Chromosome Problems (11;22)

My husband was diagnosed with a recirpricol balanced translocation in chromosomes 11 & 22.  We have not met with a genetics counselor yet but, all of the research that I have found online is not good.  I was hoping that someone knows somebody that has experienced this or has, saddly, experienced it their selves and could possibly give me a little insight.  So far we have determined that this problem causes miscarriages (I have had two so far before realizing this) and that if you do not miscarriage their is a significant chance that your offspring will be born with mental and/or physical abnormailities.  However, I am wondering if there is a chance to have a healthy child with this translocation.  My husband and I are devistated and is hoping for some more information either to confirm what we have found or to enlighten us on some chance that this might not be over for us.  Please help....

[Betsy1014]

I, also, have the same translocation - as does my brother.  We both have 2 healthy children.  My first child was born in 1994 before we knew of any genetic issues.  My brothers 1st child was born in 1991.  Subsequently we both experienced miscarriages.  My sister-in-law became pregnant in 1996 and since she was at advanced maternal age had testing done.  The 11/22 translocation was discovered at that point.  My nephew, born in Jan 97, has the translocation as well.  I experience 5 miscarriages between Apr 97 and Nov 99 plus an additional pregnancy with the UNBALANCED translocation resulting in a trisomy 22.  That pregnancy ended with a still born at 6 months; this being difficult but understandable seeing all the devastating problems with our daughter through the ultrasounds.  We have been through genetic counselling and were counseled to not continue to try and have any more children (Aug of 97) but were determined anyway.  My husband is a doctor so we were well aware of what could lay ahead.  After our son was born in Aug 2000, we chose to not continue to try and have any more children.  The geneticist told us that 70% of our pregnancies would not be viable.  That's not very good odds, but if you're persistent and emotionally strong, you can have healthly children.  Once I found out that "nature" was causing the problem and not me, it was easier to deal with the miscarriages because I knew it wasn't a glass of wine or flying or exercising too much which was causing the problems.  I turned 33 shortly after my son was born, so with getting close to AMA with the translocation our odds were quickly getting smaller on having a healthly baby.  

Good luck to you.  And remember you're not alone.

[fivebyfive]

I lost my baby boy due to trisomy Chromosome 22 at 10 weeks into my pregnancy. I'm now waiting to find out if I'm a carrier of this chromosome abnormality, via blood test results. I'm considered AMA at 37. I would also like to know if I will be able to have healthy children in the future. I would like to try again, but my boyfriend left me. He changed his mind on being a father.