Dear Judy,
I have what’s probably an unsolvable problem. Some 20 years ago I had an affair — my husband never knew about it, I don’t think. My youngest son, now 19, is the result of that affair: one way I know this is we just discovered he has diabetes . I happen to know the biological father has the same type of diabetes.
The biological father also has something called “long QT syndrome” which can lead to heart failure and death. What do I do? Should I tell my teenage son? It would affect him emotionally and wreck the family. But if I don’t, it could be fatal.
Ellie
Dear Ellie,
Make an appointment with a good cardiologist right away, and consult with that doctor – over the phone if necessary — before your son’s visit. That doctor is the only person who needs to know the whole truth about your son’s origins.
The cardiologist will be able to tell right away if your son has long QT and is at risk for abnormal heart rhythms or sudden death. If your son does have this condition, he probably has the gene KvlQT1, which is what’s causing the problem, and will need a genetic analysis.
The great news is: it’s a condition that can be controlled with a class of medication known as beta blockers, and your son can lead a long and healthy life.
Thank you for writing
Judy
