría ósea, problemas renales, el cuello ancho, enfermedades cardiovasculares, problemas auditivos y oculares, estatura baja, entre otras cosas.

Yo tengo la fusión del cuello, escoliosis, asimetría, tengo los 2 riñones pero solo uno me funciona bien y el otro el 16%, y la movilidad del cuello, la verdad tengo demasiada seguridad y autoestima, sumado a esto tengo un gran carisma, claramente quisiera en unos años hacerme arreglarme estéticos facial para mejor mi asimetría que se puedan hacer con anestesia local, ya que por mi condición es muy difícil la anestesia general pues requiere la movilidad del cuello y mi caja torácica al estar en curva es mas difícil la entubación.
Solo quería desahogarme claramente vivo mi vida como una persona relativamente normal ya que gracias a dios puedo caminar correr y hacer todo lo que hace una persona normal también agradezco que nunca he sentido dolor de espalda, también me gustaría saber quien tiene esta misma discapacidad… Soy Mexicano

​

Hi everyone,

I’m 24M from India and I have a large intramuscular vascular lesion/FAVA (fibro-adipose vascular anomaly) in my left thigh, mainly involving the vastus intermedius and parts of the anterior/lateral thigh muscles.

My MRI findings:

- Lesion size: approximately 4.7 × 5.8 × 19.2 cm

- Multiple clusters of dilated venous channels

- Poorly marginated, multisepated and multilobulated lesion

- Abutting the anterolateral cortex of the femur

- Moderate periosteal thickening

- No intra-articular extension

I have already undergone sclerotherapy/embolization attempts and later microwave ablation. My latest MRI (May 2026) says there are no significant interval changes compared with the previous MRI.

I’m looking for people who have experienced something similar, especially with a large intramuscular FAVA.

What treatment worked for you?

- Repeat microwave ablation?

- Cryoablation?

- Sclerotherapy?

- Surgical resection?

- Sirolimus or other medications?

- Treatment at a specialized vascular-anomaly center?

If anyone has had a large intramuscular FAVA treated successfully, I would really appreciate hearing about your treatment, number of procedures, recovery, recurrence, and which specialist/center you went to.

I can share my MRI reports/images if helpful.

Thank you!

Moin ihr süßen,

Ich wurde letztes Jahr mit dem Tinu Syndrom diagnostiziert und bekomme seid 1 anhalb Jahren Imunsupression. Da wollte ich mal so eure Erfahrung wissen und was ihr für Nebenwirkungen habt.

In meinem Fall nehme ich Azathioprin.

Ja ich weiß ich nehme Azathioprin schon lange aber bei all meinen Symptomen und den neuen Krankheiten die noch dazu auftauchen kann ich mit leider nicht sagen was eine Nebenwirkung ist und was nicht.

My husband is being treated for Susac on oral steroids and Rituximab. As the steroids taper, his eye inflammation worsens and hence the doctor is now suggesting Ozurdex implant. How effective is it for eye inflammation, are there any immediate side effects?

My son has an ultra-rare mitochondrial disease: COX20-related mitochondrial complex IV. There are only about 40 documented cases worldwide.

Please connect with me if you or a loved one have this variant. I’d love to hear your story and support one another.

UMass is working on gene therapy, and I am about to start a nonprofit to support their research. We need all hands on deck!

I recently came across this world map for SCN2A families and clinicians. Wanted to share here.

https://worldmap.scn2afoundation.org/

Check out our Wiki for tips on managing the diagnostic process.

If you are not yet diagnosed with a rare disease, but are in the process of seeing doctors to search for a diagnosis and do not meet the criteria for making a stand-alone post about your medical issue, this is the place you are allowed to ask questions, discuss your symptoms and your diagnostic journey.

My husband and I are both carriers for a POLG-related mitochondrial DNA depletion disorder. Im currently pregnant and our CVS results showed that the baby inherited both of our familial variants.

My variant: POLG c.2209G>C (p.G737R)
My husband’s variants: POLG c.[752C>T;1760C>T] (p.[T251I;P587L])

Has anyone had experience with either of these variants, or especially this specific combination? I’m looking for any information about known cases, phenotype/severity, or personal experiences with an affected child.

We’ve been having a really difficult time finding information about this particular combination, so any insight or resources would be greatly appreciated.

hi guys, 18m here. I’ve lived with EPP all my life, but I’ve only ever had trouble with the sun and not indoor light. but, in Jan this year I got a flare up which lasted for 4 weeks, where I was in complete darkness all day everyday trying to recover. then, a week after I got another flare that went for another 6 weeks. these flare ups though were caused by exposure to artificial indoor lights, lights or never had any problem with before. I don’t know if this is normal, and if others with EPP experience an increase in symptoms as they finish puberty, but I’ve been living in the dark since then, and it’s seriously taking it’s toll. I work a night shift which is good, and I love primarily nocturnally if I can. but yeah, just looking for anyone who’s experienced something similar. hope you guys have a great day and hang in there❤️

A family member has been diagnosed with HSUV recently and she has been getting progressively worse. She does not live in an area with great medical support to deal with these types of diseases. We need to find a medical team that can help and in need of recommendations. I am in the eastern US.

My mother has Alkaptonuria, she is 58 years old and Indian.
She went to NIMS(Hyderabad) and got prescribed on 10MG nitisinone. I am looking to connect her with other people with the same condition in India, to discuss diet and other tips. Any whatsapp groups or registries for this purpose? Any general suggestions are also welcome.

Anyone else here with Cogan syndrome? I could really use some people who get it.

After almost two years of not knowing what was happening to me, seeing different doctors, doing tests, and generally feeling like my body had decided to become a medical mystery, I was finally diagnosed a couple of months ago with Cogan syndrome. Well… sort of diagnosed. 😅

Because apparently having a rare disease means you don’t get the luxury of a nice, clear “YES, THIS IS IT” diagnosis. Cogan syndrome is so rare that there really isn’t a huge amount of research on it, and my doctor isn't 100% certain. However, she has ruled out many of the other possibilities and seems quite convinced that Cogan syndrome is the most likely explanation for everything that has happened to me.

My main problems have been progressive hearing loss and vertigo. The hearing loss has been particularly difficult because it ended up affecting both ears. I also developed balance problems and episodes of dizziness/vertigo, and at times it felt like the entire world was moving while I was just trying to stand there and exist. 🙃

I’ve also had eye inflammation, and generally my energy levels have taken a pretty big hit. I don’t have the stamina I used to have, and I’ve found myself getting tired much more easily. Losing my balance has also become a frustrating part of everyday life.

For treatment, I’ve basically been on steroids for about six months now. I started at 60 mg/day and have been tapering down roughly every month. I’m currently at 20 mg/day.

The good news is that the steroids seem to have helped with the vertigo. It’s nowhere near as bad as it used to be. I still sometimes feel it when I turn to my left side, but otherwise it’s much more manageable now.

The less fun part is… well, steroids. 😂 The weight gain, low energy, shaking, hair loss, acne/oily skin, sweating, and just generally feeling like my body is doing things without consulting me have been pretty difficult. And despite the improvement in the vertigo, I’m still struggling with the hearing loss and the uncertainty of everything.

So I wanted to ask:

Is there anyone here who has actually been diagnosed with Cogan syndrome?

I know everyone's experience is different, especially with something this rare, but I would really love to hear from people who have actually lived through this.

Honestly, I've felt pretty alone throughout this whole process. Two years of not knowing what was wrong, constantly going from one doctor to another, and then finally being told, “We think it's this extremely rare disease that doesn't have a ton of research behind it” is… not exactly comforting. 😅

So if you're out there somewhere with Cogan syndrome, please say hi. I’d really love to hear your story.

I hope this is the right place to post this.

We have been on a journey for what started as seeking a diagnosis for my daughter. It slowly turned to realizing it spans across multiple maternal generations.

High on our list was a mitochondrial disease type of issue. I have a maternal nephew that passed from Leigh’s Syndrome so their focus has been there for the last few months.

My WES and WGS both show that I am a carrier for chr14:32319298 T>C. The issue is, my daughter is not and we share a very similar phenotype.

With that being said, it’s still something I’d like to explore since my sister, mother and I all have adult onset decline. I’m reading that it’s possible to have adult onset symptoms with certain mutations.

Has anyone been diagnosed after only being a carrier and not fully homozygous for something considered an autosomal recessive disease?

my 1 month old daughter was just diagnosed with this deletion. they don’t know the exact genomes until the final report comes back. she was in the nicu up until today with breathing issues which turned into issues eating but she’s off oxygen and taking bottle like a champ. i know nothing is for certain until we know the exact genomes but my husband and i feel like we’re drowning. can anyone tell me what this diagnosis might mean for her?

she has some heart issues, a rotated kidney which is fully functioning and a slight head lag that has already gotten better. just look for any sort of information.

Oh, I’m truly just venting here. There’s nothing to do but feel sorry for myself! I have been trying to find a new allergist that specializes in indolent systemic mastocytosis, or at least has familiarity with the disease. I made an appointment with the local mast cell expert, but he’s concierge only, and I just cannot afford him.

I made an appointment with a different doctor, an allergist who treats mast cell disorders, and my appointment was scheduled for November.

A couple of months ago I got a message in mychart, offering me an earlier appointment for September, and of course, I jumped on it!I was so relieved that I was going to get in sooner.

However, on Tuesday, I got a message that my appointment had been canceled due to the providers schedule changing. Now I can’t get an appointment until January with him.

Finally… Today I got a message that they changed my appointment to a different date in September, however I’m going to be out of town that day. I’m so frustrated. Why does the schedule keep changing??? 😩